Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two notable options to consider are the Everglide Aqua King and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear. The Aqua King is renowned for its frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding on a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink. This linear switch provides a typing experience that is both subdued and creamy, offering a silky and polished sensation to your fingertips. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear linear switches boast a smooth and high-pitched typing experience. With a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, these switches allow for maximum customization of RGB lighting. The lightly lubed POM stem ensures minimal friction and a satisfyingly buttery and mild keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make the best decision on which switch is right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear both utilize polycarbonate in their top housings. This material choice leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, due to the translucency of polycarbonate, it is particularly beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results from the top housing of both switches in terms of sound quality and aesthetics when using RGB lighting.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Aqua King stands out with its polycarbonate material, while the WS Aurora Clear features UHWMPE. Polycarbonate offers a stiffer plastic, contributing to a clearer and more resonant sound profile. On the other hand, UHWMPE is a newer material for switch housings, offering a very bright sound signature and resonant clacks when typing. This suggests that the bottom-out sound and feel of the Aqua King may differ from that of the WS Aurora Clear, with the former emphasizing clarity and resonance, and the latter providing a bright and distinctive typing experience.
It's important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch can impact different aspects of its overall performance. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more prominent, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while both the Aqua King and WS Aurora Clear share the benefits of polycarbonate in their respective top housings, their differing bottom housings may lead to variations in the overall sound and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Aqua King has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the WS Aurora Clear's 53 grams. This means that the Aqua King requires less force to trigger a keystroke. However, the Aqua King has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams compared to the WS Aurora Clear's 63.5 grams. This indicates that the Aqua King provides a slightly more substantial typing experience when pressing down fully on the keys.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Aqua King may be a better choice as it requires less force for actuation. This can be beneficial for prolonged typing sessions or when using the keyboard for work purposes. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear's slightly heavier actuation force may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel during typing. This can provide a more satisfying and substantial typing experience.
In terms of weight, the Aqua King is the lighter option, which may be advantageous for individuals who prioritize longer typing periods. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear is the heavier option, which can be beneficial for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the choice between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Aqua King has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered the more traditional option. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes it a preferred choice for gamers who prioritize faster response times. However, for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the Aqua King with its longer travel distance may be the better option. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user. Both switches should provide reliable performance, but with slight differences in the travel distance that can cater to different typing or gaming styles.
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 Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear comes in at $8.00 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 linear switch offers a more subdued experience. This means that the sound produced when pressing the keys is dampened and not overly loud. It provides a more subtle and gentle sound profile compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch produces a high-pitched sound. This results in a sharp and crisp sound when the keys are pressed. If you prefer a less rich and bassy sound, the higher-pitched WS Aurora Clear switch would be a suitable choice. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Aqua King switch is described with a variety of descriptors including creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished. This indicates that the switch offers an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. It minimizes any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. This creates a magical typing experience reminiscent of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switch is described as buttery, mild, and polished. These qualities imply a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. The WS Aurora Clear switch falls within a safe middle-ground zone, offering a more gentle typing experience that most users would find approachable.
Overall, both the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch excel in providing smooth and pleasant typing experiences. While the Aqua King offers a more subdued sound, the WS Aurora Clear produces a high-pitched sound. In terms of feel, both switches offer creamy, polished, and smooth experiences. Their subjective qualities may differ slightly, but if you're seeking a smooth and effortless typing experience, both options will provide similar results. Your ultimate choice may depend on your sound preference and the level of gentleness you desire in typing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you prioritize a frictionless and magical typing experience, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is an excellent choice for you. With a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, these switches offer a creamy, frictionless, and silky typing feel. You can expect a smooth and buttery sensation as your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys. The Aqua King switches also produce a subdued sound, providing a more subtle and dampened typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch is the way to go. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches offer a buttery and polished feel. The transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing allow for beautiful RGB lighting effects. The WS Aurora Clear switches produce a sharp and crisp high-pitched sound when pressed, providing a different sound profile compared to most switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear depends on your preference for typing feel and sound. If you prioritize a frictionless and silky typing experience with a subdued sound, go for the Aqua King. If you prefer a smooth and high-pitched typing feel with customizable RGB lighting and a crisp sound profile, opt for the WS Aurora Clear. Both switches provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
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