Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Aqua King and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile are two popular options that cater to different preferences. The Aqua King switch is known for its smooth and frictionless feel, resembling the sensation of gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. With a categorization of being subdued, creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished, the Aqua King offers a magical typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch from Wuque Studio boasts a profound and pronounced tactile bump, accompanied by a satisfying resistance of 70g. It provides an engaging and immersive journey for typists and produces a captivating sound profile with its nylon housing contributing to a resonant "thocky" resonance. Categorized as accented, bouncy, clacky, high-pitched, invigorating, resonant, sharp, and snappy, the WS Heavy Tactile is a tactile switch that delivers both tactile satisfaction and auditory feedback. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile have different housing materials for both the top and bottom of the switch. The Aqua King utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, while the WS Heavy Tactile features a nylon top and bottom housing.
In terms of sound profile, the Aqua King's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which allows for a clearer and resonant sound. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Aesthetically speaking, the polycarbonate housing of the Aqua King is translucent, making it ideal for users who plan to use RGB lighting. The transparency of polycarbonate allows for a vibrant display of colors. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon housing does not offer the same translucency and visual effects.
When it comes to the tactile feel, the impact of the housing materials differs. The Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. Conversely, the top housing, whether polycarbonate or nylon, plays a more significant role in the sound produced when a key is released.
Overall, while the Aqua King and the WS Heavy Tactile may produce similar results in terms of their housing materials, they differ in sound profile, visual aesthetics, and the specific impact of the housing materials on the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Aqua King has a medium actuation force of 46 grams, which means it requires a moderate amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the WS Heavy Tactile switch is unavailable, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Aqua King has a higher bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that when pressing the key all the way down, it requires a bit more force compared to the WS Heavy Tactile, which has a lower bottom out force of 45 grams.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter typing experience might lean towards the Aqua King, as its actuation force is moderate and the bottom out force is slightly higher. This lighter feel can be beneficial for those who type for extended periods or indulge in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger, more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the WS Heavy Tactile, as it has a lower bottom out force. This heavier force provides a more pronounced push feel during typing.
It is worth noting that since the actuation force of the WS Heavy Tactile is unknown, it is difficult to determine whether it is comparable to the Aqua King or if it falls into a lighter or heavier category. However, based on the available information, the Aqua King can be considered the lighter option, while the WS Heavy Tactile leans towards the heavier side in terms of force required. Ultimately, personal preference and typing style will play a significant role in choosing between these switches.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch have different travel distances. The Aqua King has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is a more traditional and deeper option. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. The shorter travel distance of the WS Heavy Tactile can be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. However, for those who prefer a more substantial and deeper feel when pressing down on a key, the Aqua King with its longer travel distance would be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 Heavy Tactile comes in at $3.50 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
The Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch both offer unique and distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel.
Starting with sound, the Aqua King is described as having a subdued sound. While not completely silent, it offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile is described as clacky, high-pitched, and resonant. It produces a sharp and snappy sound, with a clean and sharp sound profile. These switches also have a "thocky" resonance, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.
Moving on to feel, the Aqua King is known for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience. These switches offer a smooth and buttery sensation, with an effortless and fluid key travel. They minimize resistance and friction, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile is described as accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy. These switches provide a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. They offer pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel.
Taking all the available information into account, it is clear that the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch have distinct subjective qualities. The Aqua King offers a frictionless and silky typing experience, with a subdued sound. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile provides a pronounced tactile bump, with a clacky and resonant sound profile. While both switches offer unique qualities, it is important to consider personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its frictionless and polished feel, typing on these switches feels like gliding your fingers across the keys. Although they offer a more subdued sound profile, they still provide a satisfying auditory feedback.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile typing experience with a lighter bottom out force, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch would be a better fit. These switches offer a pronounced tactile bump and a satisfying resistance with each keystroke. They also have a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, which adds a crisp and percussive element to your typing experience.
Ultimately, the decision between the Everglide Aqua King and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches depends on your preferred typing feel and sound. If you prioritize smoothness and a more subdued sound, go for the Aqua King. If you prefer a pronounced tactile bump and a clacky sound, go for the WS Heavy Tactile. Consider your personal preferences and typing style to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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