Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) stand out as exceptional choices for discerning users. The Aqua King (V3) is renowned for its frictionless feel, akin to gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. Its typing experience is described as subdued, creamy, silky, and polished. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a unique clacky and resonant typing experience, thanks to its factory lube job that enhances smoothness. Categorized as clacky, resonant, silky, and high-pitched, the Strawberry Wine switch provides a different tactile sensation from the Aqua King. When choosing between these two switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
52g
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
Nylon
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), we see a clear distinction in the top housing material used. The Aqua King (V3) features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) utilizes a POM top housing, producing a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles highlights the different acoustic qualities that each material brings to the keyboard switch.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Aqua King (V3) once again uses polycarbonate, which results in a similarly sharp and clear sound profile as seen in the top housing. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) employs a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This difference in bottom housing material once again contributes to the distinct sound profiles of these two keyboard switches, catering to different preferences in typing experience.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) leads to distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. While the Aqua King (V3) offers a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate housings, the Strawberry Wine (V2) provides a deeper and more muted sound with its POM and nylon housings. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience, offering unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it is evident that the Aqua King has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Strawberry Wine's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aqua King requires 62 grams, while the Strawberry Wine only needs 50 grams. This makes the Strawberry Wine a lighter option overall. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Strawberry Wine would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, the Aqua King would be more suitable for individuals who prefer a slightly heavier push for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it is evident that the Aqua King has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Strawberry Wine has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Aqua King's 4.0 mm travel distance offers a more traditional key press feel, providing a deeper and more substantial keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine's 3.4 mm travel distance is shallower, appealing to those who prefer a quicker and more responsive typing experience, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference, with the Aqua King offering a longer travel distance and the Strawberry Wine providing a shorter and potentially faster key press.
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 Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.
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, producing a dampened sound that is not completely silent but more subtle compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch is known for its clacky and resonant sound, providing a sharp, snappy, and higher-pitched auditory experience. The Aqua King will give you a quieter typing session, while the Strawberry Wine will offer a more vibrant and percussive sound profile, making each keystroke more pronounced.
Moving on to the feel, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch is all about delivering a frictionless typing experience that feels like gliding over a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink. It offers a creamy and silky sensation, thanks to its smooth and effortless key travel. The Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch, on the other hand, is also described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In terms of feel, both switches offer a polished and refined typing experience that minimizes friction and enhances overall smoothness.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switches offer unique subjective qualities that cater to different preferences. The Aqua King excels in providing a quieter and ultra-smooth typing experience, while the Strawberry Wine stands out for its clacky and resonant sound profile that complements its silky feel. Depending on whether you prefer a subdued and frictionless typing feel or a clacky and resonant sound experience, you can choose between these two exceptional linear switches to enhance your typing enjoyment.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, you should consider your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a typing experience that feels frictionless like ice skating, then the Aqua King (V3) would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a clacky and resonant sound profile with a silky smooth typing experience, then the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch would be the perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches boils down to your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose based on what suits your typing style best.
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