HMX Game1989 vs. Everglide Aqua King (V3)
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the Everglide Aqua King (V3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two strong contenders that stand out are the HMX 1989 and the Everglide Aqua King (V3), both classified as linear switches. The HMX 1989 is recognized for its deep, thocky sound profile, offering a tactile experience that many gamers crave, especially during intense gaming sessions. In contrast, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) is celebrated for its remarkably smooth feel, akin to gliding on a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink. This switch provides a frictionless experience, making typing seem effortless and fluid. While the HMX 1989 appeals to those who enjoy a thocky acoustic feedback and a more pronounced keystroke, the Aqua King’s subdued and polished sensation caters to users seeking a seamless and quiet typing experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
T5
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX 1989 and the Everglide Aqua King (V3), it is immediately evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This shared material gives both switches a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, which significantly enhances their acoustic clarity. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to this effect, allowing sound waves to resonate more clearly. Moreover, since polycarbonate is translucent, it provides an aesthetic advantage for users who wish to take advantage of RGB lighting effects, making both switches visually appealing when illuminated. With these similar qualities in the top housing, users can expect comparable sound characteristics, fostering a delightful typing experience.
However, a notable difference arises in the bottom housing materials. The HMX 1989 features a nylon bottom housing, which yields a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer properties. This choice evokes a contrasting auditory experience, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder texture when typing. In contrast, the Aqua King (V3) is built with a polycarbonate bottom housing, aligning its acoustic characteristics with those of its top housing. This uniformity means that the Aqua King (V3) will produce a crisper sound throughout, lacking the warmth provided by the nylon seen in the 1989. Thus, while the HMX 1989 may provide a richer sound experience at the bottom-out stage, the Aqua King (V3) will emphasize the clarity of sound across the board.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials leads to different auditory experiences in these two switches. The HMX 1989's nylon bottom housing balances the sharper clarity of polycarbonate above with a rounded depth below, producing a unique typing profile. Meanwhile, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) maintains uniformity in its sound, with both top and bottom housings constructed from polycarbonate, which could be preferable for users pursuing consistent auditory clarity. Therefore, while both switches exhibit advantageous qualities, the contrast in their bottom housing materials invites users to choose based on their desired typing experience—whether they prefer the balance of depth and clarity or the emphasis on sharpness and resonance.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX 1989 has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Aqua King (V3) requires 46 grams, making it marginally heavier in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the bottom out forces also vary, with the HMX 1989 at 53 grams and the Aqua King (V3) at 62 grams, indicating that the Aqua King (V3) provides a more substantial feel when bottoming out. These characteristics suggest that those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions would find the HMX 1989 more suitable, while those who appreciate a heavier, more tactile feedback might opt for the Aqua King (V3). Overall, while both switches offer different experiences, the choice between them largely depends on personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users pressing down on keys equipped with either switch will experience the same distance before the switch actuates. This similarity in travel distance ensures that both switches provide a comparable feel during typing or gaming, resulting in a consistent tactile experience. Since both switches offer the same 4 mm travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of key actuation and responsiveness, making either switch a suitable choice depending on other preferences such as sound or feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
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.
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
The sound profile of the HMX 1989 linear switch is characterized as notably thocky, which provides a deep, resonant auditory feedback that gives each keystroke a satisfying presence. This deep sound is ideal for users who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic experience. In contrast, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) offers a more subdued sound, producing a dampened effect when pressed. While it's not completely silent, the Aqua King's sound signature is more subtle, which caters to users looking for a quieter typing experience that minimizes distraction while still providing a tactile notice of key activation.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the HMX 1989 is often celebrated for its deep, thocky feedback, but specific details about its tactile sensation weren't provided. On the other hand, the Aqua King (V3) is renowned for its frictionless and buttery typing experience, akin to gliding over a freshly resurfaced skating rink. The Aqua King’s creamy, silky, and polished characteristics contribute to an effortlessly smooth keystroke with minimal resistance, making it ideal for users who prioritize a fluid and luxurious typing experience. The combination of these factors creates an enticingly enjoyable feel that contrasts the 1989's unspecified attributes.
In conclusion, while the HMX 1989 offers a deep, thocky sound profile and a unique typing sensation that remains unspecified, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) excels in delivering a subdued auditory experience coupled with an exceptional, frictionless feel that promotes smooth and easy keystrokes. Depending on your personal preference, both switches can provide satisfying results, whether you desire a pronounced acoustic experience with the 1989 or an effortlessly smooth typing feel with the Aqua King (V3). Ultimately, both switches cater to different user preferences, with the choice largely hinging on whether sound or tactile feedback takes precedence in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Everglide Aqua King (V3) largely depends on your preferences for feel, bottom-out force, and sound characteristics. If you enjoy a medium-light actuation with a satisfying, thocky sound and feel, especially while gaming, the HMX 1989 is an excellent choice for you. Its deeper sound profile can enhance your immersive experience during prolonged sessions, making it ideal for those who prioritize thockiness and a slightly softer feel. On the other hand, if you are seeking a more premium typing experience that feels "frictionless" and dreamy, the Aqua King (V3) is likely the switch that will captivate you. With its silky, creamy texture and slightly heavier bottom-out force, it offers a delightful glide akin to ice skating—perfect for extended typing sessions where smoothness is key. The subdued sound signature of the Aqua King may also appeal to those who prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing feedback. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize a thocky feedback or a luxurious, silky feel in your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
