Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB present distinct yet appealing options tailored to different preferences. The Aqua King (V3), a linear switch, offers a remarkably frictionless typing experience akin to gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. Its subdued, creamy feel is perfect for those who enjoy a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke without tactile bumps or audible feedback. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its deep “thock” sound upon bottoming out and a pronounced tactile bump that provides a more interactive typing experience. This switch combines a refined auditory profile with the luxury of tactile feedback, catering to users who appreciate a more engaged and responsive touch. Each switch has its unique charm: the Aqua King (V3) excels in pure speed and ease of use, while the U4Tx RGB offers a satisfying blend of sound and feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
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
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 Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, a primary distinction lies in the materials used for their respective top and bottom housings. The Aqua King (V3) is constructed from polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, which results in a sharp, clear, and resonant sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature enhances the crispness of the keystrokes, producing a strikingly higher-pitched sound that appeals to many enthusiasts looking for an auditory cue while typing. Its translucence also makes it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting, allowing vibrant colors to shine through and contribute to an aesthetic appeal that enhances the overall user experience.
In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB utilizes a proprietary "boba plastic" blend for both its top and bottom housings, which is characterized by its softness. This results in a notably richer and deeper sound profile, providing a more subdued and velvety auditory experience. The difference in material softness leads to a sound that is less crisp than that of the Aqua King, favoring a more muted and potentially softer response when typing. While the Gazzew U4Tx RGB may not produce the same sharpness in sound, the unique properties of the boba plastic create a distinct tactile feedback that some users may find appealing.
Essentially, the contrasting materials yield different sound profiles and tactile sensations during use. Although the Aqua King (V3) aims for a clearer and more pronounced sound through the application of polycarbonate, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB favors a deeper, more textured sound profile through its innovative blend of materials. Both switches cater to different preferences, and depending on individual taste, users may gravitate toward one or the other. Regardless of the differences, some users might still achieve satisfying results by pairing the Gazzew’s unique sound profile with suitable keyboard layouts and acoustic dampening techniques, presenting a versatile choice for typists and gamers alike.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aqua King (V3) features a specific actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium force switch that provides a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB offers an unspecified actuation force, but it has a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This means that the U4Tx RGB switch may feel more substantial when pressed down, appealing to users who prefer a stronger typing experience. Since the actuation force for the U4Tx RGB isn't defined, we can’t compare it directly with the Aqua King. However, given its heavier bottom out force, it's likely that the U4Tx RGB overall will feel heavier in use. Therefore, for those who appreciate a lighter switch, the Aqua King (V3) is the better option, while the U4Tx RGB suits those who prefer a bit more resistance during typing.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered traditional and offers a more pronounced keypress feel, often appreciated by users who prefer a satisfying depth in their typing experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to those who favor faster response times, particularly in gaming scenarios. While the Aqua King provides a bit more travel for a hearty depth, the U4Tx offers a more responsive feel suited for quick keystrokes. Ultimately, if you prefer a deeper keypress, the Aqua King is the ideal choice, whereas the U4Tx is better for users seeking swift actuation and a quicker 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 U4Tx RGB 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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) is characterized as having a subdued auditory profile. This means that while it is not entirely silent, it produces a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle audio experience compared to many other switches on the market. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB lacks a specific sound description in available sources, making it difficult to directly compare its acoustic qualities. It’s worth noting that the sound profile of both switches can be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard build, keycap material, and overall assembly.
Regarding feel, the Aqua King (V3) stands out for its creamy, frictionless characteristics. Described as offering a silky, polished typing experience, the Aqua Kings allow fingers to glide effortlessly over the keys, reminiscent of skating on smooth ice. This unique blend of smoothness and minimal resistance provides a nearly effortless keystroke. On the other hand, the feel of the Gazzew U4Tx RGB is underscored by a tactile bump, which adds a luxurious tactile sensation upon actuation. However, the specific tactile quality of the U4Tx RGB is not detailed in the available information, making it challenging to quantify the overall typing experience in comparison to the Aqua King.
In summary, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) presents a highly refined and smooth typing experience with its subdued sound, creamy feel, and frictionless travel, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB offers a tactile experience with an undefined sound profile. While Aqua King users can expect a seamless glide and muted acoustics, potential U4Tx users will appreciate the luxury of tactile feedback, though the potential for sound characteristics remains unknown. Ultimately, choosing between these switches comes down to personal preference in the tactile response and the requisite auditory experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, your preferences and typing style will ultimately guide your choice. If you prioritize a smooth, frictionless typing experience that feels exceptionally light and effortless, the Aqua King (V3) is likely your best option. Its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, combined with its creamy and silky feel, creates a delightful sensation reminiscent of gliding on ice, making it ideal for fast typists or those who enjoy a quick and fluid keystroke without any tactile interruption. On the other hand, if you seek a more tactile feedback with a deeper sound profile and don't mind a slightly heavier actuation force, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB will be more suitable. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams and a pronounced tactile bump, it offers a luxurious typing experience that many enthusiasts appreciate for its satisfying "thock" sound and refined feel. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value fluidity or tactile feedback more in your everyday typing or gaming experiences.
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