Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are plenty of options to choose from, each with their own unique characteristics. Two switches that are worth comparing and contrasting are the Everglide Aqua King and the Gateron Oil King, both of which are linear switches. The Aqua King is renowned for its frictionless feel, evoking the sensation of gliding on freshly resurfaced ice while typing. On the other hand, the Oil King offers a buttery smoothness and a sound profile akin to the crisp snap of a dark chocolate bar. If you're looking for a subdued and silky typing experience, the Aqua King may be the ideal choice. However, if you prefer a low-pitched and creamy switch that feels as smooth as butter, the Oil King might be more suited to your taste. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make an informed decision on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
55g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King and the Gateron Oil King differ in their choice of housing materials. The Aqua King features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, while the Oil King utilizes a nylon top housing and Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing.
In terms of sound profile, the Aqua King's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Oil King's nylon housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Therefore, if you prefer a sharper sound with more clarity, the Aqua King would be a better choice, while the Oil King offers a deeper and fuller sound experience.
Aesthetically, the polycarbonate housing of the Aqua King is translucent, making it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. This adds a visually appealing element to the switch, especially for those who enjoy RGB customization. In contrast, the Oil King's nylon housing does not provide the same level of translucency and RGB visibility. If you prioritize the visual impact of RGB lighting, the Aqua King would be the more suitable option.
When it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel, the qualities of the housing material play a significant role. The bottom housing of a switch, where the keypress is fully depressed, influences the sound and tactile feedback at the point of impact. The Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper bottom-out sound. On the flip side, Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing in the Oil King creates a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. Therefore, the choice between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a sharper and crisper bottom-out sound or a clacky and thin sound.
In summary, the Everglide Aqua King and the Gateron Oil King differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinctive sound profiles and aesthetics. The Aqua King's polycarbonate housing offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound with greater clarity, while the Oil King's nylon housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The Aqua King's translucency makes it suitable for showcasing RGB lighting, whereas the Oil King's housing is not as conducive to RGB visibility. The bottom housing of each switch also contributes to the overall sound and tactile feedback, with the Aqua King providing a sharper bottom-out sound and the Oil King offering a clacky and thin sound.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch have some similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Aqua King is lighter with an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, which falls into the medium range. On the other hand, the Oil King is slightly heavier, requiring an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Aqua King would be suitable as it allows for longer periods of typing without strain. This is especially beneficial for situations such as bringing a keyboard to work or indulging in lengthy gaming sessions. Alternatively, the Oil King provides a stronger push feel, which can enhance the typing experience by providing a more substantial sensation with each keystroke. Therefore, individuals who prioritize a heavier and more robust typing feel may find the Oil King to be a better fit for their preferences.
It is important to note that both switches fall within the medium range, so the differences in force between them might not be significant for some users. However, those who have a specific preference for lighter or heavier forces will appreciate the distinction between the Aqua King's lighter actuation and bottom out forces, and the Oil King's slightly heavier counterparts. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on the user's personal preference for the weight of their typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Aqua King and the Gateron Oil King linear switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the switch travel 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches offer a similar experience 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 Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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 and the Gateron Oil King linear switches offer different characteristics. The Aqua King is described as having a subdued sound, meaning that it produces 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 Oil King is described as having a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. This means that it has a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, both switches share similar qualities. Both the Aqua King and the Oil King are described as creamy and silky switches, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. This is often attributed to the lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used in the switch construction. Typing on either switch provides a silky sensation, as if your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys with ease. They both offer a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, the feel of these switches is characterized by their exceptional smoothness and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King and the Gateron Oil King linear switches have their own distinct characteristics while also sharing some similarities. In terms of sound, the Aqua King offers a more subdued sound compared to the low-pitched and bassy sound of the Oil King. However, it's important to consider other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps that can influence the switch's sound profile. In terms of feel, both switches provide a creamy, silky, and polished typing experience with smooth and buttery keypresses. Overall, whether you choose the Aqua King or the Oil King, you can expect a highly satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and frictionless typing experience, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, it offers a medium actuation force that is comfortable for most typists. The Aqua Kings feel like gliding your fingers across the keys, reminiscent of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. The sound profile is subdued, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. In terms of feel, the Aqua Kings are described as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished, offering a silky sensation and effortless keystrokes.
On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smoothness and a low-pitched sound profile, the Gateron Oil King linear switch would be a great option. With a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, it falls into the medium-heavy category. The Oil Kings offer a typing experience that feels like a dark chocolate bar snapping, providing a satisfying sensation. The sound produced is low-pitched and bassy, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The feel of the Oil Kings is described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished, ensuring smooth and fluid keystrokes.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King and Gateron Oil King linear switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a more subdued sound and a frictionless typing experience, go for the Aqua Kings. If you enjoy a low-pitched sound and a buttery smoothness, opt for the Oil Kings. Both switches provide a delightful typing experience, so it ultimately comes down to your individual taste and requirements.
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