Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. HMX Blue Topaz
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Blue Topaz switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Blue Topaz mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. The Aqua King (V3) is celebrated for its smooth and almost frictionless typing experience, reminiscent of gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. This switch is categorized as 'Subdued', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Silky', and 'Polished', appealing to those who prefer a more subtle and refined typing feel. On the other hand, the Blue Topaz stands out for its super smooth actuation and lightweight touch, ensuring every keystroke is effortless. With a unique glittery housing and a clacky sound signature, this switch is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky', catering to users who enjoy a more tactile and audible 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
46g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Blue Topaz both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, both switches offer a clear and resonant sound, making them ideal choices for users looking for a switch with a distinct sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a great option for switches designed for RGB lighting, as the light will shine through the clear housing for a vibrant effect.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Aqua King (V3) features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which continues to contribute to the sharp and clear sound profile of the switch. On the other hand, the HMX Blue Topaz utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than polycarbonate, creating a duller and rounder sound that may appeal to users looking for a more muted typing experience.
Overall, even though the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Blue Topaz share similar qualities in their polycarbonate top housing, the difference in their bottom housing materials leads to distinct sound profiles. While the Aqua King (V3) offers a consistent sharp and clear sound throughout, the Blue Topaz provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon bottom housing. Depending on personal preference, users can decide whether they prefer the crisper sound of polycarbonate or the fuller sound of nylon in their mechanical switch.
Weight
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams compared to the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Aqua King requires 62 grams, while the Blue Topaz only needs 48 grams. This makes the Blue Topaz a lighter option overall, which may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Aqua King provides a slightly more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer different experiences based on the force required, and users can choose according to their personal preference for typing feel.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. This means that the Aqua King has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Blue Topaz. In terms of feel, the Aqua King may provide a more traditional typing experience with a slightly deeper press, while the Blue Topaz offers a slightly shallower feel. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Blue Topaz with its shorter travel distance, while those seeking a more substantial key press may lean towards the Aqua King. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in regard to travel distance and typing feel.
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 HMX Blue Topaz has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Topaz for $3.49.
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 (V3) linear switch offers a subdued typing experience that is quieter and more subtle compared to most switches. On the other hand, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch provides a clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and percussive, adding an extra level of auditory delight to your typing experience. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on your preference for a quieter and more understated sound with the Aqua King or a more vibrant and engaging sound with the Blue Topaz.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King (V3) boasts a creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience that is smooth, effortless, and minimizes resistance when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the HMX Blue Topaz offers an easy-to-press feel with gentle resistance, requiring minimal force to activate the keys, ultimately reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches provide a comfortable and responsive typing experience, but the Aqua King may appeal more to those who prefer a smoother and more seamless feel, while the Blue Topaz is ideal for those who prefer a lighter actuation force.
Overall, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and HMX Blue Topaz linear switches each bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Aqua King offers a quieter and frictionless typing experience akin to ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink, the Blue Topaz provides a clacky and easy-to-press feel that makes every keystroke a breeze. Ultimately, your choice between the two will come down to your personal preference for sound and feel, as both switches offer a high-quality typing experience that will surely satisfy your mechanical keyboard needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch, consider the bottom out force and the typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a typing experience that feels frictionless, smooth, and creamy like ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink, then the Aqua King (V3) switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force and a super smooth actuation that feels easy-to-press, paired with a clacky sound signature and a visually appealing glitter housing, then the Blue Topaz switch is the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and bottom out force.
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