Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Everglide Aqua King and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile. The Aqua King is a linear switch that is best known for its frictionless feel. Typing on these switches is like ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink, with your fingers effortlessly gliding across the keys. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile is a tactile switch that strikes a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction. It offers a medium level of tactility without compromising on a quiet typing experience. Crafted with precision, these switches feature ingenious stem railings, minimizing switch sound while delivering a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can make the best decision on which switch suits your preferences.
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 Tactile differ in their housing materials, which ultimately affect their sound profiles. The Aqua King features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, while the WS Silent Tactile utilizes a nylon construction for both. The polycarbonate housing of the Aqua King creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This makes it ideal for those who prioritize a clear and resonant sound while typing. In contrast, the nylon housing of the WS Silent Tactile absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This gives the WS Silent Tactile a duller and rounder sound, which may appeal to individuals seeking a quieter and more muffled typing experience.
When considering the impact on aesthetics, both switches offer different visual effects. The Aqua King's polycarbonate housing is translucent, allowing for RGB lighting to shine through and enhance the overall look. This makes it an excellent choice for users who wish to incorporate vibrant lighting effects into their keyboard setup. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile's nylon housing does not provide the same level of translucency, thus limiting the potential for visually stunning lighting displays. However, some users may appreciate the more understated and classic appearance that the nylon housing offers.
It is worth noting that while the top and bottom housings differ between the two switches, they both serve a vital role in altering the sound profile. When depressing a key, the qualities of the bottom housing come into play, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, even though the Aqua King and WS Silent Tactile have different materials for their top and bottom housings, the overall sound experience will still be influenced by the characteristics of each respective housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, there are a few notable differences. The Aqua King has an actuation force of 46 grams, while the WS Silent Tactile's actuation force is unavailable, making it unclear whether it is lighter or heavier than the Aqua King. However, both switches have a medium actuation force overall.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Aqua King has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is slightly lighter than the WS Silent Tactile's bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This makes the Aqua King slightly less resistant for key presses that are pushed all the way down.
Considering the weight of the switches, it's evident that some individuals prefer a lighter weight for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others prefer a heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For those who prefer lighter switches, both the Aqua King and the WS Silent Tactile with their medium actuation forces would be suitable options. However, for individuals seeking a heavier typing experience, the WS Silent Tactile's medium-heavy bottom out force may provide the desired resistance. Ultimately, the preference between the Aqua King and the WS Silent Tactile will depend on an individual's specific typing preferences and desired weight for their keyboard.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Aqua King has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the WS Silent Tactile. The Aqua King's 4 mm travel distance falls in the more traditional range, while the WS Silent Tactile's 3.5 mm travel distance is slightly shallower. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, so if you prioritize responsiveness, the WS Silent Tactile may be the better option for you. However, some people find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, so if you prefer a more substantial key press, the Aqua King's longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference and the specific experience you are looking for.
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 Tactile 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 Aqua King is known for its subdued sound profile. While not completely silent, it offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile is described as having a muted sound. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, making them ideal for those looking to minimize keyboard noise.
Moving on to feel, the Aqua King is praised for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience. These switches offer an incredibly smooth and effortless feel, with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The WS Silent Tactile, on the other hand, is described as accented, invigorating, and mild. This means that these switches provide a medium level of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. They offer pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, resulting in an immersive typing sensation.
Considering all the available information, the Aqua King and the WS Silent Tactile switches provide different subjective qualities. The Aqua King offers a frictionless and smooth typing experience reminiscent of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. It has a subdued sound that is more subtle compared to other switches. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile strikes a balance between tactility and noise reduction. It offers a medium level of tactile feedback, a muted sound profile, and a snappy and reactive feel.
If you're looking for a smooth and nearly silent typing experience, the Aqua King would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a tactile switch that reduces noise without sacrificing feedback, the WS Silent Tactile would suit your needs. It's important to consider personal preferences, such as whether you prioritize smoothness, tactility, or noise reduction when choosing between these switches. Ultimately, both switches provide unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience depending on your requirements.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch will depend on your specific preferences and needs. If you prioritize a frictionless and effortless typing experience, with a medium bottom-out force, then the Aqua King switch may be the best choice for you. Its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished feel will allow your fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. While it is not completely silent, it does offer a more subtle and subdued sound compared to most switches, creating a more tranquil typing environment.
On the other hand, if you value a switch that strikes a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction, with a medium-heavy bottom-out force, then the WS Silent Tactile switch is worth considering. Its accented, invigorating, and mild feel provides a moderate level of tactility without being overwhelming or scratchy. The switch features ingenious stem railings with small cutouts, ensuring a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. Unlike most silent switches, the WS Silent Tactile forgoes the use of silicone dampeners, resulting in a typing experience that is devoid of the usual padded feel found in most silent switches, offering an unrivaled blend of tranquility and tactility. Furthermore, these switches have a muted sound profile, significantly minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
Therefore, if you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience with a focus on noise reduction, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is the way to go. However, if you seek a switch that offers a moderate level of tactility without compromising on noise reduction, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch is the ideal choice. Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal preferences and the specific environment in which you will be using your mechanical keyboard.
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