Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are a plethora of options available, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. Two popular switches, the Everglide Aqua King and the Durock Medium Tactile, showcase different qualities that cater to specific preferences. The Aqua King is renowned for its frictionless nature, akin to gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. With a typing experience that feels silky smooth, it offers a truly magical sensation. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch from Durock stands out for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, creating a satisfying tactile feedback with a jelly-like sound signature. Both switches have their own merits, providing users with the opportunity to customize their typing experience according to their desires. However, to make the most informed decision on which switch is best suited for you, let's delve deeper into their attributes beyond mere generalities.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King and the Durock Medium Tactile, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it popular for those seeking a more clear and resonant typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal for users who enjoy customizable lighting effects.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials differ between the Aqua King and the Medium Tactile. The Aqua King employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper and more resonant bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the Medium Tactile utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound experience. This difference in bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience, particularly during the bottom-out phase.
Overall, while both the Aqua King and the Medium Tactile share the benefit of using polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in similar sound profiles and potential for RGB lighting, their bottom housing materials vary. The Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing offers a sharper and more resonant bottom-out sound, while the Medium Tactile's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Therefore, users can expect contrasting typing experiences depending on the switch they choose, with the Aqua King emphasizing sharpness and clarity, and the Medium Tactile focusing on depth and absorption of sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. The Aqua King has an actuation force of 46 grams, which is lighter than the Medium Tactile switch, for which the actuation force is currently unavailable. This means that the Aqua King requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Aqua King has a force of 62 grams, while the Medium Tactile has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range in terms of bottom out force.
Considering the weight of these switches is crucial as it impacts the typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter feel to type for extended periods, the Aqua King would be more suitable. It offers a lighter actuation force and a relatively medium bottom out force. This makes it ideal for individuals who require a keyboard for long work sessions or intense gaming marathons. On the other hand, for those who prefer a more substantial and robust typing experience, the Medium Tactile switch might be the preferred choice. Although the actuation force is unknown, the heavier bottom out force of 65 grams indicates a stronger push and a more tactile typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch provides a lighter actuation force and medium bottom out force, offering a balance between smooth typing and endurance. In contrast, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch offers a heavier bottom out force for those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same 4 mm of distance traveled. Therefore, both switches offer a similar tactile experience in terms of the distance you feel when typing. So, whether you choose the Aqua King or the Medium Tactile, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
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 Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile 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
The Aqua King linear switch is best known for its frictionless and smooth typing experience, reminiscent of gliding on a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink. It offers a magical and effortless typing experience, allowing your fingers to simply glide across the keys. In terms of sound, it is described as subdued, producing a dampened sound when pressed. While not completely silent, it offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches.
On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch stands out for its pronounced yet balanced tactility. It provides a tactile bump that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, making it a favorite among users. Additionally, it has a jelly-like sound signature, giving it a unique auditory experience. In terms of feel, the Medium Tactile switch offers an approachable and gentle typing experience. It falls into the safe middle-ground zone, making it suitable for most users. Like the Aqua King, it is also described as offering a polished and smooth finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Based on the available information, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua King excels in providing a frictionless and smooth typing experience, with a subdued sound signature. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile offers a balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature. Both switches feature a polished and smooth finish, resulting in reduced friction and an overall sleek typing experience.
While the specific sound and feel of a switch may also depend on other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps, it is safe to say that if you are looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience, either the Aqua King or the Medium Tactile switch will provide similar results. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on whether you prefer a linear switch without tactility or a tactile switch with a balanced tactile feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a frictionless and effortless typing experience that feels like gliding your fingers across the keys, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is the right choice for you. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, it offers a medium keypress resistance that feels smooth and creamy. The Aqua King switch creates a magical typing experience reminiscent of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced ice rink. It also produces a subdued sound, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a pronounced yet balanced tactility, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch is the better option. It has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Aqua King. The Medium Tactile switch offers a jelly-like sound signature and is known for its accented tactility. This means it provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. It is also polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, your decision should depend on the typing experience and sound signature you prefer. If you value a frictionless and creamy typing feel with a more subdued sound, go for the Aqua King. But if you desire a switch with a balanced tactile feedback and a polished typing experience, the Medium Tactile is the way to go. Consider your preferences and priorities to make an informed choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
