Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. KTT Ash Gray
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the KTT Ash Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, there are various options available to cater to individual preferences. Two popular choices to consider are the Everglide Aqua King, a linear switch, and the KTT Ash Gray, a tactile switch.
The Aqua King switch stands out for its frictionless feel, almost resembling the sensation of smoothly gliding on a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink. With a typing experience that can only be described as magical, this switch provides a subdued, creamy, and silky smooth feel, truly polished for those seeking a seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the Ash Gray switch offers a different tactile experience; designed to deliver a substantial yet unobtrusive tactile response, it strikes the perfect balance between a light touch and crisp actuation. With this switch, users can expect a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is neither overwhelming nor goes unnoticed, providing a neutral and mild sensation.
However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King and the KTT Ash Gray both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice offers several similarities for both switches. Polycarbonate is known to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those seeking a distinctive auditory experience. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency allows for the effective use of RGB lighting, enhancing the switch's aesthetic appeal. Therefore, users can expect similar sound profiles and visual effects when using either the Aqua King or the Ash Gray.
While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, they differ in terms of their bottom housings. The Aqua King features a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing, while the Ash Gray utilizes a nylon bottom housing. This distinction affects the overall sound produced by each switch. Typing on the Aqua King, with its polycarbonate bottom housing, will result in a sharper and more resonant sound profile, complementing its top housing. On the other hand, the Ash Gray's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic reduces the sharpness and enhances the roundness of the switch's sound.
Considering the impact of the top and bottom housings, the Aqua King and the Ash Gray offer different experiences when pressed. The sound and feel during the initial press of a key are influenced by the bottom housing, which means the Aqua King, with its polycarbonate bottom housing, will deliver a more impactful bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the top housing plays a larger role in determining the sound produced. Both switches' polycarbonate top housings contribute to a clear and distinct sound when keys are released.
In summary, the Everglide Aqua King and the KTT Ash Gray have similar top housings made of polycarbonate, providing a sharp and distinct sound profile, and allowing for vibrant RGB lighting. However, their bottom housings differ, with the Aqua King utilizing polycarbonate and the Ash Gray employing nylon. This results in the Aqua King delivering a sharper bottom-out sound, while the Ash Gray offers a deeper and fuller sound. Understanding the impact of housing materials on sound production allows users to choose a switch that aligns with their desired auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch, there are notable similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Aqua King is slightly heavier than the Ash Gray. The Aqua King has an actuation force of 46 grams, while the Ash Gray has a slightly lighter actuation force of 38 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range in terms of actuation force. When it comes to bottom out force, the Aqua King requires 62 grams of force, which is slightly heavier than the Ash Gray's 53 grams. Despite these differences, both switches offer a reasonable balance between a light and heavy typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Ash Gray may be a suitable choice. However, if one desires a more substantial, satisfying keystroke feel, the Aqua King would provide that extra push. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch, we can see that the Aqua King has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Ash Gray has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. These measurements indicate that the Aqua King has a slightly longer travel distance than the Ash Gray.
A 4.0mm travel distance is considered to be the most traditional option, providing a balance between depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Ash Gray's 3.5mm travel distance falls on the shallower end of the spectrum. This makes it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize faster response times.
If you prefer a more responsive typing or gaming experience, opting for the shorter 3.5mm travel distance of the Ash Gray would be a suitable choice. However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances may feel more abrupt to certain individuals. In contrast, the 4.0mm travel distance of the Aqua King offers a slightly deeper key press, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing.
In conclusion, while the Aqua King and Ash Gray switches differ in their travel distances, both can provide satisfactory results depending on individual preferences.
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 KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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 Everglide Aqua King linear switch is best known for its frictionless feel, reminiscent of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced ice rink. Typing on these switches feels magical, as your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys. In terms of sound, the Aqua King produces a subdued sound when pressed. This means that while it's not completely silent, it provides a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. As for feel, the Aqua King offers a creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience. These switches are exceptionally smooth, with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The Everglide Aqua King linear switch provides a unique and enjoyable typing experience with its smoothness and quiet operation.
On the other hand, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is designed to provide a tactile response that is substantial yet unobtrusive. These switches combine a light touch with a crisp actuation, delivering a satisfying typing experience. The Ash Gray switch offers a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is not overwhelming, but far from feeling unnoticed or "sandy". In terms of sound, the Ash Gray switch has a more neutral profile. It produces a moderate sound and is suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or using them at home or work. 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.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch offer different subjective qualities. The Aqua King provides a frictionless and magical typing experience, with a subdued sound and a variety of smooth and polished feel options. On the other hand, the Ash Gray switch offers a satisfying tactile response with a light touch, a neutral sound profile, and a blend of tactile feedback that is both substantial and unobtrusive. Both switches provide unique and enjoyable typing experiences, catered to different preferences. Therefore, depending on your personal preference, you can choose the switch that best suits your typing style and desired feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you're looking for a switch that offers a frictionless and effortless typing experience, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is the perfect choice for you. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, it provides a medium typing feel that resembles ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. The Aqua King switch also offers a subdued sound profile, producing a dampened sound when pressed.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile response that is substantial yet unobtrusive, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is the ideal option. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, it provides a medium-light typing feel that combines a light touch with crisp actuation. The Ash Gray switch offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether for home or work purposes.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King switch is described as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished. These qualities provide a smooth and buttery typing experience, with reduced friction and effortless key travel. On the other hand, the Ash Gray switch is described as easy-to-press and mild, offering a gentle and low-impact typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch depends on your personal preferences. If you value a frictionless and smooth typing experience, go for the Aqua King switch. If you prefer a tactile response that is gentle and approachable, the Ash Gray switch is a great option. Consider the bottom out force, sound profile, and feel descriptions when making your decision.
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