Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may want to consider the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Melodic. The Aqua King (V3) is a linear switch known for its frictionless feel, reminding users of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. With a typing experience that is described as 'Subdued', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Silky', and 'Polished', this switch offers a smooth and magical sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic is a clicky switch that redefines the category with advancements such as factory lubing and dual-railed stems. Users can enjoy the classic clicky sound and tactile feedback while experiencing a smooth typing experience. Categorized as 'Buttery', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', and 'Crunchy', the Gateron Melodic offers a unique and satisfying feel. 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
N/A
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
4.00 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Melodic, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. This material is ideal for switches that feature RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for effective light diffusion. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Aqua King (V3) sticks with polycarbonate, while the Melodic switches to nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound for the Melodic switches compared to the Aqua King (V3).
The difference in bottom housing material between the Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Melodic impacts the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The Aqua King (V3) with its polycarbonate bottom housing will have a crisper and more resonant sound upon bottoming out a key. In contrast, the Melodic's nylon bottom housing will create a softer and more subdued sound, offering a different typing experience. While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing, the contrasting bottom housing materials highlight how the choice of material can significantly influence the overall feel and sound of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Melodic will come down to personal preference in sound and typing experience. Both switches offer a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile with their polycarbonate top housing, but the use of nylon in the Melodic's bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Whether you prefer the crispness of polycarbonate or the rounded sound of nylon, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. Regardless of the housing material differences, both switches promise a high-quality typing experience that will satisfy enthusiasts looking for a premium mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch reveals some differences and similarities. The Aqua King has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a medium resistance. On the other hand, the Melodic has an unspecified actuation force but a bottom out force of 60 grams, also falling into the medium resistance category. In terms of weight, the Aqua King is slightly lighter due to its lower bottom out force compared to the Melodic. The actuation force of the Aqua King may allow for longer typing sessions, but for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Melodic's slightly heavier bottom out force might be preferred. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of actuation and bottom out force, providing users with a choice between a lighter or slightly heavier feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch is equal, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the key travels from the top to the bottom. Whether you choose the Aqua King for its smooth linear feel or the Melodic for its satisfying clicky sound, you can expect the same key travel distance with either switch. Despite their different characteristics, both switches offer a consistent typing experience due to their matching travel distances.
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 Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch offers a subdued and dampened sound, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a resonant and higher-pitched sound profile, along with a crunchy sound reminiscent of stepping on crunchy autumn leaves. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the quieter and smoother sound of the Aqua King or the more vibrant and crisp sound of the Melodic, considering the impact of factors like the keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch is praised for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience. These switches provide a smooth and effortless typing experience, with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Conversely, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a buttery and invigorating typing sensation, with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. Whether a user prefers the silky glide of the Aqua King or the pronounced feedback of the Melodic, both switches offer a refined and enjoyable typing experience.
Overall, for users seeking a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a subtle sound profile, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, for those who crave a more resonant and crunchy sound along with a buttery and invigorating typing feel, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch would be the preferred option. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find a mechanical keyboard switch that suits their individual typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering which switch to choose, you should opt for the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch if you prefer a smooth and frictionless typing experience akin to gliding on ice. The Aqua King offers a subtle sound profile and a creamy, silky typing feel that minimizes resistance and maximizes smoothness. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more immersive and audible typing experience with a clicky switch, the Gateron Melodic would be the better choice for you. The Melodic switch provides a higher-pitched and crunchy clicky sound, coupled with a buttery and invigorating typing feel for those seeking pronounced feedback and snappy actuation. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
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