Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. PH Studio Jacaranda
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the PH Studio Jacaranda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the PH Studio Jacaranda mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Aqua King (V3) is praised for its 'Subdued', 'Creamy', and 'Frictionless' feel, providing a smooth and polished typing experience akin to gliding on ice. On the other hand, the Jacaranda stands out with its 'Clacky' and 'High-pitched' sound signature, offering a crisp feedback with every press and a bouncy sensation due to its extended 22mm spring. While the Aqua King offers a frictionless typing experience, the Jacaranda excels in providing a clacky sound and bouncy sensation. 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
39g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the PH Studio Jacaranda utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that use RGB lighting. However, while they share this material for the top housing, the Aqua King (V3) stands out with its polycarbonate bottom housing, which further contributes to its overall sound profile. On the other hand, the Jacaranda features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon and its ability to absorb more sound.
In terms of sound and feel, the choice of housing material for the bottom of a switch is crucial. The Aqua King (V3) with its polycarbonate bottom housing creates a unique sound profile that complements the sharper tones produced by the top polycarbonate housing. On the contrary, the PH Studio Jacaranda's nylon bottom housing contributes to a different typing experience, eliciting a deeper and fuller sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials ultimately impacts how the switches feel when pressed and released. While the top housing of a switch influences the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing is more influential in the bottom-out sound and feel.
Despite their differences in bottom housing material, both the Aqua King (V3) and the Jacaranda aim to optimize sound quality through their choice of materials. While the Aqua King (V3) emphasizes the stiffer and clearer qualities of polycarbonate in both its top and bottom housing, the Jacaranda opts for a softer nylon bottom housing that delivers a deeper and fuller sound. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, users can choose between the sharper tones of the Aqua King (V3) or the deeper sound profile of the PH Studio Jacaranda. Ultimately, both switches showcase how the selection of housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, some key differences emerge. The Aqua King (V3) has a medium actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Jacaranda boasts a lighter actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. The Aqua King offers a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Jacaranda, which provides a lighter touch. This means that users who prefer a firmer push feel may lean towards the Aqua King, while those who enjoy a lighter typing experience might opt for the Jacaranda. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and whether one prefers a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Aqua King has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Jacaranda, which may result in a slightly deeper feeling when pressing down on the key. However, both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Aqua King being on the longer side and the Jacaranda on the shorter side. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired level of key responsiveness.
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 PH Studio Jacaranda has an MSRP of $3.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jacaranda for $3.30.
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 (V3) linear switch is known for its subdued sound profile, offering a dampened and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, providing a sharp and crisp feedback with each keystroke. This difference in sound characteristics can play a significant role in the overall typing experience, catering to different preferences in terms of auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, both the Aqua King (V3) and the Jacaranda switches are described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Aqua King (V3) takes it a step further by offering a truly frictionless feel reminiscent of gliding on freshly resurfaced ice, while the Jacaranda features an extended 22mm spring that adds a bouncy and unique sensation to each keystroke. Both switches aim to minimize fatigue and maximize typing comfort, highlighting the importance of tactile feedback in mechanical keyboard switches.
Overall, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Aqua King (V3) provides a more subdued sound profile and frictionless typing experience akin to ice skating, the Jacaranda switch stands out with its clacky sound signature and bouncy tactile feedback. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on individual preferences for sound and feel, with both options promising a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you enjoy a medium bottom out force and a typing experience that feels almost frictionless like ice skating, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a distinct clacky sound profile, and a bouncy sensation with each keystroke, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch might be more up your alley. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your preference for typing feel, sound, and bottom out force. Consider what attributes are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch to make the best choice for your typing experience.
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