Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Bsun Light Sakura
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Bsun Light Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Bsun Light Sakura both offer unique experiences that cater to different user preferences. The Aqua King (V3) is celebrated for its remarkably frictionless typing feel, akin to gliding across a freshly resurfaced skating rink—this switch delivers a subdued, creamy, and polished sensation, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a smooth and effortless keystroke. On the other hand, the Bsun Light Sakura emphasizes comfort and discretion, boasting an ultra-light action that’s perfect for extended typing sessions, with its silent operation making it particularly well-suited for office environments and shared workspaces. While the Aqua King (V3) shines in providing an exhilarating and tactile typing experience, the Light Sakura stands out for users seeking a gentle and fatigue-reducing option that won’t disrupt their surroundings. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Bsun Light Sakura, one notable aspect is their use of polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate's intrinsic properties, which contribute to a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This superior noise clarity arises from polycarbonate's characteristic stiffness, which allows the switches to produce a more resonant tone. As a result, users can expect a very similar auditory experience and overall performance when using either switch, making them appealing choices for enthusiasts looking to enhance both sound and aesthetics.
Another important consideration is the translucency of polycarbonate, which is particularly beneficial when it comes to RGB lighting compatibility. The clear nature of the material enables light to pass through with minimal obstruction, enhancing the visual appeal of the switches if integrated into a backlit keyboard setup. Since both the Aqua King (V3) and the Light Sakura employ this material for their housings, they offer similar advantages in terms of aesthetics and lighting effects. Consequently, users who appreciate a visually striking keyboard with rich RGB illumination will find that either switch can achieve this effect effectively.
However, it's essential to note the impact of housing placement on the sound profile and feel during use. While both switches utilize polycarbonate, the sound characteristics associated with each switch may still differ slightly based on how the top and bottom housings interact when pressed. The bottom housing tends to have a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and tactile feel, while the top housing affects the release sound. Despite both switches being made of polycarbonate, the nuances in sound feedback when pressing and releasing the keys may vary slightly, presenting a unique experience with each switch. Nonetheless, users can anticipate a generally consistent performance due to the shared material characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Aqua King (V3) features a medium actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a heavier switch. In contrast, the Light Sakura boasts a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that those who prefer a more substantial typing experience might gravitate towards the Aqua King (V3) due to its heavier feel, while users looking for a lighter touch for improved endurance during extended typing or gaming sessions will likely favor the Light Sakura. Overall, the different force characteristics cater to varying user preferences, with the Aqua King (V3) providing a more forceful and tactile experience compared to the softer, more delicate feedback of the Light Sakura.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Aqua King (V3) has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option that provides a deeper keypress experience. Conversely, the Bsun Light Sakura features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, which aligns with the current trend favoring quicker response times, especially beneficial for gamers. This shorter travel distance may appeal to those who prioritize speed and efficiency during gameplay. Ultimately, if you prefer a switch that offers a more substantial and hearty depth, the Aqua King (V3) would be the ideal choice, while the Light Sakura is better suited for users seeking agility and quicker actuation.
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 Bsun Light Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Sakura for $3.49.
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) presents a subdued auditory experience. This means that while it does produce a sound when pressed, it’s less pronounced and offers a more controlled volume, making it suitable for quieter environments. By contrast, the specifics surrounding the sound profile of the Bsun Light Sakura switch remain unknown, but given its designation as a silent switch, one can assume it may be comparable to or quieter than the Aqua King (V3). Ultimately, both in their respective ways can contribute to a more muted typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King (V3) excels with a unique combination of creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished qualities. This switch embodies a smooth and refined typing sensation, reminiscent of gliding effortlessly across a perfectly polished surface. Users can expect minimal resistance, allowing for quick and fluid keystrokes. The tactile experience of the Light Sakura switch, however, is not detailed, leaving its textural and tactile qualities unknown. Nevertheless, the Aqua King's superior smoothness contrasts favorably against generic linear switches, making it a standout option for those who value feel in their typing.
In conclusion, both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switches cater to specific needs within the typing experience. The Aqua King (V3) stands out for its creamy, frictionless feel and subdued sound, ideal for those who enjoy smooth, effortless typing. On the other hand, while the sound characteristics of the Light Sakura are not explicitly outlined, it is designed for quiet operation, highlighting an emphasis on discretion and comfort. The choice between the two may ultimately depend on personal preference, particularly regarding the typing feel and sound environment. For those who prioritize smooth sensation and sound control, both switches can provide a satisfactory experience, though they do so in distinct ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you seek a luxurious typing experience characterized by a creamy, frictionless feel, and you don’t mind a medium actuation force of 62 grams, the Aqua King (V3) will likely provide you with that delightful, almost gliding sensation reminiscent of ice skating. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy the tactile feedback of a smooth keypress and appreciate a subdued sound profile that won’t disrupt others in quiet environments. However, if you prefer an ultra-light typing experience that minimizes fatigue during long typing sessions and offers a near-silent operation, the Light Sakura, with its light bottom-out force of 43 grams, is an excellent choice. Its design caters specifically to comfort and discretion, making it well-suited for office settings or shared spaces where noise levels must be kept to a minimum. Ultimately, selecting the right switch comes down to the balance of tactile feedback, sound preference, and typing comfort that best suits your lifestyle.
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