Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Kailh Box Royal
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Kailh Box Royal switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer distinct typing experiences are the Everglide Aqua King and the Kailh Box Royal. The Aqua King is a linear switch that is best known for its frictionless feel and smooth typing experience. It can be likened to gliding on a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink, making every keystroke feel almost magical. On the other hand, the Box Royal is a tactile switch that boasts an exceptionally sharp and binary tactility. If you prefer a more aggressive and responsive typing experience, these switches are perfect for you. Additionally, the Box Royal produces a relatively higher pitched sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King and the Kailh Box Royal differ in terms of their housing materials. The Aqua King features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the Aqua King's translucent polycarbonate top housing is especially useful for those who plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Box Royal has a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Aqua King and the Box Royal also differ. The Aqua King utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound experience. Furthermore, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is beneficial for those planning to incorporate RGB lighting in their setup. In contrast, the Box Royal employs a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer characteristic allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
When both the top and bottom housings differ, the qualities brought by each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. On the contrary, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced when releasing the key. While the specifics may vary, both the Everglide Aqua King and the Kailh Box Royal offer distinct experiences due to the combination of their top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch, there are slight differences to consider. The Aqua King requires an actuation force of 46 grams, whereas the Box Royal requires a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches fall under the medium category in terms of actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aqua King has a measurement of 62 grams, while the Box Royal is slightly heavier at 70 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range.
Considering weight preference, the lighter actuation force of the Aqua King may be preferred by individuals who desire a lighter typing experience. This is beneficial for those who need to type for extended periods of time, such as during work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, if one enjoys a more substantial push feel while typing, the Box Royal with its heavier actuation force might be a better choice. The increased force can provide a more satisfying and robust typing experience.
Although the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches differ slightly, both switches offer similar results as they fall within the medium range when comparing actuation force. However, individuals seeking a heavier typing experience may find the Box Royal to be more suitable due to its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is 4 mm, while the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Aqua King's 4.0mm travel distance falls within the more traditional range, offering a satisfying depth when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the Box Royal's 3.6 mm travel distance is slightly shallower, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for quicker response times. The shorter travel distance of the Box Royal allows for faster key actuation, providing a more responsive gaming experience. However, for those who prefer a more substantial key press, the Aqua King's longer travel distance may be preferred. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preferences and the desired level of key depth and responsiveness.
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 Royal comes in at $6.25 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
When it comes to sound, the Aqua King switch is best described as subdued. It produces a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Box Royal switch has a high-pitched sound profile. It produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which might not be suitable for those who prefer richer and bassier sound profiles. 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 chosen.
Moving on to feel, the Aqua King switch offers a creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience. These terms indicate a smooth and effortless typing feel, with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The switch provides a fluid travel and allows your fingers to effortlessly melt into each keystroke. On the other hand, the Box Royal switch is known for its sharp tactile feedback. It provides a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress, offering a high feedback intensity.
In conclusion, the Aqua King switch excels in providing a frictionless and smooth typing experience with a subdued sound profile. It offers a magical typing experience akin to gliding on freshly resurfaced ice skating rink. Meanwhile, the Box Royal switch is all about aggressive tactility with a high-pitched sound. Both switches have their own distinct qualities, catering to different preferences. If you're looking for a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Aqua King is the way to go. However, if sharp and tactile feedback is what you desire, the Box Royal is the perfect choice. Regardless of the switch chosen, the typing experience will be satisfying for enthusiasts seeking superior switch options.
Conclusion
In closing, if you're looking for a switch that offers a frictionless and effortless typing experience, with a medium bottom out force, then the Everglide Aqua King linear switch would be a great choice for you. The Aqua King's smooth and buttery feel, akin to ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink, will provide a magical typing experience. Additionally, if you prefer a subdued sound profile, the Aqua King delivers a dampened and more subtle sound when pressed.
On the other hand, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is perfect for those who desire a nearly aggressive tactility. With a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Box Royal provides a sharp and binary tactile bump with each and every keypress. The high-pitched sound profile adds to the overall experience, offering a sharp and crisp sound when pressed.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King and Kailh Box Royal switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience with a subdued sound, the Aqua King is the way to go. However, if you desire an intense and sharp tactile feedback coupled with a high-pitched sound, the Box Royal is an excellent option. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and desired level of tactile feedback to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard.
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