Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana

Overview

When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Jupiter Banana mechanical keyboard switches, one noticeable difference is in their key characteristics. The Aqua King (V3) is a linear switch known for its frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana is a tactile switch recognized for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, offering a strong return and consistent feel with its two-stage springs. While the Aqua King (V3) provides a subdued and silky typing experience, the Jupiter Banana offers a polished and resonant feel. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Everglide Aqua King (V3) Linear

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$7.18

$5.44 per 10

$2.80 per 10

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Housing materials

The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Jupiter Banana both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting as it allows for optimal light transmission. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in housing materials gives each switch a unique sound profile based on the combination of polycarbonate and nylon.

While the Aqua King (V3) and the Jupiter Banana share similar polycarbonate top housings, they differ in their bottom housings. The Aqua King (V3) employs polycarbonate in its bottom housing as well, enhancing the overall sound profile with its stiffness and clear resonance. This consistency in housing material throughout the switch can result in a more uniform sound and feel when typing. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana's nylon bottom housing offers a different typing experience, with a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon. This difference in bottom housing material may impact the overall sound and feel of typing on the Jupiter Banana compared to the Aqua King (V3).

In terms of sound production, the bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. With the Aqua King (V3) featuring polycarbonate in both its top and bottom housings, the qualities of this stiff plastic material are spread throughout the switch, resulting in a consistent sound profile. Meanwhile, the Gateron Jupiter Banana's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing creates a unique typing experience with a mix of sharp, crisp sounds and deeper, fuller tones. Overall, the housing materials of these switches impact the sound and feel of typing, making each switch suitable for different preferences and uses.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, the Aqua King (V3) is lighter with an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, whereas the Jupiter Banana is heavier with an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams. The Aqua King (V3) offers a more moderate typing experience, while the Jupiter Banana provides a more substantial typing feel. For those who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Aqua King (V3) may be the better option. However, for those seeking a stronger push feel, especially for a more tactile typing experience, the Jupiter Banana would be the preferred choice. In either case, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience and overall satisfaction with the keyboard switch chosen.

Travel distance

The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Jupiter Banana for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Aqua King. Both switches offer their own advantages depending on personal preference, with the Aqua King offering a slightly longer travel distance for those who enjoy a deeper keystroke, while the Jupiter Banana provides a shorter and more responsive feel for quicker typing and gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to individual preferences and typing style.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch produces a subdued sound when pressed, offering a more subtle and dampened sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is characterized by a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, producing sharp and crisp noises while typing. The choice between these switches will largely depend on personal preference in terms of sound, as the Aqua King provides a quieter and more understated typing experience, while the Jupiter Banana offers a more lively and pronounced auditory feedback.

Moving on to the feel, both the Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches are described as having a polished and creamy typing experience. The Aqua King switch is known for its frictionless and silky typing feel, resembling the sensation of effortlessly gliding across the keys with minimal resistance. Similarly, the Jupiter Banana switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, likely due to materials used or factory lubrication. Both switches provide a refined and sleek typing experience, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. Therefore, users can expect a similar tactile sensation when typing on either switch, characterized by a creamy and polished feel.

In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Aqua King switch provides a subdued and frictionless typing experience with a more subtle sound profile, the Jupiter Banana switch delivers a high-pitched and resonant sound with a creamy and polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, consider the typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a frictionless and effortless typing feel reminiscent of ice skating, the Aqua King (V3) might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a tactile switch with a strong return and consistent feel, enhanced by high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, the Gateron Jupiter Banana could be the switch for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a smooth and buttery typing experience with the Aqua King (V3) or a tactile feedback with the Jupiter Banana. Choose the switch that aligns with your preferences and typing style for the best possible keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Everglide Aqua King (V3) Linear

$7.18

$5.44 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more