Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the PH Studio Yoel both offer unique typing experiences. The Aqua King (V3) is renowned for its frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. In contrast, the Yoel provides a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile that resonates satisfyingly upon bottoming out. While the Aqua King (V3) is described as 'Subdued', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Silky', and 'Polished', the Yoel is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Resonant'. Each switch has its own unique qualities that may appeal to different preferences. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the PH Studio Yoel both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate plastic, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Yoel's POM bottom housing creates a deeper and more muted sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material can impact the overall sound and feel of the switch when pressed down.
While both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the PH Studio Yoel differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Aqua King (V3) features a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining a consistent sound profile with its top housing. The Yoel, on the other hand, utilizes a POM bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and more subdued sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials highlights the importance of the entire housing composition in influencing the overall sound profile and tactile experience of a mechanical keyboard switch.
The split between the top and bottom housing materials in the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the PH Studio Yoel impacts the overall typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing material influence the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. This division of housing materials creates a unique combination of sound profiles in each switch, showcasing how different materials can affect the overall performance and feel of mechanical keyboard switches. Although the housing materials may vary between the two switches, understanding the role of each material can help in choosing a switch that aligns with specific preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch both fall into the medium weight category when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Aqua King (V3) has a slightly lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Yoel's 53 grams, while the Yoel has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the Aqua King's 62 grams. Both switches provide a smooth and consistent typing experience, with the Aqua King offering a lighter touch for those who prefer it, and the Yoel providing a bit more resistance for users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Aqua King has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Yoel, making it better suited for those who prefer a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the Yoel offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Aqua King being on the longer side and the Yoel being on the shorter side. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 PH Studio Yoel has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yoel for $4.10.
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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch offers a subdued typing experience, producing a dampened sound when pressed. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch is characterized by a bright and clacky profile, with a sharp and snappy sound when keys reach their bottom-out point. The Yoel also presents a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound, creating a satisfying and pronounced auditory experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, as well as factors such as keyboard build and keycap selection.
When considering the feel of the switches, both the Aqua King (V3) and the Yoel offer a creamy typing experience, providing a smooth and buttery sensation when pressing the keys. The Aqua King (V3) specifically boasts a frictionless feel, akin to gliding effortlessly on a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink. The Yoel, on the other hand, is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in sleek key travel. Both switches offer a silky typing experience, enhancing overall smoothness and minimizing resistance during key presses. In this aspect, users can expect similar results in terms of typing comfort and tactile feedback from both switches.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the PH Studio Yoel linear switches each bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Aqua King (V3) offers a subdued sound profile and a frictionless feel, the Yoel presents a bright and clacky sound with a creamy and polished typing experience. Choosing between the two will ultimately come down to personal preference for sound and feel, as well as individual typing preferences. Both switches provide a high-quality typing experience, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable time at the keyboard for users looking for linear switch options.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch that offers a frictionless and almost magical typing experience, then the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch is the one for you. The Aqua King provides a smooth and effortless typing experience, akin to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a chewy and satisfying typing feel, enveloping your fingertips with each press, then the PH Studio Yoel linear switch would be a great choice. The Yoel delivers a bright and clacky sound profile, providing a pronounced and pleasing auditory experience. Ultimately, your decision between the Aqua King (V3) and the Yoel will depend on whether you prioritize a frictionless typing feel or a chewy, clacky sound profile in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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