Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Keygeek Keygeek Raw
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw. The Aqua King (V3) is renowned for its smooth and frictionless typing experience, reminiscent of gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw distinguishes itself with a unique material blend, providing a creamy yet lightweight feel. While the Aqua King (V3) is categorized as subdued, creamy, and polished, the Keygeek Raw falls under textured, mild, and subtle. Both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, making them suitable options for enthusiasts. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw, it is evident that both switches prioritize sound quality and clarity. The Aqua King (V3) features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharp, high-pitched sound profile, while the Keygeek Raw utilizes a Nylon & UPE blend top housing exclusive to their switches. While the Aqua King (V3) focuses on resonant sound and RGB lighting compatibility with its polycarbonate top housing, the Keygeek Raw offers a unique blend for their top housing material.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) once again utilizes polycarbonate for its sharp, crisp sound profile, which is known to have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw features a UMPE & Si blend bottom housing exclusive to their switches. This demonstrates a shared commitment to sound quality and tactile feedback between the two switches, with slight differences in the materials used for the bottom housing.
Overall, while the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and Keygeek Keygeek Raw use different materials for their housing components, they both strive for optimal sound quality and performance. The use of polycarbonate in the Aqua King (V3) provides a clear and resonant sound profile, whereas the Keygeek Raw's exclusive blend of materials offers a unique sound experience. Both switches showcase a dedication to creating a premium typing experience, with slight variations in their choice of housing materials to achieve their desired sound profiles.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch reveals some differences. The Aqua King (V3) has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, placing it firmly in the medium range. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 57.5 grams, also falling within the medium category. When it comes to weight, the Aqua King (V3) is slightly lighter with its lower bottom out force compared to the Keygeek Raw. Some users may prefer the Aqua King (V3) for longer typing sessions or gaming due to its lighter feel, while others may opt for the Keygeek Raw for a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Keygeek Raw may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Aqua King may provide a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Aqua King being slightly longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for keyboard feel and 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 Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 noise, offering a dampened sound profile that is less intrusive compared to many other switches. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw linear switch provides a neutral sound, with a moderate level of noise that is suitable for various settings. The choice of keycaps and keyboard type will also play a role in the overall sound experience, so it's important to consider those factors as well.
Moving on to the feel, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch is described as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. It provides a silky sensation, allowing your fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys with each keystroke. In contrast, the Keygeek Raw linear switch is characterized as textured, mild, and subtle, providing a more gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. The slightly textured feel of the Keygeek Raw switch out of the box is designed to appeal to users who prefer to hand-lube their switches for a customized feel.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Keygeek Raw linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Aqua King (V3) switch provides a smoother, more polished typing experience with subdued sound, the Keygeek Raw switch offers a textured feel and neutral sound profile. Both switches cater to different preferences and usage scenarios, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for. Whether you prefer a creamy and frictionless feel or a mildly textured and subtle typing experience, both switches can deliver satisfying results based on the qualities they offer.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and buttery typing experience that feels like ice skating on a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink, then the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch is the way to go. With a creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished feel, these switches offer a magical typing experience that you'll love. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly textured feel right out of the box and enjoy switches crafted from Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon for a creamy yet unexpectedly lightweight typing experience, then the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch is the ideal choice for you. With a neutral, textured, mild, and subtle feel, these switches are perfect for enthusiasts who prefer to hand-lube their switches. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a smoother typing experience with the Aqua King (V3) or a unique material blend with the Keygeek Raw.
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