Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Gateron Ink Black V2
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are a plethora of options available, each offering its own unique characteristics and benefits. Two popular options to consider are the Everglide Aqua King and the Gateron Ink Black V2, both of which are linear switches. The Aqua King is best known for its unparalleled smoothness and frictionless feel. Typing on these switches can be compared to the sensation of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink, as your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 is a classic linear switch that has gained a loyal following within the keyboard community. It provides a smooth downstroke, accompanied by a rich clack sound, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a satisfying typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision about which switch would be the best fit for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King and the Gateron Ink Black V2 feature different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Aqua King utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the top housing's translucency is advantageous for those who plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 employs a proprietary INK blend top housing, which offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. While not overly sharp, it delivers a satisfying thin and clacky sound when typing.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Aqua King and the Ink Black V2 differ in their materials. The Aqua King features a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This further contributes to its sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Conversely, the Ink Black V2 incorporates a proprietary INK blend bottom housing. This material also adds to the pointed and relatively high-pitched sound of the switch, resulting in a clacky typing experience.
Although the housing materials vary for each switch, it is important to note that the top and bottom housings play different roles in the overall sound and feel. When pressing down on either switch, you will feel the qualities of the bottom housing, as it influences the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing is more significant when it comes to the sound produced upon releasing a key. While the Aqua King and the Ink Black V2 differ in their housing materials, they both prioritize delivering distinct sound profiles to enhance the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, some notable differences can be observed. The Aqua King has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Ink Black V2's 60 grams. This means that the Aqua King requires less force to register a keystroke, providing a lighter and potentially more effortless typing experience. On the other hand, when it comes to bottoming out, the Aqua King has a force of 62 grams, while the Ink Black V2 requires a slightly heavier force of 70 grams. This indicates that when pressing the keys all the way down, the Ink Black V2 offers a more substantial typing experience, as it requires a slightly stronger push. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy category, providing a balance between lighter and heavier options. Therefore, depending on individual preferences, the Aqua King may be more suitable for those seeking a lighter feel, ideal for longer typewriter while the Ink Black V2 may appeal to those desiring a stronger push for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and uniform tactile experience in terms of travel distance, making them suitable for users who prefer keys with a shorter travel distance. Whether you choose the Aqua King or the Ink Black V2, you can expect similar results and a satisfying typing experience.
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 Gateron Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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
The Aqua King linear switch is best known for its frictionless feel, offering a typing experience that resembles gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. In terms of sound, the Aqua King is described as subdued, producing a dampened and subtle sound when pressed. As for feel, the Aqua King is known for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished characteristics, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance.
On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is a long-time community favorite that offers a smooth downstroke and a rich clack sound. In terms of sound, the Ink Black V2 is described as low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy. These qualities result in a more mellow and bass-heavy sound profile with a unique acoustic signature. The Ink Black V2 also has a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel, providing a sleek typing experience.
Comparing the two switches, the Aqua King offers a more subdued sound while the Ink Black V2 has a low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy sound. Both switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, the Aqua King's feel focuses on a frictionless experience with creamy and silky sensations, while the Ink Black V2 provides a mild typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Aqua King and Ink Black V2 linear switches have different subjective qualities, they both offer smooth and polished typing experiences. The Aqua King excels in its frictionless feel and subdued sound, while the Ink Black V2 stands out with its low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy sound. Depending on personal preferences and the desired typing experience, either switch can provide a satisfying and enjoyable keyboarding experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you're looking for a switch that offers a truly frictionless and magical typing experience, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is the way to go. With its bottom out force of 62 grams, this medium-force switch allows your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys, reminiscent of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. Additionally, the Aqua King offers a subdued sound that is dampened and more subtle compared to most switches. In terms of feel, the Aqua King provides a creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience, with lubricant applied at the factory to enhance smoothness.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is a great choice. This switch offers a smooth downstroke and a rich clack, making it a long-time favorite among the mechanical keyboard community. The Ink Black V2 produces a low-pitched, bassy sound that adds depth and richness to your typing experience. In terms of feel, it is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King and Gateron Ink Black V2 switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. Consider whether you prioritize a truly frictionless and magical experience or a slightly heavier switch with a rich clack and low-pitched sound. Both switches offer their own unique benefits, so it's important to choose the one that best suits your typing style and preferences. Happy typing!
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