Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Keygeek Briny
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Keygeek Briny switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Keygeek Briny offer distinct yet appealing experiences for typists and gamers alike. The Aqua King (V3), a linear switch recognized for its remarkably frictionless feel, provides a typing experience reminiscent of gliding across a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink, making each keystroke feel smooth and effortless. This switch is characterized by terms such as 'subdued,' 'creamy,' and 'silky,' appealing to those who prefer a seamless, almost magical typing journey. On the other hand, the Keygeek Briny, with its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, stands out for delivering a well-balanced sound profile that strikes an excellent chord between performance and auditory satisfaction, which is often favored by users who appreciate a more tactile feedback without the added noise. Both switches cater to different preferences in typing feel and sound, making the choice ultimately depend on individual taste. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Keygeek Briny present interesting contrasts in their housing materials, particularly in terms of the types used for their top and bottom housings. The Aqua King (V3) employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for its rigidity and translucence. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it an ideal choice for enhancing RGB lighting effects. In comparison, the Briny's use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer and more absorbent nature. As a classic housing material, nylon is appreciated for its ability to create a duller and rounder sound, leading to a distinct typing experience.
When it comes to the impact of these materials on overall sound and typing feel, the differences are quite pronounced. The Aqua King’s polycarbonate design provides a more resonant and clear auditory feedback, especially when keys are released, as the stiffer structure accentuates higher frequencies. This construction is particularly advantageous for gamers or typists who enjoy a louder, punchier keystroke sound. On the other hand, the Briny's nylon housing tends to cushion the sound on key presses and releases, making for a softer auditory experience. Those who prefer a more muted typing environment may gravitate towards the Briny, which offers a more subdued acoustic signature and could potentially create less noise in shared spaces.
It is essential to recognize that while the Aqua King (V3) and Briny utilize different materials, both can deliver satisfying sound profiles by balancing their respective housing characteristics. In scenarios where both types may be utilized, the differentiation in material—polycarbonate for a crisper sound versus nylon for a fuller sound—creates distinctly different typing experiences. However, for those seeking similar results in terms of sound quality, an understanding of how the bottom and top housings interact during key presses can allow enthusiasts to mix and match switches to achieve a desired auditory profile. Ultimately, whether one favors the clarity of polycarbonate or the warmth of nylon, both options boast unique properties that cater to varying preferences among typists and gamers alike.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch to the Keygeek Briny linear switch, we can observe some distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aqua King (V3) requires an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Briny has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. This makes the Aqua King (V3) the lighter option in terms of actuation force, which may appeal to users who prefer a softer press for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Briny, while having a slightly lower bottom out force, still provides a stronger initial actuation feel, catering to those who favor a more substantial typing experience. Overall, both switches deliver medium force profiles, but the Aqua King (V3) may suit those seeking lighter touches, whereas the Briny may be favored by users desiring a firmer resistance.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Keygeek Briny linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Aqua King (V3) offers a slightly deeper feel, which can be beneficial for users who prefer a more substantial keypress and tactile feedback. Conversely, the Briny's 3.6 mm travel distance caters to those who favor quicker response times, making it a potential choice for gamers seeking efficiency in their keystrokes. Ultimately, if you prefer an experience with hearty depth, the Aqua King (V3) is the better option; however, if rapid response is your priority, the shorter Briny might 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 Keygeek Briny has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Briny for $3.29.
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 sound profile of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) is characterized as subdued, producing a dampened yet not entirely silent auditory experience when pressed. This quality allows for a typing sound that blends into the environment, making it suitable for both office and home use without being intrusive. In contrast, there is no specific sound profile detailed for the Keygeek Briny linear switch, leaving its acoustic characteristics largely unknown. It's worth noting that the overall sound will also depend on the keyboard build and the keycaps used, which can further influence how each switch sounds in practice.
When it comes to feel, the Aqua King (V3) is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth and creamy typing experience. It embodies a frictionless quality, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. This fluidity is complemented by descriptors such as silky and polished, highlighting the smoothness and reduced resistance of the key travel, which contributes to a luxurious typing sensation. Unfortunately, there is no descriptive information available concerning the feel of the Briny switch, making a direct comparison in this aspect impossible.
In summary, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) excels in providing a subdued sound and an illustrious typing feel marked by smoothness and effortless key travel. Meanwhile, the Keygeek Briny's sound and feel remain unexplored, leaving an incomplete picture for potential users. For those seeking a refined typing experience, the Aqua King (V3) is an excellent option, while further information on the Briny would be necessary to evaluate its qualities fully.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Keygeek Briny linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding typing feel, sound profile, and intended use. If you're seeking a switch that offers an exceptionally smooth, frictionless experience akin to gliding on ice, the Aqua King (V3) is an excellent choice. Its creamy and silky characteristics, combined with a subdued sound profile, make it ideal for long typing sessions where comfort is paramount and noise minimization is desired—perfect for shared workspaces or a quiet environment. Conversely, if you prefer a balanced sound profile with no additional attributes and are looking for a reliable switch that focuses on consistency, the Keygeek Briny may serve you better. Its slightly lower actuation force and straightforward design make it suitable for those who want a classic typing experience without bells and whistles. Therefore, your decision should hinge upon whether you prioritize an extraordinary typing sensation and sound dampening or favor a more traditional yet dependable switch for everyday use.
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