Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, both linear switches. The Aqua King (V3) is praised for its frictionless feel, akin to gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. With descriptors like 'subdued', 'creamy', and 'silky', this switch offers a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver stands out for its all-POM construction, short travel distance for quick actuation, and unique thocky sound. These switches are known for their unparalleled smoothness and feather-light touch. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Smoothie Silver both utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom components. The Aqua King (V3) features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. While the Aqua King (V3) emphasizes clarity and resonance in its sound profile with the polycarbonate material, the Smoothie Silver leans towards a more pleasing and unique sound with its POM material.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) continues to utilize polycarbonate, emphasizing a clear and resonant sound profile with a stiffer plastic material. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver opts for a POM bottom housing, which contributes to a pleasing and unique sound that is deeper and more muted. The choice of housing material for the bottom component can significantly impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, influencing the overall typing experience for users.
While the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Smoothie Silver differ in their housing materials, both switches aim to provide an enhanced typing experience with their unique sound profiles. Whether it's the sharp and crisp sound of polycarbonate in the Aqua King (V3) or the deep and muted sound of POM in the Smoothie Silver, users can expect a distinct auditory experience with each switch. Despite their differences, both switches prioritize sound quality and seek to offer a satisfying typing experience for enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Aqua King requires slightly more force to actuate with 46 grams compared to the Smoothie Silver's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Aqua King is heavier at 62 grams, while the Smoothie Silver's bottom out force remains unknown. This means that the Aqua King provides a more consistent typing experience with a firmer bottom out feel, whereas the Smoothie Silver's typing experience may vary depending on the force required to bottom out. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Aqua King has a longer travel distance compared to the Smoothie Silver, making it more suitable for those who prefer a deeper key press. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver has a shorter travel distance, making it a better option for those who prefer quicker response times, such as gamers. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their travel distances, so choosing between the two would depend on individual preferences for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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
The Aqua King (V3) linear switch offers a subdued sound when pressed, providing a dampened and subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for a thocky sound, which is characterized by a deep and satisfying noise. When it comes to feel, the Aqua King (V3) switch is noted for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience. This means that users can expect a smooth and buttery sensation with minimal resistance and effortless key presses. In comparison, the feel of the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch is not specified, but given that it is an all-POM switch with a short travel distance, users can likely expect a light and smooth typing experience. In conclusion, while the Aqua King (V3) and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches may have different sound profiles, both switches offer a smooth and enjoyable typing experience with minimal resistance, making them ideal choices for enthusiasts seeking a premium mechanical keyboard switch. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience and sound. If you prefer a frictionless, creamy, or polished typing feel with a subdued sound, the Aqua King (V3) may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a thocky sound and a feather-light touch with lightning-fast actuation, the Smoothie Silver could be the perfect fit for your typing needs. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific qualities that you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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