Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Durock Light Tactile

Overview

Mechanical keyboards have gained popularity among users who seek a superior typing experience. Among the plethora of available options, two switches stand out: the Everglide Aqua King and the Durock Light Tactile. The Aqua King switch, a linear switch, is renowned for its smooth and frictionless feel. It provides a magical typing experience comparable to ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch from Durock offers a gentle and angelic tactility, setting it apart from the sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. Its jelly-like sound signature adds to its unique appeal. While these general descriptions may help guide your decision, let's delve deeper into the specifics to determine the best switch for your individual needs.

By the numbers

Everglide Aqua King (V3) Linear

Durock Light Tactile Tactile

$7.18

$5.44 per 10

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Everglide Aqua King and the Durock Light Tactile both utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which results in similar benefits. The polycarbonate top housing of both switches creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting to shine through effectively. Therefore, in terms of sound and aesthetics, the Aqua King and the Light Tactile offer similar results with their polycarbonate top housing.

However, the difference arises when comparing the bottom housing materials of the two switches. The Aqua King features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Light Tactile utilizes nylon. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aqua King maintains the sharper and crisper sound profile associated with this material. When pressing down on the Aqua King, the qualities of the bottom housing come into play, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. On the other hand, the Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing provides a different experience. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on the Light Tactile switches.

In summary, while both the Everglide Aqua King and the Durock Light Tactile utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, they differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Aqua King maintains a sharper and crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Light Tactile offers a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon bottom housing. Consequently, the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the bottom housing, while the sound when releasing a key will be influenced by the top housing for both switches.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Aqua King has a slightly lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Light Tactile's 52 grams. This means that the Aqua King requires a slightly lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the Aqua King also has a lighter bottom out force of 62 grams compared to the Light Tactile's 67 grams. Despite these differences, both switches fall into the medium range for actuation and bottom out forces. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience with these switches.

Weight is an important consideration when choosing switches as it can impact typing comfort and endurance. Some prefer lighter switches, like the Aqua King, as they allow for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This makes them well-suited for tasks like office work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, in which case they may opt for switches with heavier forces like the Light Tactile. It is worth noting that both the Aqua King and Light Tactile fall within the medium range of force, striking a balance between lightness and heaviness.

Travel distance

The Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer the same experience to the user. When pressing down on a key, you will feel a consistent 4 mm travel distance with both switches. Therefore, whether you choose the Aqua King or the Light Tactile, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance felt when typing or gaming.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Everglide Aqua King is best described as having a subdued sound. This means that when pressed, it produces a dampened sound that is more subtle compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile has a neutral sound profile. It falls in the middle ground in terms of sound, with a moderate level of noise. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Aqua King switch offers a variety of descriptors including creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished. These qualities all contribute to a smooth and effortless typing experience. The switch is like gliding your fingers across the keys, as they effortlessly melt into each keystroke. Similarly, the Light Tactile switch from Durock can be described as mild and polished. It offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, ensuring a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Taking all the available information into account, the Everglide Aqua King stands out for its extremely smooth and frictionless feel. It provides a magical typing experience with its silky sensation. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile offers a more gentle and approachable typing experience with its mild tactility.

While they have different subjective qualities, both switches provide a smooth and polished typing experience. The Aqua King delivers on the frictionless and silky aspect, while the Light Tactile offers a milder tactility. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing feel, whether one prefers a more frictionless glide or a gentler tactility. But rest assured, both switches will provide satisfying results.

Conclusion

In closing, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a frictionless and silky typing experience, reminiscent of effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys, the Aqua King is a perfect choice for you. Its medium bottom out force of 62 grams offers a balanced feel, and its subdued sound signature adds a subtle touch to your typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more gentle tactility with a jelly-like sound profile, the Light Tactile switch from Durock is an excellent option. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, these switches provide a mild and approachable feel for most users. Additionally, both switches feature a polished finish, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience. Overall, whether you prioritize a frictionless glide or a gentle tactility, both the Aqua King and Light Tactile switches offer unique typing experiences to enhance your overall satisfaction.

Mentioned in this article

Everglide Aqua King (V3) Linear

$7.18

$5.44 per 10

Learn more

Durock Light Tactile Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more