I am a big boy and I like heavy switches. As a linear gang member they are perfect, smooth pretty and for now reliable. The lube is okay. I recommend putting them into a keyboard (if it is hotswap) and then just applying more lube if certain switches need it.
Hoooooooooly cow these are smooth. Like smoother than smooth. You think Durock linears are smooth? You ain't felt smooth. Slap some of these bad boys into your board and prepare for a linear experience unlike anything else. Mine were even perfectly factory lubed and the housing tolerances were perfect, meaning you don't have to do any extra work to them. They're totally stock, and they're totally sick.
Alright I'm no switch expert but these are smooth and buttery for sure. Factory lubing is a bit inconsistent with some feeling "thicker" and some feeling "thinner" when pressed, but that's only discernible when comparing back and forth.
Paired with Mode Sonnet aluminium iso top mount, I've learnt the true meaning of creamy and thock. Definitely worth it when on sale.
PS: One thing to note, I bought the 62g version (which has an actuation force of 45g and bottom out of 62g, the Drop chart on the the listing is misleading so you should read the graphs and check other sources on the internet) but they actuate at a much higher noticeable force compared to gateron reds.
So beware if you're a light typer like me. It might take a while getting used to since typing fast on these aqua kings sometimes doesn't register keys for me.
Inconsistent lubing on an otherwise nice feeling linear
The stock experience varies from switch to switch. While it's not unusable or ping-y, there is a pronounced scratchiness from switch to switch. Given the amount of lube already applied, it'll need a fair amount of effort to address and mod to one's liking. After modding it's very nice, but given the effort needed it's tough to recommend.
Some of the best switches I’ve used up to this point. Ultra smooth out of the box, no switches were faulty or super damaged(a few bent pins, nothing else), and they sound and feel great to use.
All in all I - someone who choose this switch for his first custom keeb - like this switch. Really smooth, with a somewhat higher pitched, flatter sound on the bottom out.
For reference I only own some lubed Gateron Reds, which sound a bit deeper & more stisfying for my taste. However, it is really difficult to archieve the lubing consistency of this switch when doing it by hand, so I condiser it a draw concerning this criteria.
I would be really nice to compare them against the Gateron Oil Kings, from which I personally heard only good. Considering the feel and sound of the Reds they are likely to beat this switch. This is pure speculation from my point, ofc - but as someone who hasnt made his mind clear yet, this might be a worthy hint ;)
The smoothness is excellent. Very quiet with the right caps. Some pins were a little bent but easily fixed. I'd definitely order more for another build.
These sounds great. I am very upset that these switches that are 70 cents a gram could not be packaged in a better container. These switches literally came in clear plastic bags like the ones you would find in a Lego set. I bought some Akko jelly black switches, and they were 35 cents a switch. Those came in a very nice package. The only reason this is annoying is because it is much easier for the switches to be damaged when not packaged well.
On that note there were no faulty switches, none over/under lubed, and all most pins were straight. Some were slightly bent but nothing crazy. There were two switches that both had one pin completely bent over but I was able to fix it pretty easily.
Overall, not horrible, much better than what I was expecting after reading about the horrible quality of the Aqua King V2 batches. Switch quality has gone way up and everything else needs to follow. Not beginner friendly but after you build you first keyboard and kind of know what to do these could be really nice for your next build.