Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch stand out for their unique characteristics. The Aqua King (V3) is renowned for its smooth and frictionless feel, akin to gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. Its typing experience is described as subdued, creamy, and polished. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura offers a tactile experience with a snappy response and buttery downstroke, striking a delicate balance of tactility without being overwhelming. The Purple Sakura is characterized by its buttery, mild, and snappy typing feel. Both switches have their merits, offering different typing experiences for users to choose from. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and Sarokeys Purple Sakura both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that enhances sound resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. On the other hand, while the Aqua King (V3) has a polycarbonate bottom housing, the Purple Sakura features a nylon bottom housing. The nylon material of the Purple Sakura creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and producing a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of aesthetics and sound production, both the Aqua King (V3) and Purple Sakura benefit from their polycarbonate top housings, providing clear and resonant sound profiles. However, the differentiation comes with the bottom housing material. The Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing complements the top housing, maintaining a consistent sound profile throughout keypresses. In contrast, the Purple Sakura's nylon bottom housing adds a unique depth to the typing experience, offering a softer and more rounded sound compared to the Aqua King.
Overall, while the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and Sarokeys Purple Sakura share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, their differences lie in the bottom housing materials. This contrast results in subtle variations in sound profiles, with the Aqua King offering a more consistent and sharp sound, whereas the Purple Sakura provides a softer and fuller sound experience. Both switches are suited for different preferences, catering to those who prefer a crisper sound (Aqua King) or a deeper sound (Purple Sakura) during typing.
Weight
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch both have medium actuation and bottom out forces, with slight differences in weight. The Aqua King requires 46 grams to actuate and 62 grams to bottom out, while the Purple Sakura needs 50 grams to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out. This makes the Purple Sakura slightly heavier in both aspects. When considering weight, some users may prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer a heavier switch for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, both switches offer a medium force profile, providing a balance between actuation and bottom out forces for a comfortable typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, it is evident that the Aqua King has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Purple Sakura's 3.2 mm. The Aqua King offers a more traditional feel with its 4 mm travel distance, while the Purple Sakura provides a slightly shallower depth at 3.2 mm. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Purple Sakura, while those who enjoy a more satisfying key press may lean towards the Aqua King. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific feel desired for 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 Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
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. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile with a moderate level of sound. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience in terms of sound, with the Aqua King being more subdued and the Purple Sakura being more neutral.
In regard to feel, the Aqua King (V3) switch is praised for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience. This results in a smooth and effortless typing sensation, akin to gliding your fingers across the keys. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura switch offers a buttery, mild, and snappy typing experience, which is equally smooth and responsive. Both switches provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing feel, with the Aqua King focusing more on smoothness and the Purple Sakura incorporating a snappier response.
Overall, both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch offer unique and desirable qualities. While the Aqua King provides a more subdued sound and ultra-smooth typing experience, the Purple Sakura presents a neutral sound profile with a buttery and snappy feel. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, either switch can deliver a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can achieve their desired typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a subtle sound profile, the Aqua King (V3) may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a snappy and buttery tactile feedback with a mild sound signature, the Purple Sakura could be more suitable. Both switches offer a medium bottom out force, so it ultimately comes down to whether you prefer a linear or tactile typing feel. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style to enhance your overall typing experience.
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