Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Kailh Box Navy
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Kailh Box Navy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Aqua King and the Kailh Box Navy. The Aqua King is a linear switch that is best known for its smooth and frictionless typing experience. It feels like gliding on freshly resurfaced ice skating rink, making every keystroke feel magical. On the other hand, the Box Navy is a clicky switch that offers a heavy typing experience with a satisfying sound signature. It brings back the nostalgia of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. If you prefer a subdued and creamy typing feel, the Aqua King is an excellent choice. However, if you crave the invigorating and crunchy sensation of a clicky switch, the Box Navy should be your go-to option. To make the best decision for your typing preferences, let's dive in a bit deeper and explore these switches beyond their generalities.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
90g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
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
Kailh Box spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King and the Kailh Box Navy both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This shared material ensures that both switches have a similar sound profile characterized by a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing allows for the use of RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual experience and makes it an excellent choice for those looking to customize their keyboard with colorful lighting effects.
While the top housing is the same for both switches, they differ in their bottom housing materials. The Aqua King features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which further contributes to its clear and resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the Box Navy utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials allows users to experience different sound qualities when pressing down on the switch, as the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel.
Overall, the Everglide Aqua King and the Kailh Box Navy share similar sound profiles due to their polycarbonate top housing. However, the difference lies in the bottom housing materials, with the Aqua King's polycarbonate contributing to a clearer and resonant sound, while the Box Navy's nylon material provides a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches offer unique typing experiences and the choice between the two will depend on personal sound preferences. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound or a deeper and fuller sound, these switches provide options to cater to individual tastes.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch, there are notable differences. The Aqua King has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Box Navy requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter touch would find the Aqua King more suitable.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Aqua King has a moderate 62 grams, while the Box Navy's bottom out force is significantly heavier at 90 grams. This implies that typing on the Aqua King would provide a more gentle bottoming out experience compared to the Box Navy, which some users may find more comfortable.
Considering weight, some individuals favor lighter switches, allowing them to type for longer periods without fatigue. These lighter switches are ideal for bringing to work or engaging in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For such users, options with heavier forces are recommended.
In summary, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch offers a lighter actuation force and a slightly lighter bottom out force compared to the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch. While both switches provide distinct typing experiences, those seeking a softer touch and gentler bottom out may lean towards the Aqua King, while users desiring a more substantial typing feel might opt for the heavier Box Navy.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch, it is evident that the Aqua King has a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm compared to the Box Navy's 3.6 mm. The Aqua King falls into the category of more traditional travel distances, providing a deeper and more substantial feeling when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Box Navy offers a slightly shallower travel distance, which is preferred by gamers who value faster response times. The shorter travel distance of the Box Navy allows for quicker keystrokes and increased responsiveness. Ultimately, the decision between these switches depends on personal preference - if you prioritize a more immediate and responsive feel, the Box Navy would be the optimal choice. However, if you appreciate a deeper and more substantial keypress, the Aqua King with its longer travel distance will be more suitable.
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 Kailh Box Navy comes in at $5.50 per 10 switches.
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, creating a magical typing experience reminiscent of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a heavy typing experience with a sound signature and tactility that hark back to vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s.
When it comes to sound, the Aqua King switch produces a more subdued sound when pressed. While not completely silent, it offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Box Navy switch provides a resonant sound profile, higher-pitched and immersive, accompanied by a crunchy sound reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aqua King is described as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished. These qualities result in a smooth and buttery typing experience, with minimal friction and effortless key presses. The Box Navy switch, on the other hand, is described as sharp, invigorating, and stiff. It offers a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress, creating a distinct and immersive typing sensation, although it requires more force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch provides a frictionless and smooth typing experience with a subdued sound profile. It is best suited for those seeking a seamless and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a heavy and tactile typing experience with a resonant sound profile and a crunchy click. Both switches have unique qualities that cater to different preferences. However, if you are looking for similar results in terms of typing feel and sound, the Aqua King linear switch can provide an experience similar to the Box Navy clicky switch with its smooth and buttery feel, albeit without the heavy tactility and louder click.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a smooth and frictionless typing experience, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is the ideal choice for you. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, it offers a medium level of actuation force. The Aqua King switches provide a magical typing experience, reminiscent of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. The sound profile of the Aqua King is subdued, offering a dampened and more subtle sound when compared to other switches. The Aqua King is also described as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier typing experience and enjoy the sound signature and tactility of a clicky switch, then the Kailh Box Navy switch is the perfect fit for you. With a bottom out force of 90 grams, it offers a more substantial actuation force. The Box Navy switches hark back to the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s, providing a sense of heftiness and a satisfying click sound. The sound profile of the Box Navy is resonant and crunchy, offering a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience. The Box Navy is described as sharp, invigorating, and stiff, providing pronounced feedback and requiring more force to actuate.
Ultimately, the decision between the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a smoother and frictionless typing experience with a more subdued sound, the Aqua King is the way to go. However, if you enjoy a heavier typing experience with a satisfying click and a more intense tactile feedback, the Box Navy will be the ideal choice. Consider your typing preferences and priorities to make an informed decision and enjoy your mechanical keyboard to the fullest.
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