Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Gateron Type L
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Type L switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Everglide Aqua King (V3) and Gateron Type L are two linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Aqua King (V3) is praised for its frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. Categorized as 'Subdued', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Silky', and 'Polished', this switch provides a magical typing experience for users. On the other hand, the Gateron Type L, a component of Sillyworks' "Project Rehash," offers a light and easy-to-press experience with a unique sound signature leaning towards the deeper end of the acoustic spectrum. With categories like 'Neutral', 'Subdued', 'Feathery', and 'Easy-to-press', the Type L presents a different typing feel compared to the Aqua King. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This material is especially beneficial for switches with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for vibrant lighting effects. In contrast, the Gateron Type L utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its softer composition, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder tone compared to polycarbonate.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) also utilizes polycarbonate material, offering similar benefits as its top housing in terms of sound profile and resonance. On the other hand, the Gateron Type L features a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to the switch's overall sound and feel. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper bottom-out sound compared to the crisper sound produced by polycarbonate. The choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound quality of the switch.
In summary, the choice of housing material for switches such as the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Type L plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. While both switches may have differences in their top and bottom housing materials, the qualities of these materials ultimately affect the overall sound and feel of the switch. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound from polycarbonate or a deeper tone from nylon, understanding the unique characteristics of each housing material can help you choose the switch that best suits your preferences.
Weight
In comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch, it is clear that the Aqua King has a heavier actuation force at 46 grams compared to the Type L's lighter 38 grams. Similarly, the Aqua King also has a heavier bottom out force at 62 grams compared to the Type L's 45 grams. This means that the Aqua King provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, ideal for those who prefer a more tactile response. On the other hand, the Type L's lighter actuation and bottom out forces make it a better option for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Type L linear switches have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these two switches, it is clear that they will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the keypress feedback and actuation point. Therefore, whether you choose the Everglide Aqua King (V3) or the Gateron Type L linear switch, you can expect a consistent travel distance of 4 mm for both switches. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to other factors such as smoothness, sound, and overall typing 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 Gateron Type L comes in at $4.70 per 10 switches.
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, both the Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Type L switches are described as having a subdued sound profile. This means that they produce a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle acoustic experience compared to more audible switches. However, the actual sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard design and keycaps used, so individual results may vary but should generally be similar.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King (V3) is known for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience. This results in a smooth and effortless keystroke, akin to gliding across the keys with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Gateron Type L is characterized by its feathery and easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal force to activate the keys. This light actuation force reduces finger fatigue and provides a comfortable typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Type L linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Aqua King (V3) provides a luxurious and effortless typing experience with its creamy and polished feel, the Type L offers a light and comfortable keystroke that minimizes finger fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and sound profile, but both switches are sure to enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when choosing between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, typing experience, sound profile, and actuation force. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a typing experience that feels creamy, frictionless, and polished, then the Aqua King (V3) may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force and a typing experience that feels feathery and easy-to-press, with a sound profile that is neutral and subdued, then the Gateron Type L linear switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal typing preferences and the kind of experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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