Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Akko Botany
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko Botany switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko Botany both offer unique experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Aqua King (V3) is celebrated for its frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding effortlessly across a newly resurfaced ice rink, making it an excellent choice for those who favor a smooth and polished typing experience. Its subdued and creamy qualities provide a tranquil yet satisfying tactile feedback, ideal for users who prioritize a seamless flow during extensive typing sessions. On the other hand, the Akko Botany switches stand out with their crisp, lively clack that produces an engaging auditory feedback right from the box. This characteristic makes them a fantastic option for typists and gamers who appreciate a more responsive and energetic sound profile to enhance their typing experience. While both switches are linear and cater to different preferences, they each bring a distinctive flavor to keyboard usage. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko Botany, a notable contrast surfaces in the choice of plastics used for the top and bottom housings. The Aqua King (V3) utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, a decision that promotes a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material's stiffer composition enhances clarity and resonance, producing a sound that is distinct and pronounced. The translucency of polycarbonate further enables it to effectively showcase RGB lighting, making the Aqua King an appealing choice for users who prioritize visual aesthetics alongside audio feedback.
In contrast, the Akko Botany opts for nylon as its housing material for both the top and bottom sections. Nylon is traditionally regarded as a softer plastic, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This absorption characteristic of nylon means the Botany produces a sound that is rounder and less crisp than that of the Aqua King. The tactile experience provided by switches that use nylon can be described as more muted, as the material inherently dampens noise and provides a different acoustic signature. Users seeking a warm and smooth typing experience might gravitate towards the Botany for its softer sound profile, which contrasts with the sharper sounds of the Aqua King.
Despite the differences in materials and the resulting sound profiles, there are common ground and potential crossover in user experience. Both switches will inherently produce unique auditory and tactile feedback based on their respective housing materials. Since the bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, users of both switches will experience distinctive notices when they press down the keys. However, releasing the keys will highlight the qualities of the top housing, such that those preferring a brighter, crisper feedback will favor the Aqua King, while those appreciating a rounded, smooth cessation will find satisfaction in the Botany. Ultimately, while the material choices diverge, both products cater to varied preferences, ensuring that users can achieve satisfying results based on their individual typing styles.
Weight
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko Botany linear switches present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different typing preferences. The Aqua King (V3) features a heavier actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, which offers a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer for its feedback. In contrast, the Akko Botany switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those who wish to type for extended periods without fatigue. As a result, the Botany switch is the lighter option, while the Aqua King (V3) falls into the heavier category. Users who appreciate faster keystrokes and less resistance may find the Botany switch more appealing, whereas individuals who enjoy a firmer push feel will likely gravitate towards the Aqua King (V3). Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal typing style and comfort preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Akko Botany linear switch, it is clear that the Aqua King (V3) has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Botany features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference suggests that users who prefer a more responsive feel might appreciate the Botany, given its shorter distance, as it allows for quicker key presses that can be beneficial in gaming scenarios. Conversely, the Aqua King (V3), with its fuller 4 mm travel, might cater to those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile response when typing or gaming, providing a deeper keypress experience. Thus, individuals looking for a balance between speed and depth in their switch choice will find distinct preferences between these two options.
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 Akko Botany has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Botany for $3.11.
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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) offers a subdued auditory experience that is dampened when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature than many other switches. This characteristic means it won’t disturb those around you, making it a favorable option for quiet environments or workplaces. In contrast, the Akko Botany switch produces a crisp, lively clacky sound right out of the box, delivering an engaging audio feedback that many typists enjoy. The Botany’s distinct sound profile makes it particularly well-suited for users who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic experience while typing.
When it comes to feel, the Aqua King (V3) stands out with its incredibly creamy and frictionless characteristics, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. The typing sensation can be likened to gliding on ice, making every keystroke a seamless and effortless action. This switch has been designed to provide a silky, polished feel, enhancing the overall smoothness and allowing for a fluid typing experience. On the other hand, the feel of the Botany switches remains unspecified, but it’s worth noting that the Aqua King’s rich texture caters to users seeking a luxurious typing encounter.
Overall, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko Botany linear switch ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding sound and feel. The Aqua King excels in providing a quiet, muted sound with exceptional smoothness, ideal for those who prioritize a frictionless typing experience. In contrast, the Botany switches are perfect for users who seek lively acoustic feedback. Whether you prefer the silent glide of the Aqua Kings or the clacky, spirited sound of the Botany, each switch offers distinct qualities that can cater to different typing preferences and environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko Botany linear switches depends significantly on your typing preferences and desired experience. If you value a medium actuation force combined with a luxurious, frictionless typing feel, then the Aqua King (V3) is an excellent option for you. Its creamy and silky characteristics provide an almost magical typing experience, akin to gliding across an ice rink, making it ideal for long typing sessions where comfort and ease are paramount. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter switch that delivers a more lively auditory experience, the Akko Botany may be your better option. With its lighter actuation force and crisp, clacky sound, the Botany offers not only an engaging tactile feedback but also a more pronounced audio signature that can enhance your overall typing enjoyment. In summary, choose the Aqua King (V3) for a smooth, luxurious feel and the Botany if you seek a lighter touch with a refreshing sound profile. Your keyboard experience ultimately hinges on your personal preferences, so consider what aspects matter most to you as you make your decision.
Mentioned in this article
