Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Aqua King and the Gazzew U4Tx are two popular options to consider. The Aqua King is a linear switch, while the U4Tx is a tactile switch. The Aqua King is known for its frictionless feel, as if you are effortlessly gliding your fingers on ice. It offers a magical typing experience with a subdued, creamy, and silky feel. On the other hand, the U4Tx switches marry the best of both worlds, providing a cleaner and refined sound profile. Typing on them delivers a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out, along with a whisper-quiet topping out sound. The U4Tx switches offer a satisfying tactile bump, ensuring a luxurious typing experience. Categorized as bassy, muted, and sharp, they create an acoustically pleasing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Partial box
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 Korean spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King and the Gazzew U4Tx differ in their housing materials, which ultimately affects their sound profiles. The Aqua King features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic material resonates more clearly, resulting in a vibrant and defined sound when pressing down on the switch. In addition, its translucency makes it ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housing, sometimes referred to as "boba plastic." This blend imbues the switch with a rich and deep sound due to its softness. When bottoming out a key, the U4Tx's bottom housing takes center stage, providing a noticeable impact on the overall sound and tactile feel.
While the Aqua King and the Gazzew U4Tx have different housing materials, they both excel in delivering distinct sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Aqua King produces a striking and clear sound when releasing a key, making it a suitable choice for those seeking an audible feedback. Similarly, the proprietary Gazzew blend top housing of the U4Tx contributes to a deep and resonant sound that adds a sense of richness to typing. Despite their differences, both switches demonstrate an ability to enhance the auditory experience associated with keyboard usage.
The impact of housing materials on switch performance is further demonstrated when analyzing the bottom housings. In the Aqua King, the polycarbonate bottom housing plays a significant role in shaping the bottom-out sound and feel. Its stiffer nature lends a clear and defined tactile feedback when pressing down on a key, heightening the overall typing experience. Conversely, the Gazzew U4Tx's bottom housing, made from the proprietary Gazzew blend, contributes to a more prominent impact on the sound and feel when bottoming out a key. The softness of this boba plastic blend results in a cushioned and satisfying sensation, augmenting the overall comfort of typing. Therefore, while their bottom housings differ, both switches offer unique qualities that enhance the bottom-out experience 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 U4Tx tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Aqua King has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, placing it in the medium range. On the other hand, the U4Tx unfortunately has an unknown actuation force, but its bottom out force is 65 grams, making it medium-heavy.
Considering weight is important for multiple reasons. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Aqua King's actuation and bottom out forces provide a manageable and comfortable typing experience. This is particularly useful for extended periods of typing, such as in a work setting or for long gaming sessions. However, for those seeking a more substantial and solid typing experience, the U4Tx offers a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This can provide a stronger push feel, resulting in a more tactile and satisfying typing experience.
Although the actuation force of the U4Tx is unknown, it is worth mentioning that if it is comparable to that of the Aqua King, both switches may offer similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes. However, it is safe to conclude that the Aqua King is the lighter option of the two, given its lower bottom out force of 62 grams, while the U4Tx is the heavier option with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on an individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Aqua King the longer switch in terms of travel distance. Both switches still fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with 4 mm being more common and 3.6 mm being slightly shallower. However, in recent times, shorter travel distances have gained popularity, especially among gamers who prefer faster response times. If you are looking for a more responsive typing experience, the shorter travel distance of the U4Tx may be a better choice. On the other hand, some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer a deeper key press. In such cases, the Aqua King with its longer travel distance might be more suitable. Overall, the choice between these switches depends on personal preferences for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
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 U4Tx 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 switch is best described as having a subdued sound. Although it is not completely silent, it offers a more subtle and dampened sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switch is characterized by a bassy sound profile, which provides a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Additionally, the U4Tx switch also has a muted characteristic that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps you choose, so it's essential to consider these aspects for a comprehensive understanding of the sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Aqua King switch is renowned for its smooth and effortless typing experience. It is commonly described as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished. These characteristics result in a typing sensation akin to ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink, where your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switch provides a sharp tactile bump with each and every keypress. This intensity of feedback gives a distinct and satisfying tactile experience.
Considering all the available information, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch offers a typing experience characterized by a frictionless feel and a subdued sound. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch combines the refined sound profile of a deep "thock" when bottoming out with the quietness of a whisper when topping out, providing a luxurious typing experience. While they have different qualities, it is worth noting that both switches offer a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience. If you are looking for a smoother, quieter option with minimal resistance, the Aqua King would be an excellent choice. If you prefer a switch with a pronounced tactile feedback and a refined sound profile, the Gazzew U4Tx is a great option. Overall, these switches provide unique and delightful typing experiences, both making them highly regarded choices in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and a frictionless, silky, or polished feel, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a magical typing experience, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. Additionally, the Aqua King provides a subdued sound, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a sharp tactile feel, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch is the way to go. These switches marry the best of both worlds by providing a sharp, satisfying tactile bump while also offering a cleaner, refined sound profile. The U4Tx switches produce a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out and have a whisper-quiet stealth when topping out. Ultimately, your choice between the Aqua King and the U4Tx will depend on your preference for feel and feedback intensity.
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