Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the SP-Star Polaris Gray 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 SP-Star Polaris Gray. The Aqua King is well-known for its incredibly smooth and frictionless typing experience, almost reminiscent of gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. In contrast, the Polaris Gray offers a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile. The Aqua King is categorized as subdued, creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished, while the Polaris Gray is described as low-pitched, neutral, mild, thocky, and polished. Both switches have their unique qualities that may appeal to different preferences. 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
67g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King and the SP-Star Polaris Gray both feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to its relatively stiffer nature, which enhances clarity and resonance. The translucent quality of polycarbonate makes it especially advantageous for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Aqua King and the Polaris Gray will provide similar sound profiles and aesthetic effects when it comes to their top and bottom housings.
When it comes to the impact on the overall sound and feel of the switch, the bottom housing plays a significant role. With the Aqua King and the Polaris Gray, the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. This means that the stiffer polycarbonate material used in the bottom housing will contribute to a clear and resonant sound when typing or gaming on both these keyboards.
On the other hand, the top housing's primary influence is felt when a key is released. As it contributes to the sound profile when a key is let go, the polycarbonate material used in the top housing of both the Aqua King and the Polaris Gray will result in a sharper and crisper sound when compared to switches made with different housing materials. Therefore, whether using the Aqua King or the Polaris Gray, users can expect similar qualities in terms of the sound profile when releasing keys.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King and the SP-Star Polaris Gray share many similarities when it comes to their housing materials. Both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucent nature of polycarbonate adds to their visual appeal, particularly when paired with RGB lighting. While the bottom housing enhances the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing influences the sound profile when a key is released. Overall, users can expect comparable results when it comes to the housing materials of the Aqua King and the Polaris Gray.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Aqua King has an actuation force of 46 grams, providing a fairly light touch to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Polaris Gray is currently unavailable, making it difficult to accurately compare. However, the Aqua King's bottom out force is 62 grams, indicating a slightly heavier typing experience when fully pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Aqua King.
Considering weight is an important factor for users, those seeking a lighter typing experience may prefer the Aqua King. This allows for prolonged typing sessions without causing strain or fatigue. This lighter actuation force can be especially beneficial for individuals who use their keyboard extensively for work or gaming purposes. On the contrary, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may be more inclined towards options with heavier forces, such as the Polaris Gray.
In summary, while the actuation force of the Aqua King is known, the Polaris Gray's actuation force remains unknown. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Aqua King is lighter with 62 grams, whereas the Polaris Gray is slightly heavier with 67 grams. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, you will feel the same distance of travel for both switches. Both switches provide a consistent experience in terms of the distance traveled, ensuring a familiar and comfortable typing experience. Whether you choose the Aqua King or the Polaris Gray, 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 SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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 linear switch is best described as subdued. This means that it produces a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is known for having a low-pitched sound profile. This means that it features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Additionally, the Polaris Gray switch is also described as neutral, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for most intents and purposes. It is also described as thocky, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps. Ultimately, both switches offer different sound qualities, with the Aqua King being more subdued and the Polaris Gray having a low-pitched, neutral, and thocky sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is known for offering a frictionless typing experience. This means that it provides an extremely smooth and effortless feel, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. It is also described as creamy, silky, and polished, indicating that it offers a smooth and refined typing experience. The use of lubricant at the factory or specific materials contribute to this smooth sensation. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is described as mild and polished. This means that it offers a gentle typing experience and a sleek typing feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches provide a pleasant typing experience, with the Aqua King being frictionless, creamy, silky, and polished, while the Polaris Gray is mild and polished.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King and SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua King provides a more subdued sound with a frictionless, creamy, silky, and polished feel. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray offers a low-pitched, thocky, and neutral sound profile, with a mild and polished typing feel. If you are looking for a typing experience similar to the Aqua King, you can expect a smooth and effortless feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel from the Polaris Gray. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and a frictionless, ice-skating-like typing feel, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is the way to go. These switches offer a magical typing experience with their smooth and effortless glide. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is a great choice. With a medium-heavy bottom out force, these switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback. In terms of sound, the Aqua King produces a subdued sound, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray has a low-pitched sound profile, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Lastly, in terms of feel, the Aqua King offers a creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience, while the Polaris Gray provides a mild and polished feel. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a frictionless and glide-like feel or a bouncy and clacky typing experience. Consider your preferences and typing style to make the best decision.
Mentioned in this article
