Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Jupiter Brown offer unique typing experiences. The Aqua King (V3) is a linear switch that provides a frictionless and silky typing experience, akin to gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown is a tactile switch that offers a more classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight. While the Aqua King (V3) is valued for its subdued and creamy qualities, the Jupiter Brown is known for its mild and polished characteristics. Both switches boast high-precision molds and aesthetic appeal, but in different ways. If you prefer a smooth and seamless typing experience, the Aqua King (V3) may be the ideal choice. However, if you appreciate a more tactile keystroke with a traditional feel, the Jupiter Brown may be more suited to your preferences. 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
55g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Jupiter Brown, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. The similarities in the top housing material suggest that users can expect similar sound characteristics when typing on both switches. However, the Aqua King (V3) utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, while the Jupiter Brown opts for a nylon bottom housing. This difference in material may result in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the Jupiter Brown, as nylon is known to absorb more sound than polycarbonate.
Despite the differences in bottom housing material, both the Aqua King (V3) and the Jupiter Brown share the same polycarbonate top housing, which will have a significant impact on the sound profile of each switch. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate creates a more resonant sound when keys are released, giving a satisfying auditory experience to users. However, the choice of nylon for the Jupiter Brown's bottom housing may provide a softer, more subdued sound profile compared to the Aqua King (V3)'s polycarbonate bottom housing. These contrasting characteristics may appeal to different users depending on their preference for sound feedback while typing.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Jupiter Brown will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. The shared polycarbonate top housing ensures a similar experience in terms of key release sound characteristics, while the different bottom housings offer contrasting sound profiles when keys are pressed. Users who prefer a sharper, crisper sound may lean towards the Aqua King (V3), while those who prefer a deeper, fuller sound may find the Jupiter Brown more appealing. Both switches offer quality materials and construction, providing a satisfying typing experience overall.
Weight
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium-weight option. In comparison, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Aqua King would be the more suitable choice, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown switch provides a more substantial push feel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to enjoy a consistent typing experience regardless of their choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users can expect a similar experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressing down on a key. Despite both switches having the same travel distance, they offer different typing experiences due to the Aqua King being a linear switch while the Jupiter Brown is a tactile switch. Linear switches offer a smooth keypress without any tactile feedback, while tactile switches provide a bump in the middle of the keypress to indicate actuation. Overall, while the travel distance may be the same for both switches, the typing experience they offer sets them apart.
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 Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 offers a subdued experience with a dampened sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch does not have a specific sound descriptor provided, suggesting that its sound might be more standard or traditional. Both switches can provide relatively quiet typing experiences, especially when considering factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Aqua King (V3) switch is praised for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience, allowing for effortless and smooth keystrokes. In comparison, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch is described as mild, polished, and stepped, offering a more gentle and refined typing feel with a tactile response that has two stages. While the Aqua King (V3) promises a slick and virtually frictionless effect, the Gateron Jupiter Brown delivers a balanced tactile experience that appeals to a wider range of preferences.
In conclusion, for those seeking a whisper-quiet typing experience with a glide-like feel, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch would be the ideal choice. If a more traditional yet refined tactile experience is desired, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch would be a suitable alternative. Both switches offer high-quality construction and smooth key travel, ensuring satisfying typing sessions for users. Ultimately, whether opting for the Aqua King (V3) or the Jupiter Brown, users can expect a premium typing experience tailored to their individual preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a smooth, frictionless typing feel that resembles gliding on ice, then the Aqua King (V3) would be a great option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more traditional tactile switch with a medium-heavy feel and a classic keystroke sensation, the Jupiter Brown might be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you value most.
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