Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Gateron Lunar Probe
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Lunar Probe switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and Gateron Lunar Probe are both linear mechanical keyboard switches known for their smooth keypresses. The Aqua King (V3) stands out for its frictionless typing experience that feels akin to gliding on ice. With its subdued, creamy, and polished characteristics, it offers a unique and enjoyable typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe features a dual rail mechanism for stable and consistent keypresses, along with a pre-lubed linear feel that is incredibly smooth. While the Aqua King (V3) offers a more magical and silky typing experience, the Lunar Probe emphasizes stability and consistency. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Lunar Probe both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances the clear and resonant sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as the light can shine through the housing to create a visually appealing effect.
While both switches share polycarbonate top housings, they differ in the materials used for the bottom housing. The Aqua King (V3) utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which complements the top housing in creating a cohesive sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe features a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches.
In terms of overall typing experience, the different materials used in the top and bottom housings of the switches will have distinct impacts. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing plays a greater role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, catering to different preferences for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, we can see that the actuation force of the Aqua King is slightly higher at 46 grams compared to the Lunar Probe's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aqua King requires 62 grams, while the Lunar Probe only needs 50 grams, making it lighter. This means that the Aqua King offers a slightly heavier typing experience overall, while the Lunar Probe provides a lighter touch. For those who prefer a more substantial typing feel, the Aqua King may be the better option, while those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Lunar Probe. Both switches offer a decent balance between actuation force and bottom out force, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, slightly longer than the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch with a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Aqua King being on the longer side and the Lunar Probe on the shorter side. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Lunar Probe, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Aqua King. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Lunar Probe has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lunar Probe for $4.19.
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 Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua King (V3) switch provides a subdued sound signature, offering a more dampened and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Lunar Probe switch is noted for its pre-lubed linear sensation, providing a smooth and consistent keystroke with a subtle sound profile. While the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, both switches offer a quieter typing experience compared to others on the market.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King (V3) switch is praised for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience. These switches offer a smooth and effortless keystroke, minimizing any resistance or friction when pressing the keys. In contrast, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch is known for its dual rail mechanism that ensures stable and consistent keypresses. The pre-lubed linear sensation of the Lunar Probe switch provides a buttery smooth typing experience, allowing for easy and precise keystrokes. Both switches prioritize a smooth typing feel, catering to users who prefer a more effortless and comfortable typing experience.
Overall, both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch offer unique subjective qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Aqua King (V3) switch focuses on providing a frictionless and magical typing experience, the Lunar Probe switch emphasizes stability and smoothness in keystrokes. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you'll get similar smooth and comfortable results with either choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch or the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, you should take into account your preference for typing feel and sound. If you prioritize a creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience with a medium bottom out force, then the Aqua King (V3) switch might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force and value stable and consistent keypresses with a pre-lubed linear sensation, then the Gateron Lunar Probe switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire.
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