Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Everglide Aqua King and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear are both mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Aqua King is a linear switch that is best known for its frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding on a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink. It provides a magical typing experience and falls under the categories of being subdued, creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear is also a linear switch but stands out for its innovative design. It features a semi-silent label, with a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. This switch offers a silky smooth type feel without being overly polished. Its categorized as subdued, neutral, mild, snappy, buttery, and polished. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and advantages. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches share a common feature - their polycarbonate top housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting to shine through beautifully. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and lighting effects from both the Aqua King and the Semi-Silent Linear switches.
However, where these two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Aqua King features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Semi-Silent Linear utilizes a nylon bottom housing. The Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to the overall sound profile when a key is bottomed out. With its stiffer nature, the polycarbonate creates a more impactful and distinct bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear's nylon bottom housing offers a different experience. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. As a result, typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon housing creates a duller and rounder sound, which differs from the sharper and crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aqua King.
Overall, while the Everglide Aqua King and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches share the same polycarbonate top housing, they differ in their bottom housing materials. The Aqua King utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a consistent sound profile throughout the keystroke. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear combines the polycarbonate top housing with a nylon bottom housing, providing users with a unique typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing affects the sound when releasing a key, while the nylon bottom housing influences the sound and feel when bottoming out a key. Therefore, users can choose between these switches based on their preference for a sharper and crisper sound (Aqua King) or a deeper and fuller sound (Semi-Silent Linear).
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences. The actuation force of the Aqua King is 46 grams, whereas the actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear is unavailable, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium.
Considering the weight of the switches, the Aqua King provides a slightly lighter typing experience with its actuation force of 46 grams. This lighter actuation force may appeal to individuals who prefer a keyboard that allows for longer periods of typing, such as for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear's actuation force is unknown, so it is challenging to determine its weight in comparison. However, since both switches have the same bottom out force of 62 grams, it could be inferred that they may provide a similar level of resistance when pressing the keys all the way down.
Overall, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may lean towards the Aqua King, as its actuation force is known to be 46 grams. However, for individuals who value a lighter typing experience and prolonged use, the Semi-Silent Linear, despite its unknown actuation force, could potentially provide similar results due to the shared bottom out force of 62 grams.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Aqua King falls into the category of a more traditional travel distance, while the Semi-Silent Linear offers a slightly shallower depth. The difference may seem minimal, but for gamers looking for faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Semi-Silent Linear may be preferred. It provides a more responsive feel and allows for quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, those who enjoy a deeper and more substantial feel when typing or gaming may opt for the Aqua King with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the individual.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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
The Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel.
In terms of sound, both switches are described as subdued, meaning they produce a dampened sound when pressed. However, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is also described as neutral, indicating that it has a moderate sound profile. This means that while it is not completely silent, it offers a more subtle and moderate sound compared to most switches. The Aqua King switch, on the other hand, is not specifically described as neutral, but it does offer a more subdued sound signature. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also vary based on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King switch offers a variety of descriptors such as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished. These descriptors suggest that the Aqua King switch provides a smooth and buttery typing experience, with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. It is like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The Semi-Silent Linear switch, on the other hand, is described as mild, snappy, buttery, and polished. These descriptors indicate that the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with pronounced characteristics. It provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a responsive and uniform typing sensation.
Overall, the Aqua King and Semi-Silent Linear switches have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua King switch provides a more frictionless and gliding typing experience, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a more mild and gentle typing experience. However, both switches offer smooth and polished typing experiences, minimizing resistance and providing effortless key travel. While they may have different sound profiles, they both have a subdued quality. Therefore, if you prefer a smooth and polished typing experience, you can expect similar results from both switches, but with slight variations in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force of 62 grams and a typing feel that is akin to ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink, then the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is the way to go. This switch offers a frictionless and magical typing experience that will make your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys. While it may not be completely silent, it produces a more subdued sound compared to most switches.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that combines a whisper-quiet topping-out sound with a clacky bottom-out sound, while still maintaining a silky smooth typing feel, then the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch is the perfect choice. With its semi-silent label, this switch offers an innovative and unique typing experience. It has a middle-ground zone sound profile, making it suitable for various environments such as home or work.
Ultimately, both switches provide a smooth and refined typing experience. The Aqua King offers a frictionless and buttery feel, while the Semi-Silent Linear offers a mild and snappy feel. Consider your personal preferences when it comes to typing feel and sound, and choose the switch that aligns with your desired typing experience. Whether you prefer the icy glide of the Aqua King or the innovative semi-silent experience of the Semi-Silent Linear, both switches are sure to enhance your typing enjoyment.
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