Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Aqua King and the Gazzew U4. The Aqua King is a linear switch that is best known for its incredibly smooth typing experience. With a frictionless feel that is reminiscent of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink, these switches provide a truly magical typing experience. On the other hand, the U4 is a tactile switch that offers a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump when typing. What sets it apart is the unexpectedly plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation it provides. Additionally, the U4 switches have a whisper-quiet sound profile, adding a touch of subtlety to your typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King and the Gazzew U4 differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Aqua King utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, allowing for a clearer and more resonant sound profile. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts. In contrast, the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. While polycarbonate offers a more vibrant and precise sound, the Gazzew blend provides a more mellow and immersive auditory experience.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Aqua King and U4 also differ in their material composition and resulting sound profiles. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aqua King contributes to its sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the bottom-out sound and overall key feel. On the other hand, the Gazzew blend bottom housing of the U4, being softer, brings a unique depth and richness to the sound profile. This "boba plastic" blend results in a more cushioned and gentle bottom-out sound, providing a distinct tactile experience for keyboard enthusiasts.
When examining the overall performance of these switches, it is important to consider the impact of each housing material. The different properties of the top and bottom housings divide the qualities between the actuation and release of the keys. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing's characteristics dominate, influencing the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback. Conversely, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, although the Everglide Aqua King and Gazzew U4 may have contrasting housing materials and resulting sound profiles, they both offer unique auditory experiences that keyboard enthusiasts may appreciate in their own distinct ways.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, we find that both switches have the same bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that when fully pressed, both switches provide a similar level of resistance. However, when it comes to actuation force, the Aqua King requires slightly more force with 46 grams, compared to the U4's 43 grams. This means that the Aqua King will provide a slightly stronger push feel before registering a keystroke.
Considering the weight, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the U4 tactile switch, as it requires slightly less force for actuation. This can be advantageous for prolonged typing sessions and gaming marathons. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Aqua King, as its slightly higher actuation force provides a stronger and more pronounced tactile feedback.
In terms of weight, both switches fall within the medium range, with the Aqua King and U4 having bottom out forces of 62 grams, indicating a balanced level of resistance. Therefore, for users who desire a similar typing experience in terms of weight, both the Aqua King and U4 will deliver comparable results.
In summary, while the Everglide Aqua King linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force, requiring 46 grams compared to the Gazzew U4 tactile switch's 43 grams, both switches provide a similar bottom out force of 62 grams. The choice between them ultimately depends on individual preferences, with the Aqua King offering a slightly stronger push feel, and the U4 providing a slightly lighter typing experience for extended usage.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. While both switches provide a satisfactory travel distance for typing or gaming, there are differences to consider. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize quick and precise keystrokes, the Gazzew U4 with its shorter travel distance may be the better option. However, for those who prefer a more substantial and deeper feeling when pressing down on a key, the Everglide Aqua King with its longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and desired typing 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 Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50 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, the Aqua King is best described as producing a subdued sound when pressed. It's not completely silent, but it offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the U4 is known for its muted sound profile, which means it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. Additionally, the U4 has a low-pitched sound, giving it a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be affected by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. However, both switches can provide a relatively quiet typing experience, with the Aqua King being more subdued and the U4 having a muted and low-pitched sound.
When it comes to feel, the Aqua King is often described as offering a creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience. These switches are known for their smooth and effortless keystrokes, with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. It feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, as they effortlessly melt into each keystroke. On the other hand, the U4 is known for its sharp tactile bump, providing a high feedback intensity. Each keypress with the U4 gives a distinct and crisp tactile bump, offering a satisfying typing experience. The U4 also provides an unexpectedly plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, further enhancing the overall typing feel. In terms of feel, the Aqua King focuses on smoothness and minimal resistance, while the U4 offers a prominent and sharp tactile bump.
Considering the available information, the Aqua King linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua King provides a more subdued sound and offers a frictionless and smooth typing experience. It allows your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys, creating a magical feel. Contrastingly, the U4 offers a muted sound profile with a distinct and sharp tactile bump. Typing on the U4 provides an exhilarating feedback intensity and a plush bottom-out sensation. Both switches can provide a relatively quiet typing experience, with the Aqua King being more subtle and the U4 offering a softer and quieter sound. In terms of feel, the Aqua King focuses on smoothness and minimal resistance, while the U4 emphasizes a strong tactile bump. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, deciding between the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch ultimately comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire. If you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force of 62 grams and a typing feel that is smooth and frictionless, reminiscent of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink, then the Aqua King is the way to go. On the other hand, if you're seeking a switch with the same bottom out force but with a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, along with an unexpectedly plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation, then the U4 is the better choice for you. When it comes to sound, the Aqua King offers a subdued sound, whereas the U4 provides a muted and low-pitched sound profile, minimizing noise and delivering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. In terms of feel, the Aqua King offers a creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience, while the U4 provides a sharp and crisp tactile feedback with each keypress. Consider the characteristics that resonate with you and align with your preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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