Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Smoothie both stand out for their unique features. The Aqua King (V3) is praised for its frictionless feel, akin to gliding on freshly resurfaced ice, providing a magical typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie boasts an all-POM construction that offers a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch. While the Aqua King (V3) is described as 'Subdued', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Silky', and 'Polished', the Smoothie is characterized as 'Buttery', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Subdued', and 'Silky'. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Smoothie, we can see that the Aqua King uses polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, while the Smoothie utilizes POM for both. Both the polycarbonate and POM materials offer unique sound profiles, with polycarbonate providing a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while POM creates a deeper and more muted sound. This difference in sound profiles can significantly impact the typing experience for users of these switches.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Aqua King and Smoothie switches differ, they both have their own advantages. The polycarbonate top housing of the Aqua King allows for clear and resonant sound profiles, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Smoothie provides a unique and pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper side. These differences in sound profiles offer users the option to choose a switch based on their preference for either a sharper, crisper sound or a more muted and deep sound.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Smoothie, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Whether a user prefers the sharper, higher-pitched sound of polycarbonate or the deeper, more muted sound of POM, both switches provide a unique typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and whether RGB lighting compatibility is a priority.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is evident that there are some differences between the two. The Aqua King (V3) has a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Smoothie's 40 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Aqua King (V3) is 62 grams, while the bottom out force of the Smoothie is unknown. This means that the Aqua King (V3) requires a bit more force to fully press the key all the way down. The actuation force of both switches is relatively close, but the bottom out force of the Aqua King (V3) is higher, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit of resistance. On the other hand, the Smoothie may offer a lighter typing experience due to its lower actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Smoothie has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Aqua King. The Aqua King falls on the more traditional side with its 4 mm travel distance, while the Smoothie is on the shallower end with 3.6 mm. Gamers looking for faster response times may lean towards the Smoothie due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may favor the Aqua King. However, both switches offer similar results in terms of mechanism functionality despite the slight difference in travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 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 Smoothie for $2.60.
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, providing a dampened and subtle sound signature when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is described as thocky, producing a deep and satisfying sound with a low-pitched tone. Both switches aim to offer a pleasant typing experience, with the Aqua King (V3) leaning towards a quieter typing experience compared to the Gateron Smoothie.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch is praised for its creamy and frictionless typing experience, reminiscent of gliding on ice skates due to its smooth and effortless travel. The Gateron Smoothie linear switch is also known for offering a buttery and silky typing sensation, providing a seamless and uniform keystroke experience. Both switches prioritize smoothness and ease of typing, making them suitable options for those who prioritize tactile comfort during long typing sessions.
Overall, both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Smoothie linear switches offer exceptional typing experiences with their focus on smoothness and comfort. While the Aqua King (V3) leans towards a quieter sound and emphasizes a frictionless typing feel, the Gateron Smoothie provides a deeper and more satisfying sound experience along with a buttery typing sensation. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can expect similar results in terms of typing comfort and performance with either of these premium linear switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider the differences in bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a typing experience that feels almost frictionless and similar to ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink, then the Aqua King (V3) might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with an unknown bottom out force that offers a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch, the Gateron Smoothie could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of typing feel, sound, and bottom out force.
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