Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Everglide Aqua King and the Gazzew U4T are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique and contrasting features. The Aqua King, a linear switch, is best known for its incredibly smooth and frictionless feel. Typing on these switches feels like ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink, as your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys. Its typing experience is often described as magical, providing a seamless and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T, a tactile switch, offers a different kind of satisfaction. These switches have a harmonious fusion of deep, bassy 'thock' sound profile and an assertive tactile feedback. Each keystroke provides both auditory and tactile satisfaction, creating a gratifying typing experience. While the Aqua King emphasizes smoothness and a polished feel, the U4T focuses more on the tactile and auditory feedback. However, let's delve deeper into the details of each switch to better understand their unique characteristics, allowing you to make the best decision based on your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
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 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King and the Gazzew U4T have distinct differences in their housing materials, resulting in varying sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Aqua King utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound when pressing down on the switch. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T features a proprietary Gazzew blend for both its top and bottom housing, often referred to as "boba plastic." This unique blend delivers a deep and rich sound profile due to its softness. When pressing the U4T switch, the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound upon key release.
Despite their differences, both the Aqua King and the U4T aim to provide exceptional sound profiles through the use of specially chosen housing materials. While the Aqua King's polycarbonate housing emphasizes a sharp, high-pitched sound, the U4T's Gazzew blend housing achieves a deep and rich sound. Although the specific characteristics may differ, both switches aim to deliver excellent auditory experiences that cater to the preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Furthermore, both switches offer the advantage of transparency in their respective top housings, allowing for the incorporation of stunning RGB lighting effects if desired.
In terms of tactile feedback, the top and bottom housing materials play crucial roles in the overall switch experience. With the Aqua King, the bottom housing's stiffness contributes to a clearer and more resonant bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the U4T's bottom housing, featuring the proprietary Gazzew blend, delivers a unique tactile response that is softer compared to the Aqua King's bottom housing. On the other hand, the impact of the top housing becomes noticeable when releasing a key, with the Aqua King's polycarbonate top housing and the U4T's Gazzew blend top housing providing distinct sound characteristics upon key release.
In summary, the Everglide Aqua King and the Gazzew U4T utilize different housing materials to create their unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Aqua King's polycarbonate housing emphasizes sharpness and clarity, while the U4T's Gazzew blend housing provides a deep and rich sound. Despite their differences, both switches strive to offer exceptional auditory experiences tailored to the preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Additionally, the impact of the top and bottom housings on the switch's sound and feel varies, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and the top housing impacting the sound upon key release.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, there are similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Aqua King has an actuation force of 46 grams, which is not provided for the U4T. Both switches have a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. This allows for less fatigue and improved endurance. The Aqua King, with its lower actuation force, would be a suitable choice for these users.
On the other hand, some users prefer a more substantial push feel and enjoy the feedback of a heavier switch. This provides a satisfying typing experience and a sense of solidity. For these users, the Aqua King's slightly higher bottom out force compared to the U4T may be more appealing.
In terms of actuation force, it is unclear what the exact measurement is for the U4T. However, since both switches have a bottom out force of 62 grams, users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and resistance when fully depressing the keys.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King offers a lighter actuation force compared to the Gazzew U4T, which may be preferable for those seeking prolonged typing sessions. However, both switches share the same medium bottom out force, providing a similar typing experience in terms of keypress feel and resistance.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that they will provide a similar tactile experience when typing. The switch's travel distance is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom, creating the sensation you feel when pressing down on a key. In this case, both switches offer the same travel distance, ensuring consistent feedback and similar results for users.
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 U4T 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 Everglide Aqua King and the Gazzew U4T offer distinct profiles. The Aqua King is known for its subdued sound, producing a dampened and subtle sound signature when pressed. It is not completely silent, but it offers a more gentle and refined sound compared to most switches. On the other hand, the U4T provides a bassy thock sound profile. Each keypress on the U4T results in a deeper and richer sound, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the U4T is characterized by a thocky sound, producing a deep, satisfying "thud" or "knock" when pressed and released. It is important to note that the sound of a switch will also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King and the U4T also offer different experiences. The Aqua King is described as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished. These switches provide a smooth and buttery typing experience, with a silky sensation as your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys. The Aqua King offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The switch provides a fluid travel, ensuring a polished and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T is known for its sharp tactile feedback. It embodies a high feedback intensity, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Everglide Aqua King and the Gazzew U4T offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua King provides a frictionless and magical typing experience, accompanied by a subdued and refined sound. On the other hand, the U4T offers a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, providing auditory and tactile satisfaction with its bassy thock sound and strong tactile feedback. While these switches differ in their characteristics, both can deliver an exceptional typing experience depending on the preferences of the user. If you prefer a smoother and quieter experience, the Aqua King is a great choice. If you seek a more tactile and satisfying typing experience, the U4T will deliver results.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you prioritize a smooth and frictionless typing experience, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is the perfect choice for you. With its creamy, frictionless, and silky feel, typing on Aqua Kings feels like effortlessly gliding on a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink. On the other hand, if you value a satisfying auditory and tactile experience, then the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is the way to go. The U4Ts offer a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, providing a bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback that gives you immense satisfaction with each keystroke. Ultimately, your decision will also depend on sound preferences. The Aqua Kings produce a more subdued sound, while the U4Ts offer a deeper and richer sound profile characterized by bass tones and thockiness. Consider these factors and choose the switch that best aligns with your preferences and typing style.
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