Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Bsun Jade Rosales
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Bsun Jade Rosales switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Bsun Jade Rosales offer unique and enticing options for enthusiasts. The Aqua King (V3) is celebrated for its virtually frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding skate blades on a freshly polished rink, providing a typing experience that is characterized as subdued, creamy, silky, and polished. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prioritize smoothness and a seamless tactile response. Conversely, the Bsun Jade Rosales switches boast a refined design honed over an entire year, featuring custom housings and stems, coupled with meticulous lubrication, resulting in an exceptionally smooth typing experience without specific categorizations. While both switches cater to the desire for a refined and enjoyable typing feel, their subtle differences may influence your choice depending on personal preference. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Y3X
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Custom Milky Material
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20.5mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Bsun Jade Rosales both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which gives them a distinct and shared reputation for producing a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This commonality results from polycarbonate's inherent properties as a stiffer plastic, which ensures a clear and resonant auditory experience. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly advantageous for setups with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to pass through and illuminate the switch effectively. Thus, users of both switches can expect vibrant lighting effects alongside superior sound characteristics when using them in illuminated keyboard builds.
In terms of bottom housing, the Aqua King (V3) continues with polycarbonate, which maintains the same tonal qualities present in the top housing. However, the Jade Rosales distinguishes itself with its proprietary Custom Milky Material bottom housing, which may alter the switch's overall dynamics. While the polycarbonate bottom housing creates a coherent auditory experience throughout the switch, the Jade Rosales's unique material could introduce variances in tactile feedback and sound dampening. This difference in material composition may lead to a more distinct bottom-out sound and feel in the Jade Rosales, setting it apart from the Aqua King (V3) during keypresses.
Ultimately, while the two switches share similarities in their top housing materials, the divergence in bottom housing construction affects their respective user experiences. The Aqua King (V3) leverages polycarbonate’s consistent properties to deliver a harmonious sound profile across the entire switch, while the Jade Rosales introduces a proprietary blend that could enhance or modify specific tactile and auditory elements. Consequently, users looking for consistent acoustics might prefer the Aqua King, while those seeking a potentially dynamic experience might find the Jade Rosales appealing. Whether the priorities lie in sound consistency or exploratory tactile feedback will inform the choice between these two variations.
Weight
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aqua King (V3) features a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Jade Rosales' 45 grams, making the Aqua King the sturdier option. Additionally, the bottom out force for the Aqua King is 62 grams, which is substantially heavier than the Jade Rosales' 53 grams. This means that for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Aqua King may be the better choice, while the Jade Rosales, being lighter overall, is more suited for longer typing sessions, as it can reduce finger fatigue. Both switches offer medium and medium-light resistance levels, respectively, giving users flexibility based on their preferences for tactile feedback and typing effort. Overall, if you favor a lighter switch for comfort, the Jade Rosales is the way to go, while those seeking a firmer feel may prefer the Aqua King (V3).
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Aqua King (V3) boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional preference for deeper keystrokes, providing a more substantial tactile response. In contrast, the Jade Rosales has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, appealing to those who favor quicker response times often sought by gamers. If you're looking for a more responsive performance, the Jade Rosales would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. However, if you appreciate a more pronounced feel when pressing keys, the Aqua King (V3) would suit you better with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the difference in travel distances caters to diverse preferences, making each switch uniquely suited to different types of users.
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 Bsun Jade Rosales has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jade Rosales for $5.39.
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) switch is characterized by a subdued acoustic signature. This means that while typing on it produces a noticeable sound, it remains on the quieter side compared to more traditional switches, offering a dampened crispness that may be more suited for environments where noise is a concern. The Jade Rosales switch, however, does not have a defined sound profile available for comparison, leaving a gap in understanding its auditory characteristics. It's important to note that sound perception can also vary significantly based on individual keyboard setups, including the type of board and keycaps used, which can affect both switches similarly.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King (V3) linear switch delivers an exceptionally pleasant typing experience, described as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished. This combination highlights an effortless and smooth key travel that can make each keystroke feel like a breeze, enhancing the overall typing experience. The Jade Rosales switch, while noted for its meticulous refinement and smoothness, does not have additional descriptors available for direct comparison. However, it is understood that both switches aim to deliver a high-quality tactile experience; thus, one could anticipate similarly satisfying results from both when it comes to the sensation of typing.
In conclusion, both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switches promise a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, though the Aqua King (V3) provides more detailed descriptions of its sound and feel characteristics. The Aqua King's subdued sound will suit those who prefer a quieter typing environment, while its array of smooth and frictionless qualities positions it as a premium choice. Without additional details on the Jade Rosales, it remains a bit of an unknown. Nonetheless, the shared focus on refining the typing experience in both allows newcomers to expect satisfaction from either switch.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and use case. If you appreciate a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams that gives you a slightly more pronounced tactile response, coupled with a creamy, frictionless, and silky typing experience that feels akin to gliding on freshly polished ice, the Aqua King (V3) would be a fantastic choice. Its subdued sound profile also makes it a suitable option for quieter workspaces or environments where noise may be a concern. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 53 grams for a more effortless feel, the Jade Rosales is crafted for you. Although less information is provided about its sound characteristics, the careful refinement and lubrication techniques used in its construction promise an exceptionally smooth and enjoyable typing experience. Consequently, if your priority lies in a softer keystroke and an ergonomic typing experience over extended use, the Jade Rosales is the perfect match. Overall, both switches offer distinct experiences, so your choice should align with your specific typing style and comfort preferences.