Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Gazzew LT

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Aqua King and the Gazzew LT are two popular options to consider. The Aqua King, a linear switch, is renowned for its frictionless feel and the sensation of effortlessly gliding through each keystroke. Its typing experience can be likened to ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink - smooth and magical. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT, also a linear switch, entices users with its alluring lilac hue and offers a symphony of deep, resonant thockiness with every keystroke. This switch provides a seamless glide that enhances the typing experience. While these general descriptions can help guide your decision, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Everglide Aqua King (V3) Linear

Gazzew LT Linear

$7.18

$5.44 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Everglide Aqua King features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, its translucent nature makes it an ideal choice for users who plan to incorporate RGB lighting into their setup. In contrast, the Gazzew LT utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic." This unique plastic blend delivers a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. While the Aqua King focuses on achieving a sharper sound, the LT prioritizes a more robust and immersive auditory experience.

Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Aqua King and the LT offer distinctive characteristics. The Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing complements its top housing by contributing to the overall sound profile of the switch. Its stiffer composition ensures a clear and resonant bottom-out sound and feel. As for the LT, its proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, similar to its top housing counterpart, emphasizes a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. When pressing down on the switch, users will feel the qualities of the bottom housing, which impact the bottom-out sound and feel. So while the materials differ, both switches offer unique qualities to enhance the overall typing experience.

It's important to note that the top and bottom housing materials play distinct roles in the sound production of a switch. The Aqua King's polycarbonate top housing influences the sound when a key is released, providing a crisp and resonant audio output. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing contributes to a rich and deep sound profile during the key release. Although these features differ, it is crucial to consider the impact both switches have on the overall typing experience, as each housing material offers a unique approach to sound production. So while the materials may be different, users can expect similar results in terms of enhancing the auditory aspects of their typing sessions.

Weight

When comparing the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, one notable difference lies in their actuation forces. The Aqua King has an actuation force of 46 grams, while the exact force for the LT switch is unknown. However, both switches have bottom out forces that can be compared. The Aqua King requires 62 grams of force to bottom out, whereas the LT switch demands a slightly heavier force of 65 grams. In terms of weight, the Aqua King offers a lighter actuation force, making it suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of use. On the other hand, the LT switch provides a more substantial push feel with its heavier bottom out force, appealing to those who seek a stronger typing sensation. While the actuation forces differ, both switches have medium-level bottom out forces, promising similar results in terms of key satisfaction for users.

Travel distance

The Everglide Aqua King linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gazzew LT linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Aqua King offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a satisfying depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the LT offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which is preferred by gamers for its faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the LT switch would be the ideal choice. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial key press, the Aqua King's longer travel distance would be the better option. Both switches provide different experiences, catering to individual preferences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Everglide Aqua King switch is best described as subdued. This means that when the switch is pressed, it produces a dampened sound that is not completely silent but offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT switch offers a deeper and richer sound profile with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It is described as bassy, thocky, and low-pitched, creating a satisfying "thud" or "knock" sound when the key is pressed and released. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Everglide Aqua King switch is known for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience. It offers a smooth and buttery sensation, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The switch minimizes any sense of resistance or friction, providing a fluid and easy typing experience. On the other hand, there is no specific description available for the Gazzew LT switch's typing feel.

Considering the available information, the Aqua King linear switch is best known for its frictionless and smooth typing experience, while the Gazzew LT linear switch is recognized for its deep and resonant thockiness. While the Aqua King provides a subdued sound, the LT switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. Both switches seem to excel in different aspects but provide a pleasant typing experience. If one is looking for a smooth and frictionless feel, as well as a subdued sound, the Aqua King would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if a rich and deep sound profile is desired, along with a seamless glide, the Gazzew LT switch would be a great option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences for sound and typing feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-bottom out force switch with a frictionless and gliding typing experience, the Aqua King is the way to go. These switches offer a magical typing experience that feels like ice skating on a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink. While the Aqua King has a subdued sound, it still provides a satisfying and more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, if you want a medium-heavy bottom out force switch with a deep and resonant thockiness, the Gazzew LT is your best choice. These switches offer an auditory symphony of deep thocks and provide a seamless glide with every keystroke. The LT switches have a bassy and low-pitched sound profile that adds depth and richness to your typing experience. Although the LT switches lack a specific description in terms of feel, they are still known for their enticing lilac hue and the aesthetic pleasure they provide during typing. Ultimately, whether you prefer the frictionless glide of Aqua King or the deep thockiness of the Gazzew LT, both switches offer unique and enjoyable experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Mentioned in this article

Everglide Aqua King (V3) Linear

$7.18

$5.44 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew LT Linear

$6.50 per 10

Learn more