Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Zuoce Lavender
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Zuoce Lavender switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Zuoce Lavender mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Aqua King (V3) is renowned for its smooth and frictionless typing experience, reminiscent of gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. It is categorized as 'Subdued', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Silky', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness and crisp, clacky sound signature, providing a satisfying typing experience right out of the box. Categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky', the Lavender switch offers a different tactile feel compared to the Aqua King. 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
48g
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
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender utilizes a POM top housing, resulting in a sound profile that is deeper and relatively more muted. This contrast in sound profiles can greatly influence the user's typing experience, with the Aqua King providing a more clear and resonant sound compared to the Lavender's more subtle and muted sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Aqua King (V3) and the Zuoce Lavender use different materials. The Aqua King features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Lavender incorporates a POM bottom housing. The impact of these materials is felt when pressing down on the switch, as the qualities of the bottom housing affect the bottom-out sound and feel. With the Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing contributing to a sharper and crisper sound, and the Lavender's POM bottom housing providing a more pleasing and unique sound profile with deeper tones.
Overall, the choice of housing materials can greatly influence the sound profile and typing experience of mechanical keyboard switches. While the Aqua King (V3) and Zuoce Lavender may have different top and bottom housing materials, they both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile with polycarbonate like the Aqua King, or a deeper and more muted sound profile with POM like the Lavender, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, it is evident that the Aqua King has a slightly lighter actuation force at 46 grams compared to the Lavender's 48 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Aqua King is heavier at 62 grams, while the Lavender has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that the Aqua King requires a lighter touch to initiate a keystroke but provides a more substantial typing experience when fully pressed. On the other hand, the Lavender offers a lighter overall typing experience throughout both the actuation and bottom out phases. Depending on personal preference, some users may prefer the Aqua King for a more tactile typing experience, while others may opt for the lighter touch of the Lavender for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on the individual's weight preference and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, the Aqua King has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Lavender has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Aqua King has a slightly longer travel distance, providing a bit more depth to the key press compared to the Lavender. The Aqua King may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced key press sensation, while the Lavender may be favored by those who prefer a slightly shallower key press. Both switches offer a good balance between traditional and shorter travel distances, catering to a variety of preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference for key press depth and response time.
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 Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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 producing a subdued sound that is dampened and more subtle compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch is described as having a clacky sound signature, with each keystroke offering a crisp, bright, and percussive tone. Depending on your choice of keyboard and keycaps, the sound of these switches may vary but the Aqua King (V3) will generally provide a quieter typing experience compared to the Lavender.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch stands out for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience. These switches offer a smooth and effortless typing feel, with minimal resistance and fluid key travel. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch is characterized by being easy-to-press, providing gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This results in a low-impact and responsive typing feel that enhances the overall typing experience. While the Lavender switch focuses on ease of pressing, the Aqua King (V3) excels in providing a buttery smooth sensation that makes typing feel almost like gliding over the keys.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and Zuoce Lavender linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you are looking for a switch with a quieter sound profile and a creamy, frictionless typing experience, the Aqua King (V3) would be the ideal choice. Conversely, if you prefer a switch with a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, the Zuoce Lavender switch would be a suitable option. Ultimately, both switches provide smooth and satisfying typing experiences, so you can expect similar levels of typing comfort and precision regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a keyboard switch that offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, then the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch might be the right choice for you. The Aqua King (V3) is known for its creamy and frictionless feel, creating a magical typing experience reminiscent of ice skating on freshly resurfaced ice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter actuation force and a crisp, clacky sound signature, then the Zuoce Lavender linear switch is worth considering. The Lavender switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness and satisfying tactile feedback, making each keystroke a distinct pleasure. Ultimately, your decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and sound profile.
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