Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Gateron Type S
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Type S switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Type S mechanical keyboard switches, you have two excellent options to consider. The Aqua King stands out for its linear feel that quite literally feels frictionless, offering a typing experience akin to skating on freshly resurfaced ice. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S from Sillyworks' "Project Rehash" boasts a weightier keystroke with a pleasingly balanced sound signature. While both switches fall under the linear category, the Aqua King is characterized by its creamy and polished feel, while the Type S leans towards a more subdued and neutral typing experience. So, whether you prefer a silky and frictionless typing feel or a weightier keystroke with a deep acoustic experience, both switches have something unique to offer. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Nylon
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
18mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Type S, it is clear that they both prioritize sound profiles in their design. The Aqua King (V3) uses polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Type S opts for nylon in both housings, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. While polycarbonate is stiffer and more resonant, nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience through their housing materials.
One key distinction between the Aqua King (V3) and the Type S lies in their top housing materials. The Aqua King (V3) features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its translucent and clear properties, making it ideal for RGB lighting. This material contributes to the switch's sharper and more resonant sound profile. In contrast, the Type S utilizes a nylon top housing, which enhances the typing experience by creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference in housing materials shows how the choice of plastic can significantly impact the sound and feel of a mechanical switch.
When considering the impact of housing materials on a switch, it is important to note how they influence both the sound and feel of typing. While the Aqua King (V3) and the Type S may have similar housing materials for either the top or bottom, the overall typing experience will vary based on the combination of materials used. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. By understanding how each material contributes to the overall typing experience, users can choose a switch that best suits their preferences in sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Gateron Type S linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Aqua King (V3) requires 62 grams, while the Type S needs 65 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, offering a balance between a light and heavy typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the Aqua King (V3) may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, users seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Gateron Type S switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying keystroke feel due to their matching travel distances. This similarity in travel distance allows for a familiar typing experience regardless of which switch you choose to use.
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 S 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
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch offers a unique typing experience with a creamy, frictionless, and silky feel, similar to ice skating on freshly resurfaced ice. In comparison, the Gateron Type S linear switch provides a weightier keystroke with a pleasing, neutral sound signature and a 65g bottom-out weight. When it comes to sound, the Aqua King (V3) produces a subdued sound, offering a more subtle sound profile, while the Type S has a neutral sound profile leaning towards a deeper acoustic experience. The Aqua King (V3) excels in providing a smooth and buttery typing experience, thanks to factory lubrication and materials, making each keystroke effortless and fluid.
In conclusion, both switches offer unique qualities, with the Aqua King (V3) focusing on a creamy and frictionless feel, while the Type S caters to those who prefer a weightier keystroke with a pleasing sound signature. Depending on individual preferences and typing styles, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that users can enjoy a smooth and efficient typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Type S will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and weighting in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a smooth and frictionless typing experience akin to gliding across the keys effortlessly, then the Aqua King (V3) with its creamy, frictionless, and polished characteristics might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a weightier keystroke and a sound signature that strikes a pleasing balance between neutral and subdued, then the Gateron Type S might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what qualities matter most to you when selecting your ideal mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
