Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer unique advantages are the Everglide Aqua King and the Wuque Studio WS Onion. The Aqua King, a linear switch, is best known for its frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. With a typing experience that feels smooth and polished, it offers a magical sensation. On the other hand, the WS Onion, also a linear switch, stands out for its buttery smooth keystrokes and deeply satisfying feel. Made with a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, these switches provide a crisp and responsive experience, accompanied by a neutral sound profile. Both switches have their own distinctive qualities, making them appealing choices for different preferences. However, to truly determine which switch suits you best, let's delve deeper into their characteristics.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King and the Wuque Studio WS Onion both use polycarbonate for their top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those seeking a more clear and resonant sound experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a great choice for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows for effective illumination. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either the Aqua King or the WS Onion.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Aqua King and the WS Onion differ in their material choices. The Aqua King features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the WS Onion utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the firmer and stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aqua King contributes to a clear and resonant sound during bottom-out.
Overall, the differences in housing materials contribute to the overall sound experience of these switches. The Aqua King, with its polycarbonate top and bottom housings, offers a sharper and crisper sound when both pressing down and releasing a key. On the other hand, the WS Onion's combination of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings creates a deeper and fuller sound, particularly during the bottom-out action. Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King and the Wuque Studio WS Onion will depend on the user's preference for sound characteristics and aesthetic needs.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Aqua King requires 46 grams, while the exact force for the WS Onion is unknown. However, both switches fall within the medium range, which means they provide a relatively light and effortless typing experience.
When it comes to bottom out force, the Aqua King requires 62 grams, whereas the WS Onion has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy. This means that when pressing the keys fully and reaching the bottom, the WS Onion offers a slightly more substantial and tactile feel compared to the Aqua King.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer the Aqua King as it is lighter. This lighter weight allows for extended typing sessions, which is ideal for those who use their keyboard extensively for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a stronger and more substantial typing experience may opt for the WS Onion due to its heavier bottom out force.
In conclusion, although the actuation forces of these switches are similar, with the WS Onion having an unknown value, the Aqua King is slightly lighter with a lower bottom out force. However, both switches offer a medium actuation force, ensuring a comfortable typing experience. The decision between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing feel for the user.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel. Therefore, both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance you feel when pressing the keys.
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 Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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 Aqua King and WS Onion linear switches differ in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua King switches have a subdued sound profile, offering a dampened and subtle sound when pressed. On the other hand, the WS Onion switches have a neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes them suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and can be used at home or work. It's important to note that the sound produced by these switches is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King switches are described as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished. They offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, as if gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The WS Onion switches, on the other hand, are described as buttery and polished. They provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation.
Based on the available information, both switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience. They both have a polished finish, reduced friction, and smooth key travel. While the specific qualities mentioned may differ, the overall subjective experience of using these switches will likely result in similar results. Both switches aim to provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience for users.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it ultimately depends on your specific preferences and needs. The Aqua King offers a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a magical typing experience with its frictionless and gliding feel. It has a subdued sound profile, making it suitable for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Onion has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, offering a buttery smooth keystroke feel and a crisp, responsive typing experience. It has a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for various purposes and skill levels. Both switches have polished finishes, resulting in smooth and refined typing experiences. Overall, if you prioritize a particularly frictionless and gliding feel, the Aqua King may be the better choice for you. However, if you value a slightly heavier keystroke and a more versatile sound profile, the WS Onion could be the more suitable option.
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