Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between different options, each offering its own unique tactile experience. The Everglide Aqua King (V3) switch, known for its frictionless, creamy feel, provides a typing experience that can be likened to gliding effortlessly across a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink. This linear switch is ideal for those who prefer a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, making it an excellent choice for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash is a Hall Effect switch that combines vibrant aesthetics with a bright, clacky sound profile, offering a rewarding auditory feedback that many users find satisfying. The silky smoothness of the WS Dash makes it enjoyable for both casual and competitive settings, particularly for gamers who appreciate tactile confirmation with each press. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Aqua King emphasizes a subdued, polished feel for a seamless experience, while the WS Dash adds a lively soundscape to keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Wuque Studio WS Dash, a notable similarity is present in the choice of material for their top housing—both utilize polycarbonate. This commonality leads to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is crisp and clear, enhancing the auditory experience of the switches. The relative stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to this resonance, allowing for improved clarity in sound output. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate serves a dual purpose; not only does it allow for vibrant RGB lighting effects, making the switches aesthetically appealing, but it also ensures that the full effect of the lighting can be seen, providing a cohesive visual and auditory experience for users who favor illuminated setups.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the Aqua King (V3) and the WS Dash differ significantly, with the former using polycarbonate and the latter opting for nylon. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aqua King (V3) aligns in sound characteristics with the top, producing a brighter and more resonant sound. However, the nylon bottom housing of the WS Dash introduces a distinct auditory signature, creating a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon enables it to absorb more sound, leading to a rounder and less piercing sound compared to its polycarbonate counterpart. This contrast in materials results in a switch experience that varies significantly between the two models, affecting not just the sound but also the tactile feedback on key presses.
Ultimately, the differences and similarities in housing materials yield distinct yet complementary results between these two switches. Both the Aqua King (V3) and WS Dash achieve a harmonious sound profile through their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing, enhancing brightness and clarity for the user's auditory experience when pressing keys. However, while the Aqua King maintains a consistent sound profile through its homogenous use of polycarbonate, the WS Dash's unique nylon bottom housing lends it a versatility that appeals to users seeking a more subdued and fuller sound. Thus, while the top housings may align in characteristics, the overall switch experience is nuanced and tailored through the variance in bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces stand out. The Aqua King (V3) requires an actuation force of 46 grams and reaches a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the WS Dash is lighter, with an actuation force of just 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, placing it in the medium-light range. This means that users of the WS Dash might enjoy longer typing sessions with less finger fatigue due to the lighter actuation force, while those who prefer a more substantial feel may gravitate towards the Aqua King (V3) for its heavier resistance. Overall, the Aqua King (V3) offers a more resilient typing experience, whereas the WS Dash caters to those seeking lighter keypresses.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, the Aqua King (V3) features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Dash has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Aqua King (V3) the longer option, offering a more substantial feel during key presses, which can be preferable for users who enjoy a deeper and more tactile typing experience. Conversely, the WS Dash's shorter 3.5 mm travel distance caters to those who prioritize faster response times, particularly gamers who seek quicker keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference: the Aqua King (V3) would suit those who appreciate a more pronounced depth, while the WS Dash would appeal to users favoring a more responsive touch.
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 Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
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
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a subdued sound profile, producing a dampened effect that is softer compared to many other mechanical switches. This nuanced sound signature makes it less intrusive, ideal for environments that require quieter operation. On the other hand, the specific sound profile of the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch is less documented; however, it is expected to offer a bright and clacky sound. As sound can heavily depend on the keyboard build, choice of materials like keycaps, and the resolution of the board, therefore, users should consider these factors for both switches, recognizing that while the Aqua King keeps things subtle, the WS Dash may lean towards a more pronounced auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King (V3) stands out with its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished characteristics. Each keystroke feels smooth and effortless, allowing fingers to glide across the keys seamlessly. This luxurious typing experience is akin to ice skating on a freshly prepared rink, making it supremely enjoyable for long typing sessions. Conversely, while the tactile sensations of the WS Dash are not explicitly detailed in available resources, users can generally expect a high level of smoothness given it utilizes Hall Effect technology, which often results in a refined typing experience. Nonetheless, the lack of specific feel descriptors for the WS Dash means that direct comparisons regarding tactile feedback cannot be made.
In conclusion, both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Wuque Studio WS Dash offer unique typing experiences, yet their qualities diverge in terms of sound and the feel. The Aqua King excels in a quiet and luxuriously smooth typing experience, perfect for those who value subtlety, while the WS Dash focuses on a potentially more vibrant auditory signature, although its tactile sensations remain less defined. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding sound and the importance placed on the tactile experience, with both options promising high-quality performance tailored to different user needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch ultimately boils down to your specific typing preferences and desired experience. If you're seeking a typing experience that is exceptionally smooth, creamy, and frictionless, you’ll want to lean towards the Aqua King (V3). Its 62-gram bottom-out force provides a satisfying medium resistance, ideal for those who enjoy a steadier feel while typing. This switch produces a subdued sound, making it a great option for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more responsive and lighter feel, the WS Dash, with its 55-gram bottom-out force, might be the switch for you. The WS Dash provides a clackier sound signature along with the refined smoothness innate to hall effect switches, catering wonderfully to those who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback with their keystrokes. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you prioritize a seamless and quieter typing experience with the Aqua King (V3) or a lively and more pronounced sound with the WS Dash.
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