Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Bsun Ragdoll both present compelling options for enthusiasts of linear switches. The Aqua King (V3) is celebrated for its remarkably frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding effortlessly across a freshly resurfaced ice rink. This switch promises a subdued yet smooth typing experience characterized by its creamy, polished texture. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll features a Y3 stem, which ensures smooth travel alongside a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that contributes to a distinct, clacky sound. While the Aqua King prioritizes a silky and frictionless sensation, the Ragdoll offers more tactile auditory feedback with a crisp response. Both switches cater to different preferences, whether you're seeking a luxurious and seamless typing experience or a more dynamic sound profile during use. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Bsun Ragdoll both feature unique housing materials that significantly influence their respective sound profiles and aesthetics. The Aqua King (V3) utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, a material known for its rigidity and clarity. This choice facilitates a sharper, higher-pitched sound that resonates clearly, making it particularly appealing for users who prefer a precise auditory feedback when typing. In addition, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the RGB lighting effects, allowing for a captivating visual experience that complements the sound dynamics.
In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll opts for nylon for its top and bottom housings. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, yielding a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic creates a typing experience that feels rounded and more muted, which may be preferable for users who enjoy the tactile sound of their keystrokes without the sharpness associated with polycarbonate. Aesthetically, nylon’s opaque quality does not take advantage of RGB lighting to the same extent as polycarbonate, resulting in a different visual impact.
While the materials used in the Aqua King (V3) and Ragdoll differ, the fundamental principles of sound production in switches remain constant. The interaction between the top and bottom housing of each switch ultimately shapes the overall auditory experience. Typically, the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound, while the top housing contributes to the sound heard when releasing a key. Users can achieve a range of sound profiles by carefully selecting switches based on the specific combination of housing materials, with polycarbonate delivering clarity and sharpness, and nylon offering a fuller, muted experience.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch to the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, we see some notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Aqua King (V3) has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Ragdoll is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams. This means that the Ragdoll requires a slightly lesser force to register a keystroke, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Aqua King (V3) has a heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial push feel when fully pressed down, which may appeal to those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Overall, while both switches are medium to medium-light in force, the Aqua King (V3) is the heavier option due to its higher bottom out force, offering a different tactile feedback compared to the lighter Ragdoll.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Aqua King measuring 4 mm and the Ragdoll at 3.8 mm. This makes the Aqua King the switch with the longer travel distance, while the Ragdoll offers a slightly shorter option. The difference, though subtle, may influence user experience: those who favor a more traditional, deeper feel might prefer the Aqua King for its full 4 mm travel, providing a sense of depth with each keystroke. Conversely, gamers or users seeking quicker response times may lean towards the Ragdoll, as its shorter travel distance allows for a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches largely depends on individual preference regarding travel distance, with the Aqua King catering to those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke, and the Ragdoll appealing to those who prefer a snappier, less abrupt feel.
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 Bsun Ragdoll has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ragdoll for $3.29.
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 (V3) linear switch produces a subdued auditory experience. This means that when pressed, the sound is dampened and more subtle, offering a quiet yet present sound signature compared to many other switches. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch is noted for its clacky sound due to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. While these two switches exhibit distinct auditory qualities, it is important to remember that sound perception can vary greatly depending on the choice of keyboard and keycap materials used.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Aqua King (V3) stands out with its remarkably creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished characteristics. This combination results in an extraordinarily smooth typing experience, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly over the keys without any resistance. The typing sensation is akin to gliding on a smooth surface, providing an enjoyable and seamless experience. The Ragdoll switch's feel is not explicitly detailed in the provided information, making it difficult to make a direct comparison. However, the Aqua King's luxurious typing feel sets a high standard for linear switches that many users may seek in their keyboard experience.
In summary, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch offers a more subdued sound profile and an exceptionally smooth typing feel, making it perfect for those who prioritize quiet operation and an effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch's clacky sound presents a different auditory experience, but its tactile feel remains undefined. Users seeking a smooth and frictionless typing experience will find the Aqua King (V3) compelling, while the choice between the two may ultimately depend on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a medium actuation force and are seeking an ultra-smooth typing experience that feels frictionless—akin to gliding on ice—the Aqua King (V3) is your go-to option. It's perfect for those who prioritize a quiet, subdued sound profile along with a creamy, silky feel that enhances the overall enjoyment of typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter feel with a bottom-out force of 52 grams and enjoy a more pronounced, clacky sound, the Bsun Ragdoll might be the better fit for you. This switch still offers smooth travel but may appeal to those who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback while typing, without compromising on comfort. Ultimately, consider your typing habits, whether you enjoy a more subtle auditory environment or you’re drawn to a livelier sound, as well as how much resistance you prefer from your switches. Making an informed decision based on these factors will ensure that your mechanical keyboard setup suits your unique style and enhances your overall typing experience.
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