Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Kailh Box White V2
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Kailh Box White V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Kailh Box White V2 stand out for their distinct characteristics and user experiences. The Aqua King (V3), a linear switch, offers a remarkably smooth and frictionless typing experience, often likened to gliding over a freshly resurfaced ice rink. Its subdued and silky feel makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a seamless keystroke without distractions, enhancing focus during prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Kailh Box White V2 is a clicky switch that delivers satisfying tactile feedback and a pronounced audible click, appealing to users who enjoy the sensory confirmation of each keystroke. This switch is ideal for typists and gamers who thrive on a clear auditory cue, making each action feel both engaged and impactful. Both switches cater to different preferences; the Aqua King (V3) is perfect for a smooth, uninterrupted flow, while the Box White V2 satisfies the need for tactile responsiveness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and Kailh Box White V2 switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in comparable sound profiles. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. This commonality means that both switches are likely to deliver a clear and resonant sound, particularly favorable for users who appreciate the tonal qualities of their keypresses. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing complements RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of a keyboard setup for enthusiasts who prefer aesthetic customization alongside performance.
In contrast, while both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, they diverge significantly in their bottom housing materials. The Aqua King (V3) also employs polycarbonate in its bottom housing, reinforcing the sharper sound profile established by the top. This creates a cohesive acoustic experience where both components contribute to a bright and articulated sound when keys bottom out or are released. On the other hand, the Kailh Box White V2 features a nylon bottom housing, a material renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer properties. This means that while the two switches may sound similarly sharp when pressed, the Box White V2 will evoke a warmer, rounder timbre during the bottom-out phase.
The differing materials in the bottom housings signify that the user experience will vary between the two switches despite their similarities in top housing. For the Aqua King (V3), the unique sound quality will be cohesive across both top and bottom, yielding a consistent crispness throughout typing. Meanwhile, the Kailh Box White V2 will project a dichotomy; the polycarbonate top will enhance brightness, while the nylon bottom will soften the experience and create contrast. Thus, choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on whether one prefers a sharper, unified sound profile or a blend of crispness with a fuller, richer acoustic texture.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Aqua King (V3) features an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as medium in weight. In contrast, the Kailh Box White V2 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of just 50 grams, categorizing it as light. This means that users seeking a more substantial feel might prefer the heavier Aqua King, which requires slightly more force to actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, typists looking for minimal resistance and a quicker response may gravitate toward the Kailh Box White V2. Overall, the Aqua King (V3) suits those who enjoy a firmer press, while the Kailh Box White V2 caters to those who favor a lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference highlights the Aqua King (V3) as the switch with a more traditional and deeper feel, which may appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced tactile experience when typing. In contrast, the Kailh Box White V2's shorter travel distance allows for quicker actuation, making it potentially advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Kailh Box White V2 is the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, whereas the Aqua King (V3) caters to those who enjoy a greater depth in their key presses.
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 V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
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 Everglide Aqua King (V3) stands out with its subdued auditory profile. These switches offer a dampened sound when pressed, striking a balance between being audible and unobtrusive, making them ideal for quieter environments or for users who prefer a less pronounced acoustic experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Box White V2's sound signature is characterized by a clear and sharp click, providing an instant auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying. The pronounced clicking sound makes them particularly appealing to those who enjoy auditory cues with their keystrokes. However, it's important to note that the actual sound produced will also depend on the keyboard and keycap choices, which can influence the acoustic character of either switch.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) offers a remarkable typing experience marked by its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished qualities. This combination allows for smooth and effortless keystrokes, almost as if your fingers are gliding on air. Such a sensation can be particularly appealing for users who value a fluid typing experience without any resistance. In contrast, the Kailh Box White V2, while highly regarded for its tactile feedback, has not been elaborated upon in the feel department in this context. However, the Box White V2 is traditionally known for its clicky feel that provides clear tactile feedback, making each keypress distinctly noticeable.
In conclusion, both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel that can significantly affect your overall typing experience. The Aqua King (V3) excels in delivering a smooth, quiet experience, while the Kailh Box White V2 shines with its distinctive clicky sound and tactile feedback. Choosing between these two will depend largely on whether you prioritize a subdued sound and seamless feel or the satisfying auditory feedback and tactile assurance that come from a clicky switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the type of experience you seek. If you value a smooth, frictionless typing experience coupled with a subdued sound profile, the Aqua King (V3) is an excellent choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams provides a satisfying resistance that can enhance your typing comfort, making it ideal for both gaming and prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feedback with an audible click that enhances the keyboard experience, then the Kailh Box White V2 is the way to go. With its lighter 50 grams bottom-out force and crisp click sound, it can pave the way for a more engaging and satisfying typing rhythm. In essence, opt for the Aqua King (V3) for an efficient and smooth typing sensation, while choosing the Box White V2 when you want that delightful auditory and tactile response in your keystrokes.
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