Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Everglide Aqua King and the Jwick Splash Brothers, both of which are linear switches. The Aqua King is renowned for its frictionless feel, almost like gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. With a typing experience that can only be described as magical, this switch offers a subdued and creamy sensation. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers exude a dynamic and special aura, much like the basketball duo, Steph and Klay. These linear "speed" switches feature a shorter activation and a long pole stem, resulting in a satisfying typing feel. Additionally, they produce a creamy sound signature. As we delve deeper into the intricacies of these switches, you will be able to make a well-informed decision about which one suits your preferences best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King and the Jwick Splash Brothers both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. It is a relatively stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial if you plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for the illumination to shine through effectively. Therefore, both the Aqua King and the Splash Brothers, with their polycarbonate top housings, will offer similar results in terms of sound and aesthetic appeal.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Aqua King and the Splash Brothers differ. The Aqua King features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to its overall sound profile. Similar to the top housing, the polycarbonate bottom housing adds to the sharper and crisper sound when bottoming out a key. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers utilize a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Being a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing will provide a different typing experience compared to the Jwick Splash Brothers' nylon bottom housing.
It's important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in the overall sound and feel. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when you let go of a key. As such, the Aqua King's polycarbonate top housing will contribute to the sound when releasing a key, complementing the polycarbonate bottom housing's effect on the bottom-out sound. Similarly, the Jwick Splash Brothers' polycarbonate top housing will provide a similar effect when letting go of a key, while the nylon bottom housing affects the sound when bottoming out. Overall, the choice between the Aqua King and the Splash Brothers will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Aqua King has an actuation force of 46 grams, while the actuation force of the Splash Brothers is not known. In terms of bottom out force, the Aqua King requires 62 grams, whereas the Splash Brothers requires a lighter 48 grams. In this regard, the Aqua King can be considered heavier, while the Splash Brothers is lighter.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches as they allow for more extended periods of typing or gaming without causing strain or fatigue. This makes them suitable for keyboards used in work environments or for long gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are those who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For such users, opting for switches with heavier forces would be more suitable.
While the Aqua King and Splash Brothers have varying actuation and bottom out forces, they do share some similarities. If one were to choose the Aqua King due to its actuation force of 46 grams and desired a similar result with the Splash Brothers, the specific actuation force of the Splash Brothers should be determined. However, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Aqua King offering a medium force and the Splash Brothers being on the lighter side.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, there is a noticeable difference between the two. The Aqua King has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. If you are a gamer looking for faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Splash Brothers may be more appealing to you. However, for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial key press, the longer travel distance of 4 mm offered by the Aqua King would be a better choice. In both cases, you can expect a satisfying tactile experience, though the Aqua King will provide a slightly greater depth compared to the Splash Brothers. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on individual preference 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 Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 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 linear switch is described as "subdued." This means that it produces a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle and muffled sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is described as "neutral," indicating that it has a moderate sound profile. This makes it suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use the switch at home or work. 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. Overall, the Aqua King offers a quieter and more subdued sound, while the Splash Brothers has a more moderate sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Aqua King switch is known for providing a frictionless and smooth typing experience. It is described as "creamy," "frictionless," "silky," and "polished." These switches offer a buttery and smooth sensation when typing, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. This can be attributed to the use of lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used in the switch construction. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch is described as providing a mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished typing experience. These switches offer a gentle and approachable feel, with a more responsive and lively feedback. While both switches offer a smooth and polished typing experience, the Aqua King emphasizes a frictionless and effortless feel, while the Splash Brothers focuses on a more mild and snappy experience.
Considering the available information, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua King provides a more subdued sound and a frictionless, creamy typing experience. The Splash Brothers, on the other hand, have a neutral sound profile and offer a mild, snappy typing experience. They both have a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel. Choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preferences, with the Aqua King offering a quieter and more frictionless typing experience, while the Splash Brothers provide a more lively and snappy feel. Overall, they both offer a high-quality typing experience, providing different options to cater to individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium bottom out force and a typing experience that feels frictionless, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is the way to go. These switches provide a magical typing experience, where your fingers simply glide across the keys like ice skating on a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink. The Aqua King also offers a subdued sound profile, making it more subtle compared to most switches. In terms of feel, the Aqua King offers creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished sensations, ensuring a smooth and buttery typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a great typing feel, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is the right choice. These switches have a bottom out force of 48 grams, which is considered light. The Splash Brothers switches are described as having a dynamic duo-like feel, with their shorter activation and long pole stem contributing to a great typing experience. These switches also produce a creamy sound signature.
In terms of sound, the Aqua King offers a subdued switch experience, while the Splash Brothers have a neutral sound profile. In terms of feel, the Aqua King provides a creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience, whereas the Splash Brothers offer a mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished feel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch depends on your preferences. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a frictionless typing experience, go for the Aqua King. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a great typing feel, choose the Splash Brothers. Both switches offer their unique advantages, so it's all about finding the one that suits your typing style and preferences the best.
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