Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Aqua King and the Gateron Luciola. The Aqua King is a linear switch that is best known for its frictionless feel. Typing on these switches is reminiscent of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink, resulting in a magical typing experience. On the other hand, the Luciola is also a linear switch but stands out with its eye-catching feature - it glows in the dark. Apart from its visual appeal, the Luciola offers a smooth and bouncy typing feel, accompanied by a distinctive "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. Both switches have their unique characteristics and choosing between them will ultimately depend on your personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision about which switch is the best fit for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
55g
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
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King and Gateron Luciola switches have distinct differences. The Aqua King utilizes a polycarbonate material for both its top and bottom housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when compared to the Luciola switch. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for those who plan to incorporate RGB lighting into their setup. In contrast, the Luciola switch features a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housing. This blend provides a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, described as clacky, which adds to the satisfaction of using the switch.
While the Everglide Aqua King and Gateron Luciola switches differ in the materials used for their top and bottom housings, they both yield similar characteristics due to the chosen materials. Both switches have top housing materials that result in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The Aqua King's polycarbonate top housing and the Luciola's proprietary INK blend create a clear and resonant sound when the key is released. Additionally, the use of translucent materials in the top housing of both switches allows for the incorporation of RGB lighting, adding visual appeal to the keyboard setup.
When it comes to the bottom housings, the differences become more apparent. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aqua King contributes to its sharper and crisper sound profile, particularly impacting the sound and feel when the key is bottomed out. On the other hand, the Luciola's proprietary INK blend bottom housing provides a clacky and higher-pitched sound, adding a distinct tactile experience when using the switch. The blend of materials in the bottom housing determines the characteristics felt and heard when the key is pressed, making it an essential factor to consider when choosing between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, there are notable similarities in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have a medium actuation force, with the Aqua King requiring 46 grams and the Luciola needing 55 grams. While the Aqua King has a slightly lighter actuation force, the difference is not significant. Similarly, both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Aqua King requiring 62 grams and the Luciola needing 60 grams. The bottom out force is also quite comparable between the two switches.
Considering weight, some users may prefer a lighter switch to enable longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. In this case, both switches can provide a suitable option as their actuation and bottom out forces are within the medium range. On the other hand, individuals seeking a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces. Unfortunately, the specific weight of the two switches is not mentioned, so it is difficult to compare them in that regard. However, based on their actuation and bottom out forces, it can be concluded that the Everglide Aqua King linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force than the Gateron Luciola, while their bottom out forces are fairly similar.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, it is clear that the Aqua King has a longer travel distance at 4 mm compared to the Luciola's 3.6 mm. The Aqua King falls into the category of a more traditional travel distance, while the Luciola offers a slightly shallower distance. However, in recent times, shorter travel distances have gained popularity, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. For those seeking a more responsive experience, the Luciola with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, some individuals might find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, and for those seeking a more substantial key press, the Aqua King with its longer travel distance would be the preferable option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences and the desired level of key depth.
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 Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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
The Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch have distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel.
Starting with sound, the Aqua King switch is described as subdued. This means that when 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 Luciola switch has multiple sound profiles. It is described as clacky, which produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving a crisp, bright, and percussive sound. Additionally, the Luciola switch has a chirpy sound, which adds a unique acoustic signature with a little squeak. It is also marbly, meaning it has a resonant, high-pitched, and clean sound, similar to tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. Lastly, the Luciola switch is high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound that differs from the richer and bassier sound profiles of certain switches. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Aqua King switch is known for providing a frictionless and smooth typing experience. It has a gliding sensation, making it feel like ice skating on a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink. This switch offers a magical typing experience where your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys. It is also described as creamy, silky, and polished, emphasizing the smoothness and refined finish that enhances the overall typing feel by minimizing resistance and friction.
On the other hand, the Luciola switch is snappy, indicating that it is super responsive and offers a more lively typing experience. It is also described as buttery and polished, which means it provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King and Gateron Luciola switches differ in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua King switch offers a subdued sound and a frictionless, creamy, silky, and polished feel. In comparison, the Luciola switch has a variety of sound profiles including clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched, and offers a snappy, buttery, and polished feel. Depending on personal preferences, both switches can provide an enjoyable typing experience with their unique qualities. It is recommended to consider factors such as sound preference, typing feel, and other aspects of the setup to make the best choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a frictionless and magical typing experience, then the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is the right choice for you. With a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, these switches offer a smooth and effortless typing experience that feels like gliding across a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink. They are best known for their creamy, frictionless, and polished feel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that not only provides a smooth typing experience but also stands out visually, then the Gateron Luciola linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, these switches offer a medium heft, bouncy feel, and a hollow "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. Additionally, they glow in the dark, making them eye-catching and unique. The Luciola switches are known for their snappy, buttery, and polished feel.
In terms of sound, the Aqua King offers a subdued and more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Luciola switches can deliver a clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched sound depending on your preference.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences. If you prioritize a frictionless typing experience and a subdued sound, the Aqua King switches would be a great fit for you. However, if you're looking for a visually striking switch that provides a smooth but snappy typing feel, the Luciola switches would be the better option. Consider what matters most to you in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetics when making your decision.
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