Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Aqua King and the SP-Star Polaris Purple. The Aqua King, a linear switch, is best known for its smooth and frictionless feel. Typing on these switches is akin to gliding on a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink, creating a truly magical and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple, a tactile switch, offers a big tactile bump that provides an exhilarating typing experience. The sound profile of the Polaris Purple is snappy, adding to the overall satisfaction of typing on this switch. While these general characteristics can give you a good sense of what to expect, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
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 Purple use the same polycarbonate material for both the top and bottom housings. This material choice contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, polycarbonate is translucent, making it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, in terms of housing materials, the Aqua King and Polaris Purple will deliver similar results.
Although both switches share the same polycarbonate housing material, the impact of this material will differ depending on whether it is used for the top or bottom housing. When pressing down on a key, the bottom housing's characteristics will be more pronounced. The bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the qualities of the polycarbonate used in the bottom housing. On the other hand, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction highlights how the different housing materials in the Aqua King and Polaris Purple will affect the overall typing experience and sound dynamics.
Overall, the Everglide Aqua King and the SP-Star Polaris Purple showcase the advantages of polycarbonate housing materials for mechanical switches. The use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings ensures a clear, resonant, and sharp sound profile. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for impressive RGB lighting effects. While there may be nuances in the sound produced based on the specific design and construction of each switch, the shared polycarbonate housing ensures a similar auditory experience.
Weight
In terms of the actuation force and bottom out force, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch have some similarities and differences.
Starting with the actuation force, the Aqua King requires a force of 46 grams to trigger a keystroke, while the exact actuation force for the Polaris Purple is unknown. However, both switches can be considered to have a medium actuation force. This means that the Aqua King offers a consistent and relatively moderate force for key activation, providing a smooth typing experience. As for the Polaris Purple, without the specific information, it is difficult to compare directly with the Aqua King, but it is expected to fall within a similar range.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Aqua King requires a force of 62 grams to fully press the keys down, which again falls within the medium range. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple has a slightly higher bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy in terms of pressure required.
Considering weight, it is worth noting that these differences in actuation and bottom out forces can impact the overall typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may favor the Aqua King, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This lighter actuation and bottom out force make it suitable for daily use or extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Polaris Purple, as its slightly heavier forces provide a stronger push feel.
In conclusion, while the actuation force is known for the Aqua King but unspecified for the Polaris Purple, both switches should offer a similar medium actuation force. However, the Aqua King has a slightly lighter bottom out force than the Polaris Purple, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. Conversely, the Polaris Purple provides a slightly heavier bottom out force, catering to individuals who prefer a more substantial keystroke sensation.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The travel distance of both switches is equal, ensuring similar results in terms of the tactile feedback experienced while 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 SP-Star Polaris Purple 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 Purple 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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Aqua King is known for its subdued sound. When pressed, these switches produce a dampened sound that is not completely silent but offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch has a neutral sound profile. It falls in the middle ground, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes. The specific sound of the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aqua King is described as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished. These descriptors indicate that typing on Aqua King switches provides a smooth and effortless experience. Whether it's due to lubrication applied at the factory or the materials used, the Aqua King switches offer a silky sensation, with keys gliding effortlessly and smoothly. The Polaris Purple switches, on the other hand, are described as mild and polished. While they may not have as pronounced characteristics as some other switches, they still provide a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish.
Considering the available information, the Aqua King and Polaris Purple switches offer different subjective qualities. The Aqua King switches provide a frictionless and magical typing experience akin to smoothly ice skating on a freshly resurfaced ice rink. They have a subdued sound profile that offers a more subtle sound when compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switches offer an exhilarating tactile typing experience with a big tactile bump and a snappy sound profile. Both switches have a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. If you are looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance, the Aqua King switches are a great choice. However, if you prefer a more tactile and pronounced typing experience, the Polaris Purple switches will suit your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a smooth and effortless typing experience, with a bottom out force on the medium side, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is the way to go. These switches offer a frictionless feel, akin to ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink, making typing feel magical. Additionally, the Aqua King provides a subdued sound profile, which is more subtle compared to most switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is the better choice. These switches boast a big tactile bump, creating an exhilarating typing feel, accompanied by a snappy sound profile. The Polaris Purple also offers a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, both switches have their unique qualities, so it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style.
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