Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HC Studio Roselle mechanical keyboard switches, both switches are linear but offer distinct characteristics. The Aqua King (V3) is celebrated for its smooth and frictionless typing experience, akin to gliding on ice. In contrast, the Roselle impresses with its inherent material blend that delivers an incredibly smooth and ethereal sensation when typing. While the Aqua King is described as 'Subdued', 'Creamy', 'Silky', and 'Polished', the Roselle is labeled as 'Bassy', 'Low-pitched', and 'Neutral'. Both switches offer unique benefits, but exploring further beyond these generalities will help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your preferences.
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
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HC Studio Roselle, it is clear that the Aqua King (V3) utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, crisper sound profile with a higher pitch. This material is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound. On the other hand, the Roselle employs POM for both the top and bottom housings, creating a sound profile that is deeper and relatively more muted. While both materials offer unique sound characteristics, the polycarbonate in the Aqua King (V3) produces a more distinct and vibrant sound compared to the POM in the Roselle.
When looking at the top housing specifically, the Aqua King (V3)'s polycarbonate top housing allows for a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a clear and resonant profile. This material is also ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Roselle's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound profile. The differences in sound output between polycarbonate and POM can greatly affect the overall typing experience, with the Aqua King (V3) providing a more lively and dynamic sound compared to the Roselle.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Aqua King (V3) and the Roselle showcase the unique characteristics of their respective housing materials. The polycarbonate bottom housing in the Aqua King (V3) contributes to its sharper and crisper sound profile, while the POM bottom housing in the Roselle creates a more pleasing and muted sound. These differences in sound profile between the top and bottom housings highlight the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing experience and sound quality of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch both fall under the category of medium actuation force switches. The Aqua King requires a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Roselle's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aqua King is on the heavier side with 62 grams while the Roselle is on the lighter side with 52 grams. This means that the Aqua King provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Roselle offers a lighter typing experience that may be more comfortable for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Overall, the Everglide Aqua King is the heavier option, while the HC Studio Roselle is the lighter option with a slightly lower actuation force and bottom out force. Users looking for a medium actuation force switch with a heavier feel may prefer the Aqua King, while those looking for a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Roselle.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HC Studio Roselle linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Aqua King offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a balance between depth and responsiveness, making it a good choice for those who prefer a standard key press feel. On the other hand, the Roselle offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of key press feel and responsiveness. Both switches offer different travel distances, with the Aqua King being the longer option and the Roselle being the shorter option.
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 HC Studio Roselle has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Roselle for $4.70.
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 typing experience that produces a dampened sound when pressed, creating a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is characterized by a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, giving a deeper and richer tone during key presses. The Roselle also has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound experiences, with the Aqua King providing a more subdued sound and the Roselle offering a deeper and richer tone.
Moving on to feel, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) switch is renowned for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience, allowing for effortless keystrokes and smooth key travel. Similarly, the HC Studio Roselle switch is also described as frictionless, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Additionally, the Roselle is considered mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Both switches excel in providing a smooth and refined typing feel, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience for users.
In conclusion, both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and HC Studio Roselle linear switches offer exceptional qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Aqua King provides a subdued sound and a creamy, frictionless typing feel, the Roselle offers a bassy sound profile and a mild, frictionless typing experience. Overall, users can expect a premium typing experience with either of these switches, as they both prioritize smoothness and ease of use in their design. Whether you choose the Aqua King or Roselle, you can be assured of a high-quality mechanical keyboard switch that will enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a typing experience that feels like ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink, the Aqua King (V3) linear switch with its creamy, frictionless feel is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers an impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy sensation with a subtle, low-pitched sound signature, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch would be a better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a buttery smooth typing experience (Aqua King) or a uniquely smooth and low-pitched sound profile (Roselle). Both switches offer their own distinct advantages, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences.
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