Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offer unique and compelling experiences for typists and gamers alike. The Aqua King (V3) is celebrated for its frictionless typing feel, reminiscent of gliding across a freshly resurfaced ice rink, making each keystroke seem effortless and smooth. Users looking for a silky, polished experience will appreciate its subdued yet satisfying feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stands out with its medium-weight design and distinctive thocky sound profile, delivering a satisfying auditory and tactile experience that appeals to those who enjoy a bit more sensation with each key press. While both switches share a linear profile, they cater to different preferences, whether you favor a creamy, smooth glide or a more pronounced auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches, a pronounced contrast emerges. The Aqua King (V3) employs a polycarbonate material for both its top and bottom housings. This choice contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, resulting in a clear and resonant auditory experience when the switch is actuated. The translucency of the polycarbonate housing also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switch, particularly for users who want to utilize RGB lighting, as this material supports a vibrant pass-through of light. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie features POM (Polyoxymethylene) in both its top and bottom housings, delivering a distinctly different sound profile. The POM material produces a deeper and more muted sound, offering a unique auditory experience that diverges from the crispness typical of polycarbonate switches.
Despite their differences, both switches leverage the qualities of their respective housing materials to create distinct sound experiences based on the interaction of the top and bottom housings. In the case of the Aqua King (V3), the polycarbonate bottom housing reinforces the sharpness of the bottom-out sound while the top housing accentuates the sound released upon key release. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM bottom housing lends a unique depth to the sound when the key is bottomed out, while its top housing subtly moderates the sound during key release. This interplay suggests that users can expect different sensory feedback depending on the switches they choose, shaped significantly by the materials used in each housing.
Ultimately, while both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie serve the same mechanical function, the materials employed in their construction breed distinct profiles that will cater to varying user preferences. Those who favor a sharper, brighter sound and a more luminous aesthetic may gravitate towards the Aqua King (V3) with its polycarbonate housing, while users who prefer a muted and deeper tone may find the Sea Salt Smoothie more appealing. However, if a user seeks similar results to the Aqua King (V3) while using the Sea Salt Smoothie, they might compensate for the POM's muted qualities by adjusting their typing technique or leveraging external sound dampening solutions, enhancing the overall experience in both cases.
Weight
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches exhibit some key differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aqua King (V3) has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium-weight option that suits both typists and gamers looking for a balanced feel. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie features a slightly higher actuation force of 48 grams, which means it requires a bit more effort to register a keystroke, potentially offering a more tactile experience for users who prefer a stronger push. However, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown, preventing a direct comparison in that regard. Overall, while both switches offer a relatively similar actuation force, the Aqua King (V3) is heavier in terms of bottoming out pressure, making it the better choice for those seeking a more substantial typing experience, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie may appeal to users who prefer a slightly lighter keystroke activation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches, it becomes clear that the Aqua King (V3) offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie features a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm may seem minor, but it can significantly impact the typing experience. The Aqua King (V3), with its more traditional travel distance, may appeal to users who appreciate a deeper and more pronounced key press, providing a sense of satisfaction with each keystroke. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie’s shorter travel distance could be favored by gamers seeking quicker response times and swift key actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences: those who prefer a hearty depth may find the Aqua King (V3) more to their liking, while those who prioritize responsiveness might opt for the Sea Salt Smoothie.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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) presents a subdued auditory experience, producing a dampened sound with each keystroke. It strikes a balance where the sound is not entirely silent but maintains a more subtle profile compared to many other switches, allowing for a quieter typing experience that won't disturb those around you. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is characterized by a thocky sound profile, which implies a more pronounced auditory feedback that many typists may find satisfying. This thocky quality can provide an engaging tactile satisfaction, making typing feel more rewarding. However, it's important to remember that sound characteristics can vary based on the keyboard build and keycap choice, so personal experience may differ.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King (V3) stands out with its remarkable, frictionless typing experience. This switch combines a creamy, silky smoothness with a polished finish, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys, reminiscent of skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. Each press feels fluid, as if the keys are designed to melt into your fingertips with minimal resistance, providing a truly luxurious typing sensation. On the other hand, the details regarding the feel of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie remain unknown. This uncertainty leaves a gap where typists still seek clarification on its unique tactile qualities.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) offers a smooth, subdued typing experience characterized by remarkable frictionless motion and a silky texture, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize quiet and effortless keystrokes. The Sea Salt Smoothie, with its thocky sound profile, likely provides a more pronounced auditory feedback, appealing to typists who enjoy audible confirmation while typing. However, without explicit details on the feel of the Smoothie, a direct comparative evaluation is limited. Regardless, both switches cater to different preferences, ensuring that typists can find switching options tailored to their individual needs and styles.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. If you favor a smooth, frictionless experience with a medium actuation force, the Aqua King (V3) is likely your best bet. Its creamy, silky feel paired with a subdued sound profile makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate quiet, effortless typing, as if gliding on ice. This switch is perfect for long typing sessions or if you work in a shared environment where noise can be a concern. On the other hand, if you’re drawn to a switch that balances smoothness with a more pronounced thocky sound — and if you value a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality — then the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie could be your ideal match. While its specifics on bottom-out force remain unknown, its design promises a tactile experience that still maintains a solid linear feel. In the end, consider what you prioritize most in your typing journey: the icy smoothness and quietness of the Aqua King (V3) or the satisfying auditory feedback and reliability of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie.
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