Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Durock Ice King Linear mechanical keyboard switches, both switches offer a smooth and frictionless typing experience that is sure to delight users. The Aqua King (V3) is praised for its sensation of typing on a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink, with a feel that is categorized as 'Subdued', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Silky', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear promises a silky smooth typing experience with its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, falling under the categories of 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Creamy', and 'Polished'. While both switches offer a similar feel, the Aqua King (V3) may appeal to those looking for an ultra-smooth and frictionless typing experience, while the Ice King Linear may be preferred for its specific construction and factory lube. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Durock Ice King Linear utilizes a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those looking for a more distinct typing experience. On the other hand, nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound to create a rounder tone. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for a clearer RGB lighting effect, while nylon offers a more classic look.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Aqua King (V3) also utilizes polycarbonate, while the Ice King Linear opts for a nylon bottom housing. Just like with the top housing, polycarbonate's stiffness leads to a clear and resonant sound profile, especially influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Nylon, on the other hand, absorbs more sound due to its softness, resulting in a duller and rounder sound experience when typing on switches that use this material for the bottom housing. Both materials provide unique qualities that can affect the overall typing experience.
Overall, the choice between polycarbonate and nylon housing materials in switches comes down to personal preference and desired sound profile. While the Everglide Aqua King (V3) offers a sharper, crisper sound with its polycarbonate top and bottom housing, the Durock Ice King Linear provides a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon housing. If both top and bottom housings are the same material, such as polycarbonate on both sides, users can expect a consistent sound profile throughout the typing experience. Ultimately, both housing materials have their own advantages and can cater to different preferences in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Durock Ice King Linear switch, which has an actuation force of 52 grams. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that while the Aqua King may be easier to trigger a keystroke with, both switches will provide a consistent typing experience once fully pressed. For those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming for long periods of time, the Aqua King may be the better choice. On the other hand, those who enjoy a slightly heavier feel to their keystrokes may lean towards the Ice King Linear switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Ice King Linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Aqua King (V3) provides a more traditional travel distance, ideal for those who prefer a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear offers a slightly faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. Both switches offer smooth linear actuation, but the slight difference in travel distance may cater to different preferences in typing or gaming experiences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference for key press depth and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) has an MSRP of $7.18 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua King (V3) for $5.44.
The Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Durock Ice King Linear switches are described as producing a subdued sound when pressed. This means that they offer a quieter typing experience compared to other switches, with a dampened and subtle sound signature. However, it's important to note that the actual sound produced can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, both the Aqua King (V3) and the Ice King Linear switches are praised for their silky smooth typing experience. The Aqua King (V3) is described as feeling frictionless and creamy, offering a buttery and effortless typing sensation. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear is also noted for its silky and polished feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. Overall, both switches are designed to minimize resistance and provide a fluid key travel, giving users a seamless typing feel.
In conclusion, both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Durock Ice King Linear switches offer similar subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. Both switches provide a subdued sound profile and a silky smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall typing feel for users. Whether you choose the Aqua King (V3) or the Ice King Linear, you can expect to enjoy a quiet, frictionless, and polished typing experience that maximizes comfort and efficiency. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference and specific typing preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch, consider the typing experience you are looking for. If you prioritize a frictionless, ice skating-like feel with a medium bottom out force, the Aqua King (V3) switch might be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a silky smooth typing experience with a full nylon construction and generous factory lube, the Durock Ice King Linear switch could be more suited to your preferences. Both switches offer a subdued sound profile and various descriptors like creamy, silky, frictionless, and polished for the typing feel, so ultimately it comes down to your personal preference for typing sensation. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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