Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Dareu Snow mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Aqua King (V3) is praised for its frictionless feel, akin to gliding on freshly resurfaced ice, making typing a truly magical experience. On the other hand, the Snow switch sets itself apart with its innovative use of POK material, resulting in a deeper sound signature and a smooth linear feel. While the Aqua King (V3) is categorized as 'Subdued', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Silky', and 'Polished', the Snow switch is described as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bouncy'. Both switches have their merits, but when choosing between the two, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
POK
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Dareu Snow, it is evident that they both prioritize sound quality and durability. The Aqua King (V3) uses polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow utilizes POK for its top housing and nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a smoother and clackier sound profile. While the Aqua King (V3) boasts a more resonant sound due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, the Snow's POK material offers exceptional durability and wear resistance.
Despite their differences, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The polycarbonate top housing of the Aqua King (V3) allows for RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic element to the switch. In contrast, the Snow's POK top housing contributes to the switch's smooth and clacky feel, enhancing the typing experience. While the Aqua King (V3) emphasizes a clear and crisp sound profile, the Snow prioritizes durability and shock resistance, making it a reliable option for long-term use.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Dareu Snow comes down to personal preference and priorities. If sound quality and RGB lighting are essential factors, the Aqua King (V3) with its polycarbonate housing may be the better option. However, if durability and a smooth typing experience are top priorities, the Snow's POK and nylon housing combination may be more appealing. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different needs, ensuring that users can find a suitable option based on their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, it is evident that both switches fall within the medium range in terms of actuation and bottom out force. The Aqua King (V3) has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Snow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. Despite the slight differences in force, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of the pressure required for keystrokes. For those who prefer a lighter typing feel, the Aqua King (V3) may be the preferable choice, as it has a lower actuation force. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a slightly heavier push feel may opt for the Snow, which has a higher actuation force. Overall, both switches provide a comfortable typing experience and cater to different preferences based on weight preferences.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Dareu Snow has a shorter travel distance compared to the Aqua King. The shorter travel distance of the Dareu Snow may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Aqua King's longer travel distance might provide a more pronounced keystroke for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing or gaming needs of the user. Regardless of the difference in travel distance, both switches will offer a smooth and enjoyable typing or gaming experience.
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 Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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 offers a subdued typing experience, creating a dampened sound when pressed. In contrast, the Dareu Snow linear switch provides a thocky sound profile, offering a deep and satisfying tone with each keystroke. The Aqua King brings a more subtle and understated sound, while the Snow switch delivers a richer and more resonant acoustics. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's build and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) is renowned for its creamy and frictionless typing experience, akin to gliding across the keys with ease. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch offers a bouncy sensation, providing a spring-like feedback and lively key response. The Aqua King switch emphasizes smoothness and effortless keystrokes, while the Snow switch focuses on a sense of rebound and elasticity. Both switches aim to enhance the overall typing sensation, albeit in different ways.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua King provides a subdued sound and a creamy, frictionless typing feel, while the Snow switch delivers a thocky sound and a bouncy, responsive key action. Depending on personal preference and typing style, users can choose between a more subdued and smooth experience with the Aqua King or a deeper and more dynamic feel with the Snow switch. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences and typing needs, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers and experienced users alike.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, consider the unique characteristics of each. If you prioritize a frictionless and silky typing experience with a medium bottom out force, then the Aqua King (V3) may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper sound signature and a bouncy, spring-like feedback sensation, along with a medium bottom out force, then the Snow switch could be the perfect fit for your typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your desired typing feel and sound profile, ensuring that you have a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience with your chosen keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
