Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Everglide Aqua King and the Durock Piano, both of which are linear switches. The Aqua King is renowned for its frictionless feel, with a typing experience reminiscent of effortlessly gliding on a resurfaced ice skating rink. Its characteristics can be described as subdued, creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished. On the other hand, the Durock Piano stands out for its proprietary material blend, resulting in one of the most pleasant linear switches to type on. Users often mention a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature when using the Piano. It is categorized as bassy, frictionless, and silky. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your specific preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King and the Durock Piano have different housing materials for both their top and bottom housings. The Aqua King utilizes a polycarbonate material for both its top and bottom housings. This choice of material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound when the key is released. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switch.
In contrast, the Durock Piano features a proprietary POM blend for both its top and bottom housings. While the exact details of this blend are unknown, it is known to offer a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. The POM blend of the Piano allows for a different sound experience compared to the Aqua King. The impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is more influenced by the bottom housing, while the sound when the key is released is more influenced by the top housing.
Despite their differences, both switches aim to provide an enhanced sound experience. The Aqua King's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, suitable for those looking for a precise and resonant typing experience. Similarly, the Durock Piano's POM blend offers a satisfying and deep sound, catering to individuals seeking a unique auditory feedback. While their housing materials differ, both switches prioritize sound quality and deliver their own distinct sound profiles depending on the preferences of the user.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences. The Aqua King has an actuation force of 46 grams, while the actuation force for the Piano switch is unknown. However, both switches have a medium actuation force, which means they require a fairly average amount of force to trigger a keystroke.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Aqua King has a bottom out force of 62 grams, whereas the Piano switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This makes the Aqua King slightly lighter in terms of bottom out force compared to the Piano switch, which can be a deciding factor for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience.
Considering the importance of weight, the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Aqua King may make it more suitable for those who prefer a keyboard that allows them to type for extended periods, such as for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Piano switch may appeal to individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience.
In summary, while the actuation force of the Aqua King is known and medium, the actuation force of the Piano switch is unavailable. Both switches have a medium actuation force, but the Aqua King is lighter in bottom out force compared to the Piano switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch both 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 experience the same 4 mm distance traveled. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both the Aqua King and the Piano provide similar results. Neither switch is shorter or longer than the other in this aspect. So, whether you choose the Aqua King or the Piano, you can expect a consistent travel distance of 4 mm when typing or gaming.
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 Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 linear switch is known for its subdued sound. This means that when the switch is pressed, it produces a dampened sound, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch is described as having a bassy sound profile. This means that it offers a deeper and richer sound during key presses, with a lower frequency range resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It's important to keep in mind that the sound of the switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Aqua King and the Piano switches share the quality of being frictionless. This means that both switches provide an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. They offer a fluid travel that allows your fingers to glide across the keys with ease. Additionally, both switches are described as silky, which means they provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience by minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Aqua King is further described as creamy and polished, implying a smooth and refined finish that enhances the typing experience, either through factory lubrication or specific materials used. Overall, both switches offer a similar frictionless and silky feel.
Taking all of the available information into account, the Aqua King linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch share some common subjective qualities. They both provide a smooth and effortless typing experience, with a frictionless and silky feel. However, they differ in terms of sound, with the Aqua King offering a subdued sound and the Piano having a bassy sound profile. If you are looking for a switch with a quieter and more subtle sound, the Aqua King would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and richer sound during your typing experience, the Piano switch would be a better option. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and the overall setup of your keyboard.
Conclusion
In summary, if you're looking for a medium bottom out force and a frictionless typing experience that feels like gliding on ice, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is the way to go. These switches offer a magical and effortless typing experience, making each keystroke feel smooth and buttery. The Aqua King also has a subdued sound profile, producing a more subtle and dampened sound compared to most switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a deep, creamy sound signature, the Durock Piano linear switch is the better choice. With its proprietary material blend, the Piano offers a gliding push feel and a rich sound profile resembling bass tones. The Piano switch is also known for its frictionless and silky typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Overall, the Aqua King is ideal for those who prioritize a frictionless and subtle sound, while the Piano is perfect for those seeking a creamy and bassy typing experience.
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