Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and Gateron Magnetic Jade cater to vastly different tactile experiences and preferences. The Aqua King (V3), celebrated for its uniquely smooth and frictionless feel, delivers a typing sensation akin to gliding on ice—characterized by its subdued and creamy quality that ensures each keystroke is a seamless pleasure. This switch is ideal for those who favor a quiet and refined typing experience, making it perfect for long hours of use without fatigue. Conversely, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches shine in their auditory feedback, offering a bright and clacky sound that enhances the typing experience, particularly for users of Wooting Hall Effect keyboards. These switches promise a lively and engaging interaction, making them the top choice for typists seeking both performance and improved acoustics. While both switches have their strengths, catering to divergent preferences for sound and feel, it's essential to explore the details further to help you make the best decision for your unique typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches, it's evident that both share the same type of material in their top housings—polycarbonate. This similarity contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the resonance within the switch, ensuring that users experience a clear auditory feedback each time a key is pressed. Additionally, both switches benefit aesthetically from the translucent qualities of polycarbonate, making them ideal for setups that incorporate RGB lighting. This commonality means that users looking for a vivid interplay of light and sound can anticipate a similar visual experience when using either switch.
However, the bottom housings of the switches present a stark contrast in material choice. The Aqua King (V3) employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, amplifying the bright sound profile established by the top housing. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade features a nylon bottom housing that absorbs sound more effectively, leading to a distinctly deeper and fuller auditory experience. This divergence in materials means that while the Aqua King's sound profile remains consistently bright and crisp throughout a key press, the Magnetic Jade will feel rounder and more subdued upon bottoming out. Consequently, users may find the overall experience of these two switches quite different, particularly in the lower frequencies produced during typing.
The impact of these varying housing materials is particularly notable during the pressing and releasing of keys. While the similar polycarbonate top housings create a unified sonic effect on the release, allowing both switches to deliver clear auditory feedback when a key is lifted, the differing bottom materials shape the overall feel and sound while typing. The deeper, more resonant sound characteristic of nylon in the Magnetic Jade may appeal to those seeking a softer typing experience, while the complete polycarbonate structure of the Aqua King (V3) will likely resonate more sharply. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound profiles and tactile feedback, displaying how the interplay of housing materials can significantly influence keyboard performance.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Aqua King (V3) features a heavier actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a solid choice for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade switch has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, appealing to those who favor a more effortless typing feel. As a result, the Aqua King (V3) is better suited for users who want a firmer touch and feel, while the Magnetic Jade is ideal for those seeking lighter resistance during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Overall, if you're after a heavier switch that provides a pronounced feel, the Aqua King (V3) stands out, whereas the Magnetic Jade offers a gentler touch with its lighter feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, there is a notable difference. The Aqua King (V3) features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option that provides a deeper tactile experience. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, offering a quicker response time that may appeal to gamers seeking fast actuation. While both switches are designed for distinct preferences—Aqua King catering to those who appreciate a fuller depth and the Magnetic Jade targeting users who favor responsiveness—the Aqua King is the longer of the two, resulting in a more pronounced key press. For users weighing their options, the choice ultimately boils down to whether they prefer the robust feel of a longer travel distance or the faster engagement provided by a shorter one.
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 Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) produces a subdued tone, offering a dampened sound when pressed. This allows for a more subtle auditory experience, making it suitable for users who prefer a quieter environment while typing. The Gateron Magnetic Jade, on the other hand, is celebrated for its bright and clacky sound, giving feedback that makes each keystroke noticeably lively. This difference means that while the Aqua King is more reserved acoustically, the Magnetic Jade offers a more pronounced and engaging sound that could enhance the overall enjoyment of typing for users who appreciate auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Aqua King (V3) is renowned for its creamy, frictionless experience, which feels remarkably smooth and effortlessly gliding under your fingers. It's designed to minimize any sense of resistance, creating a silky sensation that allows for fluid typing motion. The carefully engineered polished surface further enhances this experience, making each keystroke feel refined and satisfying. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade's tactile qualities remain undefined here, so it's challenging to compare their feel accurately. However, the Aqua King's detailed descriptions suggest an exceptionally smooth typing experience that emphasizes comfort and ease.
In summary, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) offers a subdued auditory profile with a silky, frictionless typing feel, making it an excellent choice for those who desire a tranquil yet enjoyable typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade boasts a bright sound that engages the user but lacks detailed descriptions regarding its tactile feedback. Depending on your preference between sound and feel, each switch provides distinct advantages that cater to different typing styles and environments, ensuring that both can deliver satisfying experiences tailored to individual needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch boils down to your personal preferences for typing feel and sound experience. If you prioritize a creamy, frictionless, and silky typing sensation that feels effortlessly smooth, the Aqua King (V3) is the ideal option for you. Its subdued sound profile enhances a discreet workspace, making it an excellent pick for office settings or shared environments where noise might be a concern. In contrast, if you enjoy an engaging typing experience characterized by a bright, clacky sound and are looking for something that can elevate both your auditory and tactile feedback—especially on a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard—the Magnetic Jade switch will provide you with a more lively and acoustically stimulating experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your preferences for typing feel, acoustic feedback, and the type of environment in which you’ll be using the keyboard.
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