Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, your choice can significantly influence your typing experience, with options like the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Weightlessness standing out for distinct reasons. The Aqua King (V3) offers a frictionless, creamy sensation akin to gliding on ice, allowing for smooth and effortless keystrokes that appeal to those who prioritize a sleek and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness presents a tactile feel that strikes a balance, delivering a subtle yet satisfying feedback that many typists appreciate for enhancing precision without being overly pronounced. While the Aqua King caters to users seeking a serene and fluid experience, the Weightlessness provides a more engaging touch that can help prevent typographical errors. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Weightlessness exhibit distinct differences in their housing materials that significantly impact their sound profiles and overall user experience. The Aqua King (V3) utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, a material known for its stiffness and transparency. This quality contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound that resonates more clearly during typing. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness features nylon for both the top and bottom housings, which results in a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound waves, yielding a rounder audio experience that is markedly different from the crisper tones produced by the Aqua King (V3).
The variation in housing materials between these two switches not only affects the auditory qualities but also influences the tactile feedback during use. The Aqua King's polycarbonate top housing will accentuate the sound when releasing the key, while its bottom housing will deliver a pronounced bottom-out sound due to the stiffness of the material. Conversely, the nylon in the Weightlessness allows for more sound absorption, making the entire typing experience feel more muted, particularly when the key is bottomed out and released. This contrast means that users seeking a clearer and more resonant feedback may gravitate toward the Aqua King, whereas those preferring a cushioned typing experience may opt for the Gateron Weightlessness.
Despite these differences, both switches ultimately provide a fulfilling typing experience, albeit through varied auditory sensations and tactile responses. Users who prioritize RGB lighting may find the Aqua King (V3) advantageous due to its transparent polycarbonate housings. On the other hand, for individuals who prefer a softer and more forgiving keystroke experience, the Gateron Weightlessness stands out due to its resilient nylon construction. Ultimately, both switches achieve unique results, each celebrating the characteristics of their respective materials while catering to different typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we find that the Aqua King features an actuation force of 46 grams, while the Weightlessness has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the Aqua King is the lighter option, which might appeal to those who prefer a switch that requires less force to actuate, allowing for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the Weightlessness’s bottom out force remains unknown, while the Aqua King's bottom out force is rated at 62 grams. This known bottom out force indicates a firmer feel when the key is fully pressed, which could be desirable for users who appreciate a substantial typing experience. In summary, the Aqua King is the lighter switch with a defined bottom out force, while the Weightlessness offers a heavier actuation without information on its bottom out force, potentially appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the Aqua King (V3) features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Weightlessness has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference reflects a preference among users; gamers might lean towards the Weightlessness for its quicker response time due to the reduced travel distance, which can enhance performance during fast-paced gaming. On the other hand, the Aqua King’s longer 4 mm travel distance provides a more substantial feel when pressing keys, catering to those who appreciate depth in their typing experience. Ultimately, while the Aqua King offers a more traditional and hearty response, the Weightlessness is better suited for users seeking a more immediate action with less key travel.
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 Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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) presents a subdued auditory experience. When pressed, these switches produce a dampened sound, making them quieter than many other mechanical switches without being completely silent. This sound quality allows for a more subtle typing environment, which can be particularly beneficial in shared spaces. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switches have an unknown sound profile, which means that the nuances of their sound characteristics are not clearly defined. However, it’s important to remember that the overall acoustic experience can also depend on other factors such as the keyboard build and the keycaps used.
When considering the feel of the switches, the Aqua King (V3) excels with its exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. Descriptors such as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished all accentuate the ease of movement on these switches, allowing fingers to glide and create a delightful typing sensation, akin to ice skating on freshly resurfaced ice. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches offer a subtle to moderate tactile feedback, which provides a different typing sensation without the extreme smoothness found in the Aqua Kings. This tactile feeling is designed for those who appreciate a bit of resistance and feedback during their typing, but they do not reach the levels of refinement offered by the Aqua King (V3).
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) stands out with its subdued sound and an unparalleled smooth typing feel that prioritizes ease and fluidity. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches provide a tactile experience that caters to those seeking moderate feedback, although their sound characteristics are uncertain. Together, these switches serve different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community, with the Aqua Kings delivering a frictionless, polished experience, while the Weightlessness caters to tactile enthusiasts. Choosing between the two will ultimately depend on personal typing style and sensory preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch fundamentally comes down to your personal typing preferences and the type of experience you seek from your keyboard. If you enjoy a smooth, frictionless typing experience that feels almost magical, akin to gliding over surfaces like fresh ice, the Aqua King (V3) is an excellent choice. Its 62-gram bottom-out force provides just the right amount of responsiveness, while its subdued sound profile ensures you can type quietly without a jarring click. This switch is ideal for those who prioritize a creamy and silky typing sensation, especially during long typing sessions or gaming. Conversely, if you prefer a more tactile feedback that gives you a clear sense of actuation with each keystroke, the Gateron Weightlessness is the way to go. Though it lacks specific bottom-out force metrics, its moderate tactile feel offers a balanced typing experience that enhances your control. This switch is particularly suited for those who appreciate a tactile engagement that complements a more traditional typing feel without being overly loud. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the smooth embrace of the Aqua King or the gentle touch of the Weightlessness, your choice will shape your keyboard experience in ways that cater to your typing style and preferences.
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