Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are a myriad of options available to suit different preferences and typing styles. Two popular options worth considering are the Everglide Aqua King and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear. The Aqua King is renowned for its frictionless feel, resembling the sensation of gracefully gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. With its subdued, creamy, and silky typing experience, it creates a truly magical encounter. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear from Wuque Studio offers a unique and elevated office and work experience. These switches boast ingeniously designed stem railings with discreet cutouts, resulting in reduced switch noise and exceptional responsiveness. Unlike traditional silent switches that incorporate silicone dampeners, the WS Silent Linear switches offer a distinct typing experience devoid of the usual cushioned sensation. With a blend of tranquility and precision, they deliver a muted, yet satisfying bottom-out. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities and explore the specific characteristics of each switch, so you can make the best decision based on your personal preferences and requirements.
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
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear have different housing materials for both their top and bottom housings. The Aqua King utilizes a polycarbonate material for both its top and bottom housing, while the WS Silent Linear uses a nylon material for both its top and bottom housing. The difference in housing materials results in distinct sound profiles for each switch.
The polycarbonate housing of the Aqua King contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, allowing for clearer and more resonant sounds. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for better light transmission. On the other hand, the nylon housing of the WS Silent Linear creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While there are differences in the sound profiles produced by the top and bottom housings of each switch, the overall feel of pressing the switch will be influenced by the bottom housing, while the sound when releasing a key will be influenced by the top housing. Therefore, the choice of housing material for both switches will impact the tactile experience and sound when using the keyboard.
In terms of similarities, both switches utilize either polycarbonate or nylon for their top and bottom housings. This means that they share certain qualities such as sturdiness and durability. Additionally, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different sound profiles. So, while the specific sound characteristics may differ, users of both the Aqua King and the WS Silent Linear can expect reliable and long-lasting housing materials that contribute to their overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, it is clear that they have different characteristics. The Aqua King has an actuation force of 46 grams, while the WS Silent Linear's actuation force is not provided. However, both switches have a medium level of actuation force, which means they require a moderate amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke.
In terms of bottom out force, the Aqua King has a slightly lighter force of 62 grams, while the WS Silent Linear has a slightly heavier force of 63.5 grams. This means that when using the Aqua King, typing or gaming sessions may feel slightly lighter, allowing for longer periods of comfortable usage. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear provides a more substantial typing experience due to its slightly heavier bottom out force, which could be preferred by those who enjoy a stronger push feel while typing.
Both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring a balanced typing experience that is neither too light nor too heavy. For individuals who prioritize weight and prefer a lighter switch, the Aqua King might be the suitable choice. Those seeking a more substantial and heavier typing experience may find the WS Silent Linear to be a better fit. Overall, the choice between these switches depends on personal preferences and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King linear switch and Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch have different travel distances. The Aqua King has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Silent Linear has a travel distance of 3.5 mm.
The Aqua King's travel distance of 4 mm falls within the more traditional range, offering a standard depth that many users are accustomed to. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear's travel distance of 3.5 mm is slightly shorter, making it a preferred choice for gamers who prioritize faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker actuation, which can be advantageous in gaming scenarios.
However, it's important to note that personal preferences vary. While a shorter travel distance may be preferred by some for its responsiveness, others may find it too abrupt or lacking in depth. In such cases, the Aqua King's longer travel distance might be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences and the desired typing or gaming 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 Silent Linear comes in at $4.20 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 is described as offering a subdued sound. This means that while it is not completely silent, it produces a more dampened and subtle sound compared to most other switches. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear offers a neutral sound profile with muted characteristics. These switches are designed to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, resulting in a softer and quieter sound. Both switches provide a quieter typing experience, but the WS Silent Linear switches are specifically engineered to reduce switch noise through their ingeniously designed stem railings and cutouts.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Aqua King is renowned for its frictionless and silky typing experience. It feels as if you're effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys, with minimal resistance or friction. This unique feel is comparable to ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear provides a more mild and gentle typing experience. It falls within a safe middle-ground zone, offering a typing feel that is approachable to most. While the Aqua King provides an extraordinarily smooth and effortless keystroke, the WS Silent Linear aims for a more subtle and comfortable typing feel.
Based on the available information, both switches offer unique and desirable qualities. The Aqua King provides a truly frictionless and silky typing experience, while the WS Silent Linear focuses on delivering tranquility and precision through its reduced noise and gentle typing feel. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with a slightly dampened sound and a more subdued switch, you can opt for the Aqua King. On the other hand, if you value a versatile switch that strikes a balance between sound and feel, the WS Silent Linear is a great choice. Despite their differences, both switches aim to enhance your typing experience in their own distinct ways.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a frictionless and magical typing experience, then the Everglide Aqua King linear switch would be the perfect choice for you. With a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, these switches offer a smooth and effortless typing experience, reminiscent of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink. The Aqua Kings allow your fingers to glide effortlessly, creating a seamless and enjoyable typing feel.
On the other hand, if you value a blend of tranquility and precision in your office or work environment, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch is the way to go. These switches feature ingeniously designed stem railings with discreet cutouts, which reduce switch noise while maintaining unparalleled responsiveness. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, the WS Silent Linear switches offer a gentle and enjoyable typing experience that is devoid of the usual cushioned sensation.
In terms of sound, the Aqua King switch provides a subdued sound that is more subtle compared to most switches. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a softer and quieter sound, thanks to its muted characteristic.
As for the feel, the Aqua King switch offers a creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience, with smooth and effortless key travel. The WS Silent Linear switch, on the other hand, provides a mild and gentle typing experience that is approachable to most.
Ultimately, when choosing between the Everglide Aqua King and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches, consider the typing experience and environment you desire. If you want a frictionless and magical feel, go for the Aqua King. If you prioritize tranquility and precision in an office or work setting, the WS Silent Linear is the way to go.
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