Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Aqua King and the SP-Star Yanyu both offer unique features and advantages. The Aqua King stands out for its incredible smoothness, giving users a frictionless typing experience that feels like gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. This switch is ideal for those seeking a creamy and polished feel while typing. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch offers a delicate typing experience, making it perfect for individuals who spend long hours typing. Its material blend provides a crisp sound profile, adding to the overall satisfaction. While these general characteristics may influence your decision, let's delve deeper into the specifics of each switch to help you determine which one is best suited for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King and the SP-Star Yanyu differ in their choice of housing materials. The Aqua King features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Yanyu utilizes a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its top housing. This unique blend offers a pleasant sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards the brighter side.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Aqua King and the Yanyu opt for different materials. The Aqua King incorporates polycarbonate for its bottom housing, ensuring that the qualities of this stiff plastic contribute to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Similarly, the Yanyu features a bottom housing made of a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend. This blend brings its own distinct characteristics to the bottom-out experience, offering a unique sound profile that is likely different from the Aqua King's sharper sound.
While the Aqua King and the Yanyu differ in their housing materials for both the top and bottom, it is essential to note that the impact of these materials on the overall sound profile of the switches can be split between the top and bottom. When you press down on either switch, you will feel the qualities of the bottom housing, which plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has more influence on the sound produced when you release a key. Therefore, while the material compositions may be different, both switches deliver comparable results in terms of sound based on their respective top and bottom housing choices.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Aqua King has an actuation force of 46 grams, while the Yanyu's actuation force is unavailable. This suggests that the Yanyu's actuation force could be either lighter or heavier than the Aqua King. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Aqua King requires 62 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Yanyu's 43 grams. This implies that the Aqua King offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Yanyu provides a lighter touch. Both switches have their benefits, with the Aqua King being suitable for those who prefer a heavier keyboard for a more pronounced typing experience, and the Yanyu being ideal for individuals who prefer a lighter switch, allowing them to type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. Overall, it is important to consider one's personal preference and intended usage when deciding between these switches.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying feedback, allowing for a smooth typing experience. The equal travel distances of these switches make them a reliable choice for individuals seeking consistent key travel in their mechanical keyboards.
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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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 considering the sound of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, we can see some differences. The Aqua King is described as having a subdued sound, which means it produces a dampened sound when pressed. While it is not completely silent, it offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Yanyu is described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for most intents and purposes. However, it also has a descriptor of "thocky," suggesting that it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King is known for offering a frictionless and creamy typing experience. It is compared to ice skating on a freshly resurfaced ice rink, with fingers effortlessly gliding across the keys. Additionally, it is described as silky and polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Yanyu is described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience. It is also referred to as feathery, indicating that it requires little exertion and reduces finger fatigue. Similar to the Aqua King, the Yanyu is described as polished, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua King provides a subdued sound and a frictionless, creamy typing experience. It is smooth and refined, giving a magical typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu has a neutral sound profile, suitable for most purposes, but it also offers a thocky sound, deep and satisfying when pressed. Its feel is described as mild and feathery, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced finger fatigue. Both switches have a polished finish, ensuring smooth and sleek key travel. Overall, while they may offer different qualities, both switches promise a delightful and comfortable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a frictionless and magical typing experience, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, it offers a medium level of resistance. The Aqua King switches are known for their creamy, frictionless feel, making each keystroke a smooth and effortless glide. They also have a subdued sound profile, which is perfect for those who prefer a more subtle and dampened typing sound.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more delicate typing experience or tend to type for long periods of time, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch would be more suitable for you. With a bottom out force of 43 grams, it provides a lighter actuation force, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Yanyu switches have a crisp sound profile, described as either neutral or thocky, depending on the specific variant. They also offer a polished feel, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King and SP-Star Yanyu switches depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. Whether you prioritize a frictionless and creamy typing experience with a subdued sound, or a delicate and comfortable typing feel with a crisp sound profile, both switches have their own unique advantages. Consider your typing style and preferences to make an informed decision on which switch would best suit your needs.
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