Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Aqua King and the Jwick Taro. The Aqua King boasts a unique linear switch design, known for its frictionless feel that resembles gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. It offers a magical typing experience with its subdued, creamy, and polished characteristics. On the other hand, the Taro delivers a tactile switch experience with a cozy typing feel. It offers a snappy level of tactility while producing acute and crisp clacks, thanks to its neutral, buttery, and stepped attributes. Both switches have their merits, providing different typing experiences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can decide on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King and the Jwick Taro both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material provides several benefits, including creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of the polycarbonate plastic enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the keys. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Aqua King and the Taro will deliver similar results when it comes to sound quality and aesthetic appeal.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Aqua King and the Taro differ. The Aqua King utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, while the Taro incorporates nylon. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aqua King contributes to a sharper, more resonant sound profile similar to its top housing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for a consistent aesthetic appearance throughout the switch. On the other hand, the Taro's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile.
It's important to note that the qualities brought by the top and bottom housings are distinct and will impact different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a notable impact when pressing down on the keys. Conversely, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Thus, while both switches may deliver similar sound profiles due to their polycarbonate top housing, the choice of material for the bottom housing will create variations in the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Aqua King has an actuation force of 46 grams, which means it requires a relatively light touch to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the actuation force of the Taro switch is unavailable, so it is difficult to directly compare. However, the Aqua King has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is slightly lighter compared to the Taro's bottom out force of 67 grams. In terms of weight, those who prefer a lighter typing experience might lean towards the Aqua King, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing too much fatigue. On the contrary, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel might choose the Taro switch, with its heavier bottom out force. Although the actuation force of the Taro switch is unknown, it is likely to be similar to the Aqua King or even heavier. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and the desired level of force for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the more standard and 3.7 mm being slightly shallower. The difference may not seem significant, but for gamers who value quick response times, the shorter travel distance of the Taro switch may be preferable. On the other hand, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance too abrupt and instead prefer the more substantial depth offered by the Aqua King switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either responsiveness or a more substantial key press feel.
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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 linear switch and the Taro tactile switch have distinct differences in sound and feel. The Aqua King is known for its subdued sound signature, producing a dampened sound when pressed. It offers a more subtle sound profile compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Taro has a neutral sound profile, with a moderate level of sound. It is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and can be used at home or in the workplace.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King offers a creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience. It provides a smooth and buttery sensation, like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The switch minimizes resistance and offers fluid travel. The Taro, on the other hand, provides a buttery and stepped typing experience. It offers a smooth and fluid keystroke, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. However, it also has some pre-travel and/or post-travel, giving it a mild tactile feedback.
Overall, while the Aqua King and Taro have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, they both offer enjoyable typing experiences. The Aqua King provides a frictionless and smooth typing experience, while the Taro offers a buttery and stepped sensation. If you are looking for a switch with a subdued sound and a smooth feel, the Aqua King would be a good choice. If you prefer a neutral sound and a buttery feel with a mild tactile feedback, the Taro would be a suitable option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that provides a frictionless and magical typing experience, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is the perfect choice for you. With its medium bottom out force of 62 grams, you can expect your fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys, creating a delightful sensation reminiscent of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. The Aqua King also offers a subdued sound profile, producing dampened sounds when pressed, making it a suitable option for those who prefer a more subtle sound. Additionally, the Aqua King is described as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished, ensuring a smooth, refined, and polished typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a cozy and snappy typing experience, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is the way to go. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, you can expect a satisfying tactile feedback while hearing acute and crisp clacks. The Taro also has a neutral sound profile, providing a moderate sound experience suitable for various environments. Described as buttery and stepped, the Taro switch offers a smooth and fluid keystroke with a mild tactile bump, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch depends on your personal preference. If you prioritize a frictionless and magical typing experience, along with a subdued sound profile, the Aqua King is the ideal option. On the other hand, if you prefer a cozy and snappy typing experience with a moderate sound profile, along with a satisfying tactile feedback, the Taro switch would be the better choice. Consider your preferred typing feel and sound profile when making your decision. Happy typing!
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