Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Kailh Box White
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Kailh Box White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Everglide Aqua King and the Kailh Box White. The Aqua King, a linear switch, is best known for its frictionless feel that resembles gliding on a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink. It offers a magical typing experience that is categorized as subdued, creamy, and silky. On the other hand, the Box White is a clicky switch that provides maximum audio feedback for those who crave a satisfying typing experience. Users often liken typing on the Box Whites to stepping on autumn leaves, with a crunchy and resonant feel. While these general descriptions give you a good idea of the characteristics of each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
Nylon
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 White both feature polycarbonate top housings, which means that they share many similarities in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, allowing for clearer and more resonant sound output. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the keyboard. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a similar sound profile and visual effect, both the Aqua King and the Box White would provide you with comparable results.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing of the switches, there is a noticeable difference between the Aqua King and the Box White. The Aqua King utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which shares the same stiffness and characteristics as its top housing counterpart. On the other hand, the Box White features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for imparting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Unlike polycarbonate, nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, if you prefer a switch with a deeper and fuller sound when bottoming out, the Box White's nylon bottom housing might be more suitable for you compared to the Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing.
In terms of the overall typing experience, the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King and the Kailh Box White will have an impact on different aspects of the switch. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will come into play, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. The Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing, with its stiffer nature, might provide a crisper and more tactile sensation when pressing down on the keys. Conversely, the Box White's nylon bottom housing, being softer and more sound-absorbent, may offer a slightly smoother and more cushioned feel. On the other hand, the top housing of the switches will primarily affect the sound when releasing a key. Since both switches utilize polycarbonate top housings, they will produce a similar sharp and high-pitched sound when keys are released, resulting in a satisfying auditory feedback regardless of the specific switch chosen.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Kailh Box White clicky switch, there are some similarities and differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches fall into the medium range, ensuring a balanced typing experience. The Aqua King features a slightly lighter actuation force of 46 grams, while the Box White requires 50 grams to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Aqua King requires 62 grams of force compared to the Box White's 60 grams.
For those seeking a lighter typing experience, the Aqua King may be the preferable choice as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. This can be beneficial for individuals who use their keyboards for extended periods, such as in a professional setting or during lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Box White offers a slightly heavier actuation force, providing a more substantial push feel while typing. This can be desirable for individuals who prefer a more tactile and pronounced typing experience.
Overall, whether one prefers a lighter or heavier switch is subjective and depends on personal preference. Both the Aqua King and Box White switches offer a satisfactory medium range actuation and bottom out force, ensuring a comfortable typing experience for most users.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Kailh Box White clicky switch, it is evident that the Aqua King has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Box White has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Aqua King falls into the category of a more traditional travel distance, providing a depth that many individuals are accustomed to. On the other hand, the Box White offers a more shallow and quicker travel distance, which is favored by gamers seeking faster response times. If responsiveness is a priority for you, opting for the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Box White would be ideal. However, if you prefer a more substantial keypress with a greater depth, the longer 4 mm travel distance of the Aqua King would be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches boils down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 White comes in at $2.76 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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is best described as subdued. This means that when pressed, it produces a dampened sound that is not completely silent, but offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Kailh Box White clicky switch is known for its resonant and high-pitched sound profile. Typing on these switches provides a clean and sharp sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. If you prefer a more immersive auditory experience with a rich and bassy sound profile, the Box White switch would be a suitable choice.
When it comes to feel, both the Aqua King and Box White switches share the descriptor of being polished. This means that they have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This can be attributed to the materials used or factory lubing, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel for both switches. Additionally, the Aqua King is described as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished. These descriptors indicate an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience, with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Similarly, the Box White switch can be expected to offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, similar to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease.
Considering all available information, it's evident that the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Kailh Box White clicky switch have distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua King offers a more subdued sound and a magical typing experience with its frictionless and silky feel. On the other hand, the Box White switch provides maximum audio feedback with its resonant and high-pitched sound, accompanied by a polished and smooth typing experience. Depending on your preferences, you can select the switch that best suits your desired auditory and tactile experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Kailh Box White clicky switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preference and typing needs.
The Aqua King switch offers a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, creating a typing experience reminiscent of ice skating on freshly resurfaced ice. The switch feels frictionless and allows your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys, providing a magical typing sensation. It is best suited for those who prefer a smooth and buttery feel when typing. Additionally, the Aqua King switch produces a subdued sound, offering a more subtle and dampened sound profile compared to most switches.
On the other hand, the Box White switch also has a medium bottom out force of 60 grams. It is known for providing maximum audio feedback, with a satisfying "stepping on autumn leaves"-like crunch and an accented tactility. If you enjoy a more clicky and tactile typing experience, the Box White switch might be the better choice for you. It offers a resonant and high-pitched sound profile, which can provide an immersive auditory experience.
Both switches have a polished finish, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, it's important to note that the Aqua King switch has additional descriptors such as creamy, frictionless, and silky, highlighting its exceptionally smooth typing feel.
In the end, consider your preferred typing style, desired level of audio feedback, and the overall feel you desire when making a decision between the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Kailh Box White clicky switch.
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