Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Gateron Jupiter Red
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Jupiter Red are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Aqua King (V3) is renowned for its frictionless feel, resembling the sensation of effortlessly gliding on smooth ice. With descriptors like 'Creamy' and 'Silky', this switch promises a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red boasts a smooth keystroke with a medium-heavy actuation, maintaining a seamless and consistent feel. Known for its softer backlight effects and high-precision molds, the Jupiter Red falls under categories like 'Polished' and 'Neutral'. Both switches have their strengths and appeal, catering to those who prioritize different aspects of typing comfort and precision. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Jupiter Red both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This makes them ideal for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting, as their translucency allows for vibrant lighting effects. However, the Aqua King (V3) stands out with its polycarbonate bottom housing, which further enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Red's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound.
Despite sharing similar polycarbonate top housings with similar sound profiles, the Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Jupiter Red diverge in their choice of bottom housing material. While both materials offer unique acoustic qualities, with polycarbonate favoring a clearer sound and nylon favoring a deeper sound, the overall typing experience may vary between the two switches. The Aqua King (V3) excels in providing a well-rounded sound profile, with the polycarbonate bottom housing reinforcing the crispness and clarity of the top housing. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red offers a more mellow sound profile, with the nylon bottom housing contributing to a softer and more dampened typing experience.
In terms of design and functionality, the choice of housing materials for switches like the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Jupiter Red plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of each keystroke. While both switches utilize polycarbonate top housings to enhance sound clarity and resonance, the difference in bottom housing materials between the two models results in distinct typing experiences. The Aqua King (V3) prioritizes a sharper and crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Gateron Jupiter Red offers a deeper and fuller sound experience with its nylon bottom housing. Ultimately, the selection of housing materials contributes significantly to the overall performance and user satisfaction of mechanical switches.
Weight
Comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, the Aqua King has a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Jupiter Red's 45 grams. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Aqua King at 62 grams and the Jupiter Red at 60 grams. The slight difference in actuation force may result in a slightly lighter feel when typing on the Jupiter Red, while the Aqua King may provide a slightly more substantial typing experience. Overall, both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, providing a balance between a light typing feel and a more solid keystroke for users to choose based on their personal preferences.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switches both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these switches, it can be noted that both switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the key travels from the top to the bottom. This means that users can expect consistent feedback and keypress feel when using either switch. Overall, the travel distance of both switches contributes to a smooth and seamless typing experience for users looking for linear switches with a standard travel distance.
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 Red 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 Aqua King (V3) is considered subdued, offering a dampened sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments. Depending on your keyboard setup and keycaps, the sound produced by each switch may vary, but overall, the Aqua King will provide a quieter typing experience compared to the Jupiter Red.
In terms of feel, both the Aqua King (V3) and Jupiter Red switches have similarities in their descriptions. They both mention a creamy and polished typing experience, indicating a smooth and refined feel while typing. Additionally, the Aqua King is noted for being frictionless, offering an effortless typing experience, while the Jupiter Red is described as mild, providing a gentle typing sensation. Overall, both switches prioritize smoothness and reduced friction, resulting in a comfortable typing experience for users.
In conclusion, both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and Gateron Jupiter Red linear switches offer a premium typing experience with their smooth and polished feel. While the Aqua King may provide a slightly quieter sound profile, both switches excel in providing a seamless and frictionless typing experience. Whether you choose the Aqua King (V3) or Jupiter Red, you can expect a high-quality linear switch that enhances your typing with its smooth and consistent keystrokes.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch or the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, you should think about the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a frictionless and creamy typing feel that reminds you of gliding effortlessly across the keys, then the Aqua King (V3) might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a polished and smooth typing experience with a moderate actuation force, the Jupiter Red could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound, as both switches offer a high-quality and enjoyable typing experience.
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