Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Kailh Box Mute Jade

Overview

If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may find yourself torn between the Everglide Aqua King and the Kailh Box Mute Jade. On one hand, the Aqua King offers a smooth and frictionless typing experience that feels as effortless as gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. It exudes a sense of tranquility with its subdued, creamy, and silky characteristics. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade provides a satisfying crunchy feel of a clicky switch with a more subdued sound profile. While the unmistakable clicky sound is still present, it is quieter and better suited for those who prefer a quieter environment. Categorized as accented, crunchy, and stiff, the Box Mute Jade strikes a balance between tactile feedback and noise level. However, let's delve deeper beyond generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Everglide Aqua King (V3) Linear

Kailh Box Mute Jade Clicky

$7.18

$5.44 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King and the Kailh Box Mute Jade, specifically their polycarbonate top and bottom housings, have several similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, which produces a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for its translucency, making it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting.

However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Aqua King and the Box Mute Jade diverge in terms of materials. The Aqua King features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which also contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound.

In terms of tactile experience, the bottom housing of a switch has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed down. Therefore, the Aqua King, with its polycarbonate bottom housing, will provide a different tactile experience compared to the Box Mute Jade, which uses a nylon bottom housing. Conversely, the top housing plays a crucial role in the sound produced when a key is released, meaning that both switches will have similar sound characteristics when it comes to this aspect.

In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King and the Kailh Box Mute Jade share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, resulting in a sharp and clear sound profile. However, they differ in their bottom housings, as the Aqua King's polycarbonate housing contributes to a sharper sound, while the Box Mute Jade's nylon housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. While the tactile experience and bottom-out sound vary between the two switches, the sound produced upon key release will likely be similar due to the shared polycarbonate top housing.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch, there are significant differences to consider. The Aqua King has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the heavier 75 grams required by the Box Mute Jade. Similarly, the Aqua King's bottom out force weighs in at 62 grams, while the Box Mute Jade requires 82 grams, making it the heavier option.

For users who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Aqua King would be the better choice. With its lower actuation and bottom out forces, it allows for effortless keystrokes and reduces fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade offers a more substantial push feel due to its heavier forces. This can provide a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a stronger resistance in their keystrokes.

However, it is important to note that both switches offer medium to heavy forces overall. As such, users seeking a similar level of actuation force and bottom out force from either switch can still achieve comparable results. Ultimately, the decision between the Aqua King and the Box Mute Jade will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch, it is evident that the Aqua King has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Box Mute Jade has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Aqua King's 4.0 mm travel distance falls within the more traditional range, offering a sense of depth when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade's 3.6 mm travel distance is slightly shallower, catering to those who prefer a faster response time, such as gamers. The shorter travel distance of the Box Mute Jade provides a more responsive feel. Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and whether one prefers a more traditional and deeper travel experience or a shallower and quicker response.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Aqua King switch is best described as having a subdued sound profile. It produces a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade switch is known for its crunchy sound. This clicky switch creates a sound reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to the feel, the Aqua King switch is often referred to as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished. These descriptors all indicate a smooth and effortless typing experience. The switch minimizes any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys, providing a fluid and polished typing feel. It's like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease and experiencing a silky sensation. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade switch is described as accented, stiff, and polished. It offers a medium level of tactility without being overpowering or subtle. This switch requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom out, giving it a stiffer feel compared to other switches. Additionally, like the Aqua King, the Box Mute Jade switch also provides a smooth and refined typing experience due to materials used and/or factory lubing.

Taking all the available information into account, the Aqua King switch offers a frictionless and magical typing experience with its smooth and effortless feel. Although it produces a subdued sound profile, it still delivers a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade switch combines a crunchy clicky sound with an accented and slightly stiffer feel. It provides a medium level of tactility without overwhelming the user. Both switches offer polished and smooth typing experiences, albeit with different sound profiles and levels of tactility. If you're looking for a similar feel, you can expect to get comparable results in terms of smoothness and reduced friction. However, sound and tactility preferences may vary, so it's important to consider your personal preferences when choosing between these two switches.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a frictionless and creamy feel that enhances the overall smoothness of your typing. With a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, they provide just the right amount of resistance. Additionally, the Aqua King switches have a subdued sound profile, offering a more subtle and dampened sound when pressed.

On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is the way to go. These switches provide an accented and crunchy feel, giving you a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. With a bottom out force of 82 grams, they require a bit more force to actuate and bottom out. The Box Mute Jade switches offer a quieter clicky sound compared to most clicky switches, making them a great choice if you enjoy the satisfying click without the loud noise.

Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King and the Kailh Box Mute Jade switches will depend on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a smooth and buttery typing experience with a more subdued sound, go for the Aqua King switches. However, if you prefer a clicky switch with a crunchier feel and quieter sound, the Box Mute Jade switches would be the better option. Consider your typing style and the specific characteristics that appeal to you the most when making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Everglide Aqua King (V3) Linear

$7.18

$5.44 per 10

Learn more

Kailh Box Mute Jade Clicky

$6.50 per 10

Learn more