Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Mountain Top mechanical keyboard switches, we see two linear switches that offer distinct typing experiences. The Aqua King (V3) is best known for its frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. Its typing experience is described as 'subdued', 'creamy', 'frictionless', 'silky', and 'polished'. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switches are designed for office environments, prioritizing discretion and providing a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience. They are categorized as 'bouncy', 'easy-to-press', 'mild', 'neutral', 'snappy', and 'subtle'. Choosing between these switches may depend on whether you prefer a smooth, frictionless typing feel like ice skating or a quiet, subtle typing experience tailored for professional settings. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) stands out with its polycarbonate top and bottom housing materials, giving it a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switch. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top features a nylon top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
While both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and Gateron Mountain Top differ in their overall sound characteristics. The polycarbonate housing of the Aqua King (V3) produces a more sharp and crisp sound, ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon housing of the Mountain Top provides a deeper and fuller sound, offering a more mellow typing experience. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the smoother sound of nylon for their typing needs.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Mountain Top play a significant role in shaping the sound profile of each switch. The stiffer polycarbonate of the Aqua King (V3) creates a sharper and clearer sound, particularly noticeable when releasing the keys, while the softer nylon of the Mountain Top enhances the depth and fullness of the typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound characteristics, whether you prefer the sharper tones of polycarbonate or the fuller tones of nylon for your typing enjoyment.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch provide different typing experiences. The Aqua King has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Mountain Top's 40 grams, making it a bit more substantial in terms of push feel. However, the Aqua King also has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams compared to the Mountain Top's 50 grams, further adding to the solid typing experience it offers. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Mountain Top, as it has a lower actuation and bottom out force. Weight is an essential factor to consider when choosing a switch, as lighter options are better suited for extended typing or gaming sessions, while heavier options provide a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Aqua King has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mountain Top. A longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying key press for some users, as it allows for a deeper press. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Mountain Top may be preferred by gamers looking for quicker response times. Both switches offer a different tactile experience due to their varying travel distances, so ultimately the choice between the two would depend on individual preference.
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 Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch offers a subdued experience, producing a dampened sound when pressed. While not completely silent, it provides a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and sound level suitable for various settings. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Aqua King (V3) is renowned for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience. Users describe it as offering a smooth and buttery sensation, with effortless key presses that feel like gliding across the keys. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle. These switches provide a spring-like feedback, gentle resistance, and responsive typing feel. They cater to those looking for a comfortable and low-impact typing experience.
Overall, while both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switches offer unique qualities in sound and feel, they cater to different preferences and settings. The Aqua King (V3) excels in providing a frictionless and creamy typing experience with a subdued sound, making it ideal for users looking for smooth and refined key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch focuses on bouncy and responsive typing with a neutral sound profile, catering specifically to office environments where quiet yet comfortable typing is essential. Whether you prefer a silky and polished typing sensation or a bouncy and snappy feel, both switches offer high-quality performance for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider the specific use case and preference for typing experience. If you value a smooth and effortless typing feel like ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink, opt for the Aqua King (V3) switch. On the other hand, if you require a quiet and light actuation switch designed for discreet and continuous typing in professional settings, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is the ideal choice. It all comes down to whether you prefer the creamy, frictionless sensation of the Aqua King (V3) or the bouncy, easy-to-press feel of the Mountain Top. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard.
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