Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that come to mind are the Everglide Aqua King and the Durock Lupine. Both switches fall under the linear category, offering a smooth typing experience. The Aqua King is renowned for its frictionless nature, evoking a feeling akin to gliding effortlessly on ice. Its subdued, creamy, and silky attributes make typing on it a truly magical experience. On the other hand, the Lupine stands out with its two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution on the press down and a powerful upward movement on the rebound. Additionally, it offers that classic clacky sound profile that many enthusiasts love. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King and the Durock Lupine both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice ensures a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, creating an appealing typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for beautiful RGB lighting effects. Therefore, whether you choose the Aqua King or the Lupine, you can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and visual aesthetics.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Aqua King features polycarbonate while the Lupine utilizes nylon. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aqua King continues to enhance the sharper and crisper sound profile, aligning with its top housing. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Lupine takes a different approach. Nylon is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a slightly duller and rounder sound. This distinction means that the Aqua King will provide a more consistent sound experience throughout both the bottom-out and key release, while the Lupine may have a more distinctive sound profile during the key release.
In summary, the Everglide Aqua King and the Durock Lupine share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, offering a clear and resonant sound profile. Both switches are ideal for those who prioritize their typing experience as well as RGB lighting effects. However, the Aqua King stands out with its polycarbonate bottom housing, as it amplifies the overall sound characteristics of the switch. On the other hand, the Lupine's nylon bottom housing provides a slightly different sound experience, emphasizing a deeper and fuller sound during typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preferences for the specific sound qualities desired during key presses and releases.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of weight, the Aqua King has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, which falls within the medium range. Unfortunately, the specific actuation force for the Lupine is not provided, so it is unknown whether it is lighter or heavier than the Aqua King. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 62 grams.
The actuation force plays a crucial role in determining the force required to trigger a keystroke. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Aqua King's 46-gram actuation force may be suitable, as it allows for prolonged typing without excessive finger fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who crave a more substantial push feel during typing may appreciate a switch with a heavier actuation force. Unfortunately, without the available information for the Lupine's actuation force, it is unclear how it compares in this aspect.
Considering the bottom out force, which measures the pressure required to press the keys all the way down, both the Aqua King and the Lupine share the same 62-gram force. This medium level of resistance provides a satisfying feedback and may be a desirable option for those who enjoy a balanced typing experience.
In summary, while we know that the Everglide Aqua King has a specific actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, the actual actuation force for the Durock Lupine is unknown. However, both switches share the same bottom out force, making them comparable in terms of key-press pressure. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and whether a lighter or heavier touch is desired for typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, it is evident that the Aqua King has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Lupine has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Aqua King's 4.0 mm travel distance falls within the range of the traditional travel distance, offering a familiar and comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Lupine's 3.7 mm travel distance is slightly shallower, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, opting for the Lupine would be a suitable choice. However, individuals who prefer a deeper keystroke may find the Aqua King's longer travel distance more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 Durock Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine for $4.25.
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 Aqua King switch is best described as subdued. This means that it produces a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Lupine switch is described as having a neutral sound profile with a moderate sound. However, it also has the potential to produce a high-pitched and crisp sound when pressed. The choice of board and keycaps can also influence the sound produced by both switches. Overall, if you prefer a more subdued sound, the Aqua King would deliver that, while the Lupine offers a neutral sound with the option for a high-pitched sound if desired.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aqua King is known for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience. These terms indicate a smooth and buttery typing sensation with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The Lupine switch, on the other hand, offers a more mild and polished typing experience. It falls into the safe middle-ground zone, providing a gentle typing feeling that is approachable to most users. Both switches have a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the Aqua King focuses on a frictionless glide, the Lupine aims for a mild and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preferences and whether you prioritize a creamy frictionless feel or a mild and polished feel.
Considering all the available information, the Everglide Aqua King and Durock Lupine linear switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua King provides a more subdued sound profile and a typing experience that feels frictionless, silky, and polished. On the other hand, the Lupine offers a neutral sound with the potential for a high-pitched option, along with a mild and polished typing feel. While the Aqua King focuses on a more unique and ice skating-like experience, the Lupine provides a safe and approachable middle-ground typing sensation. Depending on your personal preferences, both switches can deliver satisfying results.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering the Everglide Aqua King and the Durock Lupine linear switches, there are a few key factors to consider. Both switches have a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium.
The Aqua King is best known for its frictionless typing experience, where your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys, creating a magical sensation reminiscent of ice skating on freshly resurfaced ice. The Lupine, on the other hand, offers a unique typing experience due to its two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution when pressed down and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. Additionally, the Lupine produces a classic clacky sound profile while typing.
In terms of sound, the Aqua King is described as having a subdued sound profile, which means it produces a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Lupine has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users alike. Additionally, the Lupine can produce a high-pitched sound, which might be preferred by those who don't enjoy rich and bassy sound profiles.
When it comes to feel, the Aqua King offers a range of descriptors such as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished. These switches provide a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the Lupine is described as mild and polished, meaning it offers a gentler typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King and the Durock Lupine linear switches depends on your personal preferences. If you're looking for a switch that provides a frictionless and effortless typing experience with a subdued sound, the Aqua King might be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a typing experience characterized by two-stage long springs, a classic clacky sound profile, and the option for a high-pitched sound, the Lupine might be the right choice. Consider what typing experience and sound profile you prefer, and select the switch that aligns with your preferences.
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