Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves drawn to the unique characteristics of each option. The Everglide Aqua King (V3) stands out for its frictionless typing experience, reminiscent of gliding on freshly resurfaced ice; it offers a subdued and creamy feel that many users appreciate for its comfortable, polished feedback. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl brings its own innovation to the table with its incorporation of ball-bearings, which further reduce friction during keystrokes, resulting in a smooth and surreal typing experience accompanied by a medium-high pitched sound signature. While both switches fall under the linear category and promise a seamless typing journey, they cater to different preferences: the Aqua King caters to those who enjoy a soft, silky sensation, while the WS Pearl appeals to users seeking an ultra-smooth experience enhanced by distinctive acoustics. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl exemplify distinct approaches to housing materials in switch design, with the Aqua King utilizing polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, while the WS Pearl employs nylon for the same purpose. The polycarbonate top housing of the Aqua King creates a sharper, more resonant auditory profile, beneficial for users who prefer a crisper sound when typing. Its rigidity contributes to this higher-pitched sound, making it a preferred choice for those who value clarity, especially when RGB lighting is involved, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances lighting effects. In contrast, the WS Pearl's nylon top housing produces a deeper, fuller sound, reflecting the material's ability to absorb sound waves due to its softer nature. This results in a rounder auditory experience, appealing to users who favor a more mellow typing feel.
The bottom housing of each switch further distinguishes the two models. The Aqua King’s polycarbonate bottom housing again emphasizes a sharp and crisp sound, reinforcing the auditory characteristics already established by its top housing. This means that users can expect a consistent high-frequency sound experience throughout their typing, with a pronounced impact when bottoming out the keys. Conversely, the WS Pearl's nylon bottom housing contributes to an overall reading of sound that is more muted and softer, characterized by an absorbent quality that dampens high frequencies. Thus, the bottom-out sound from the Pearl provides a rounder acoustic impression, in stark contrast to the clear and resonant sound of the Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing.
Both switches offer unique sound profiles influenced by their materials, which can cater to different preferences among typists. Users seeking an intricate blend of high-pitch clarity may gravitate towards the Aqua King (V3), while those valuing depth and warmth may prefer the WS Pearl. Notably, both switches will yield superior tactile feedback due to their quality constructions, ensuring a satisfying typing experience that can feel equally responsive, despite the contrasting acoustic profiles. Ultimately, if a user appreciates the tonal qualities of each housing, they might find a balance in performance that delivers distinct sounds aligned with their typing style, even in the harmonious differences presented by the polycarbonate and nylon materials.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, we can see notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aqua King (V3) features a heavier actuation force of 46 grams compared to the lighter 30 grams of the WS Pearl. This means that typists who prefer a stronger push feel may favor the Aqua King (V3) for a more substantial typing experience, while those who opt for a lighter touch might find the WS Pearl more comfortable for extended use. In terms of bottom out force, the Aqua King (V3) also has a slightly higher measurement at 62 grams compared to the WS Pearl's 58 grams. Although both switches sit within the medium range for bottom out force, the Aqua King's higher values indicate it might produce a firmer feel when reaching the end of a keypress. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter option, the WS Pearl is the clear choice, while the Aqua King (V3) caters to those who prefer a heavier keystroke experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Aqua King measuring 4 mm and the WS Pearl at 3.5 mm. This means that the Aqua King offers a longer travel distance, ideal for users who appreciate a more pronounced depth when typing or gaming. Such a depth may provide a more satisfying tactile experience for some users, as it avoids the abruptness that can be associated with shorter switches. On the other hand, the WS Pearl, with its shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, caters to gamers and users who prefer quicker response times for fast-paced tasks. Opting for the Pearl could enhance speed and efficiency, though it might feel too abrupt for those who favor the traditional feel of longer switches. Thus, your choice between the two should depend on your preference for responsiveness versus depth in your typing experience.
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 Pearl comes in at $6.00 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
The sound profile of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) is characterized as subdued, providing a dampened auditory experience that is not completely silent but offers a subtle sound signature compared to many other keyboard switches. This makes it an excellent choice for those who seek a quieter typing environment without sacrificing a tactile response. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Wuque Studio WS Pearl remain unspecified; however, it’s crucial to note that sound can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used. Therefore, while the Aqua King offers a more defined auditory profile, the WS Pearl's sound may vary significantly, leaving an element of uncertainty about its acoustic properties.
When it comes to feel, the Aqua King (V3) excels with descriptors such as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished, which all point to an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. The typing feel is akin to gliding on a freshly resurfaced ice rink, making it a delightful choice for those who prioritize a fluid keystroke. In contrast, the WS Pearl's unique design incorporates ball-bearings aimed at reducing friction during keystrokes, promising a surreally smooth experience as well. While the specific tactile qualities of the WS Pearl are not detailed, its engineering suggests a focus on smooth performance, potentially aligning it closely with the Aqua King's renowned feel.
In summary, both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch promise an impressively smooth typing experience, although their sound profiles differ, with the Aqua King being more subdued and the WS Pearl’s sound characteristics remaining unknown. The Aqua King is celebrated for its buttery, frictionless, and polished feel, while the WS Pearl’s ball-bearing mechanism hints at a similarly smooth interaction. Ultimately, both switches cater to the typing enthusiast seeking comfort and glide, though the Aqua King provides a clearer sense of sound and tactile nuances.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a typing experience that feels exceptionally smooth, fluid, and effortless, the Aqua King (V3) is an excellent choice. Its frictionless nature, along with a creamy and polished feel, mimics the sensation of gliding over a perfectly smooth surface, which is ideal for long typing sessions or gaming where quick, responsive movements are key. On the other hand, if you are looking for a unique and surreal typing experience with a touch of medium-high pitched sound, then the WS Pearl may be more appealing. Its innovative ball-bearing design reduces friction even further, adding a distinct tactile quality to your keystrokes while providing a satisfying auditory feedback. Both switches offer a medium actuation force, but the subtle differences in feel and sound might sway your decision depending on whether you prioritize an ultra-smooth glide or a more engaging tactile experience. Ultimately, you can't go wrong with either switch, but aligning your choice with how you like to type can greatly enhance your overall experience.
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