Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Dareu Sky POM are both linear switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Aqua King (V3) is praised for its frictionless feel, akin to gliding on ice, making typing a magical experience. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM stands out for its premium quality crafted from POM material, offering a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force. While the Aqua King is described as subdued, creamy, and polished, the Sky POM is characterized as buttery, low-pitched, and silky. If you're looking for a switch that provides a seamless typing experience, the Aqua King may be the way to go. However, for those seeking a premium feel at a more accessible price point, the Sky POM could be the better option. 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
40g
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
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, while the Dareu Sky POM features a POM top housing and a nylon bottom housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when combined with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, POM housings, like the one used in the Sky POM, produce a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles between the two housing materials could lead to a different typing experience for users.
The stiffness of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housing of the Aqua King (V3) contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, impacting both the actuation and bottom-out sound. In comparison, the nylon bottom housing of the Sky POM absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile. This difference in sound could appeal to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, with some favoring the sharpness of polycarbonate while others enjoy the fuller sound from nylon.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Dareu Sky POM housing materials will come down to personal preference in sound profile. While both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their housing materials, users can expect similar high-quality results in terms of durability and performance. Whether you prefer the sharpness of polycarbonate or the depth of POM and nylon, both switches offer a tactile and satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it is evident that the Aqua King requires a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Sky POM's 40 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Aqua King is also higher at 62 grams, whereas the bottom out force of the Sky POM is unknown. This means that the Aqua King provides a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Sky POM. For those who prefer a lighter typing feel, the Sky POM may be the better option, while those who prefer a bit more resistance may lean towards the Aqua King. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Aqua King (V3) has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Sky POM, giving it a more traditional feel. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the Sky POM with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a deeper key press may lean towards the Aqua King (V3). Both switches offer a different tactile experience based on their travel distances, so users should consider their preferences before making a choice. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether a shorter or longer travel distance is desired.
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 Dareu Sky POM has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky POM for $4.98.
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 sound, producing a dampened and subtle sound signature when pressed. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched sound, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences that can be further influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) is known for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience. These qualities create a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation, akin to gliding your fingers across the keys with minimal resistance. Similarly, the Dareu Sky POM switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, providing a seamless and uniform typing experience that emphasizes smoothness and fluidity. Both switches excel in delivering a premium typing feel that minimizes any sense of friction, offering users a satisfying typing experience.
Overall, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and Dareu Sky POM linear switches stand out for their exceptional smoothness and premium quality typing experiences. While the Aqua King (V3) leans towards a more subdued sound profile and emphasizes a frictionless typing feel, the Sky POM showcases a low-pitched sound and focuses on providing a buttery smooth typing sensation. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can enjoy a high-quality typing experience that meets their specific needs. Whether you choose the Aqua King (V3) or the Sky POM, you can expect a similar level of excellence in terms of smoothness and premium feel, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a frictionless, polished, and creamy typing feel with a medium bottom out force, the Aqua King (V3) might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch crafted entirely from POM material that offers a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force with an unknown bottom out force, the Sky POM switch could be the one to try. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you value the most.
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