Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Gateron Ink Box Black
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Aqua King and the Gateron Ink Box Black, both of which are linear switches. The Aqua King is best known for its incredibly smooth and frictionless feel, almost akin to ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. The typing experience with Aqua Kings is truly magical as your fingers effortlessly glide over the keys. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black offers a different kind of smoothness and creaminess, reminiscent of the sound of a spray paint can being shaken. While both switches share the silky and polished attributes, the Aqua King is dubbed as subdued and creamy, while the Ink Box Black showcases a clacky and high-pitched sound signature. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing needs.
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
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King and the Gateron Ink Box Black have slightly different housing materials, which result in differences in sound profile and aesthetics. The Aqua King features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting.
In contrast, the Ink Box Black incorporates Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its top housing. This blend is characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, which is not overly sharp. The resulting sound is often described as clacky, providing a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches utilize polycarbonate material. Therefore, they share similar sound profiles in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound when the key is pressed down. However, it's worth noting that the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when the key is released.
In conclusion, while the Everglide Aqua King and the Gateron Ink Box Black share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the bottom housing, they differ in terms of their top housing materials. The Aqua King's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend offers a thinner and clacky sound. The choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences for sound and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King linear switch to the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, it becomes evident that there are significant differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Aqua King has an actuation force of 46 grams, while the Ink Box Black requires a slightly higher force of 60 grams to trigger a keystroke. This showcases that the Aqua King is lighter in terms of actuation force.
Moving on to bottom out force, we find that the Aqua King requires 62 grams of force to fully press down, while the Ink Box Black necessitates a heavier force of 70 grams. This indicates that the Ink Box Black is the heavier switch in terms of bottom out force.
These differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight the varying preferences of individuals. Those who prefer a lighter and more effortless typing experience may opt for the Aqua King, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for extended periods of typing without fatigue. However, individuals who find satisfaction in a more substantial and forceful keystroke may find the Ink Box Black to be more suitable due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Overall, the Everglide Aqua King and the Gateron Ink Box Black offer different experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to the distinct preferences of keyboard users.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, it is clear that the Aqua King offers a longer distance of 4 mm, while the Ink Box Black has a slightly shorter distance of 3.6 mm. The Aqua King falls into the more traditional category with its 4 mm travel distance, providing a standard depth that many are accustomed to. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black offers a more shallow distance of 3.6 mm, making it a popular choice among gamers seeking faster response times. If responsiveness is a key factor for you, the Ink Box Black's shorter travel distance may be preferable. However, for those who prefer a more substantial and deeper feel, the Aqua King's longer travel distance may be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision should be based on individual preferences and the desired typing or gaming 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 Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is best described as subdued. It produces a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is known for being clacky and high-pitched. Pressing the Ink Box Black switch creates a sharp and snappy sound, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. If you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Aqua King would be the better choice. However, keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Aqua King and Ink Box Black switches offer a silky and polished typing experience. A silky switch provides an exceptionally smooth feel with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This enhances the overall smoothness of typing. Additionally, a polished switch has a refined finish that reduces friction and offers smooth key travel. Both switches provide a buttery and effortless typing experience, giving your fingers a sensation of gliding across the keys. It's like ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink with the Aqua King and enjoying a creamy and smooth texture with the Ink Box Black.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua King offers a subdued sound and a frictionless, silky, and polished typing feel. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black has a clacky and high-pitched sound while still providing a silky and polished typing feel. If you prefer a quieter and softer sound with a feeling of gliding, the Aqua King would be the better choice. However, if you're looking for a crisper and snappier sound with a creamy and smooth texture, the Ink Box Black will deliver. Overall, both switches provide a fantastic typing experience with their own unique characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a frictionless typing experience akin to ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is the ideal choice for you. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, it offers a medium level of resistance. These switches are best known for their magical typing feel and effortless glide, creating a truly enchanting typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer an incredibly smooth and creamy typing experience, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch would be the better option for you. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, these switches provide a medium-heavy level of resistance. The Ink Box Blacks are renowned for their smoothness and creaminess, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken.
In terms of sound, the Aqua King switch offers a subdued sound, providing a dampened and subtle sound signature when pressed. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black delivers a clacky and high-pitched sound, producing sharp, snappy, and crisp tones. If you prefer a more rich and bassy sound, higher-pitched switches would be more suitable for you.
When it comes to feel, both switches share similarities. They both offer a silky typing experience, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall smoothness. Additionally, they both possess a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience. These characteristics are achieved through either materials used or factory lubing.
Ultimately, the choice between Everglide Aqua King linear switches and Gateron Ink Box Black linear switches depends on your personal preferences. Consider factors such as the desired typing feel, sound signature, and level of resistance when making your decision. Whether you prioritize a frictionless glide or a smooth, creamy sensation, choose the switch that aligns with your typing style to enhance your keyboarding experience.
Mentioned in this article
