Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Dareu Sky V3 mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, some distinct differences and similarities arise. The Aqua King (V3) is renowned for its frictionless feel, akin to gliding effortlessly on fresh ice, providing a magical typing experience. In contrast, the Sky V3 switches are praised for their neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, offering a balance between comfort and precision that caters to a wide range of typing preferences. While the Aqua King (V3) is described as 'Subdued', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Silky', and 'Polished', the Sky V3 falls under 'Neutral', 'Subdued', and 'Mild' categories. Both switches appeal to enthusiasts and professionals seeking a quality typing experience, but each offers a unique feel that may suit different preferences. 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
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Dareu Sky V3 both feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate. This results in a clear and resonant sound that is especially beneficial when using RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound that may appeal to users looking for a quieter typing experience.
While the top housings of both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Dareu Sky V3 are made of polycarbonate, providing similar sharp and crisp sound profiles, the bottom housings of the two switches differ. The Aqua King uses polycarbonate for its bottom housing, emphasizing the clear and resonant characteristics of the material. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound thanks to nylon's ability to absorb more sound. This distinction in bottom housing material can lead to varying typing experiences, with the Aqua King providing a crisper bottom-out sound and the Sky V3 offering a softer and more muted typing experience.
The choice of housing material in mechanical switches plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of typing. In the case of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Dareu Sky V3, the differences in housing materials create distinct typing experiences for users. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and crisp sound profile, the Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing emphasizes clarity and resonance, whereas the Sky V3's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch to the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, we can see that the Aqua King has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Sky V3's 40 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Aqua King is also heavier at 62 grams, while the bottom out force of the Sky V3 is unknown. This means that the Aqua King requires a bit more force to both activate a keypress and fully press it down compared to the Sky V3. In terms of weight, the Aqua King would be considered the heavier option between the two. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sky V3 may be the better choice due to its lower actuation force. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel with a bit more resistance, the Aqua King would be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users will experience a similar keypress feeling with both switches, as the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom is the same for both. Users can expect consistent results when typing or gaming with either of these switches, as the travel distance will not vary between the two options. Overall, the travel distance of 4 mm for both the Aqua King (V3) and the Sky V3 ensures a consistent and comfortable typing experience for users.
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 V3 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 V3 for $4.76.
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 is described as having a subdued sound profile, offering a dampened and subtle sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch is noted for its neutral sound signature, which falls in the moderate range and caters to a wide variety of typing preferences. Both switches provide a quieter typing experience compared to some other switches on the market, making them suitable for users who prefer a more understated sound while typing.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch is known for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless glide with minimal resistance or friction. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch is described as providing a mild typing experience, offering a gentler feel that appeals to a wide range of users. While the Aqua King (V3) presents a luxurious and refined typing sensation, the Sky V3 offers a more approachable and versatile feel for a broader audience.
Overall, both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and Dareu Sky V3 linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Aqua King (V3) provides a more luxurious and frictionless typing experience with a subdued sound profile, the Sky V3 offers a mild typing feel with a neutral sound signature that appeals to a wider audience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and typing feel, but rest assured that both options will deliver a smooth and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, consider your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you are looking for a switch that offers a frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience with a subdued sound, the Aqua King (V3) may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a mild and neutral switch with a subdued sound, the Sky V3 could be more suited to your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision.
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