Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. HMX Canglan V2
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Canglan V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Canglan V2 present distinct yet appealing options for typists and gamers alike, both of which belong to the coveted linear switch category. The Aqua King (V3) is celebrated for its extremely smooth and frictionless typing experience, which can be likened to the sensation of ice skating on freshly resurfaced ice. With descriptors such as "subdued," "creamy," and "polished," users are treated to a typing experience that feels almost effortless, perfect for those who prioritize a seamless flow in their keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX Canglan V2 offers a "thocky" linear feel, enhanced by a carefully crafted mix of materials that provide a deep sound profile coupled with a smooth, light touch. Enthusiasts who appreciate a satisfying auditory experience along with a responsive typing feel may gravitate towards this switch. While both switches offer unique advantages—hence catering to varied preferences—it's essential to dive deeper into their characteristics to better determine which switch may suit your individual needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
T2
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Canglan V2, a notable distinction lies in the choice of materials used for their top and bottom housings. The Aqua King (V3) features polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's rigidity not only enhances sound clarity and resonance but also offers a visually appealing translucency that complements RGB lighting. In contrast, the Canglan V2 employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively, providing a duller and rounder character in both the typing experience and the acoustic feedback of the switch.
The difference in housing materials creates distinct auditory experiences when typing. In the case of the Aqua King (V3), the stiffer polycarbonate allows for a clear separation of sound qualities, resulting in a bright tactile experience that stands out especially when releasing a key. Conversely, the Canglan V2's nylon construction dampens sound more significantly, which influences the overall typing experience to feel substantial and muted. As such, the bottom-out sound and tactile feel are primarily affected by the housing material. While the Aqua King’s switches resonate more sharply due to their polycarbonate construction, the Canglan creates a more subdued and satisfying thock through the use of nylon.
Ultimately, while the Aqua King (V3) and HMX Canglan V2 leverage different materials to create distinct sound profiles, they can still be compared in terms of the characteristics each housing offers. While polycarbonate tends to emphasize clarity and brightness, nylon shapes a sound that is full-bodied and rounded. If a user is particularly fond of either the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the roundness of nylon, selecting a switch that optimally blends those qualities can also yield enjoyable typing results. Thus, if the switches share common properties, users may still find satisfaction regardless of the material difference, depending on their personal preferences for sound profiles and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight their target user preferences. The Aqua King (V3) has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium-weight option that caters to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Canglan V2 features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, classifying it as a lighter switch. This lighter force can be particularly advantageous for users who type for extended periods or prefer a more effortless keystroke during long gaming sessions. As such, users looking for a balance between comfort and feedback may gravitate toward the Aqua King (V3), while those seeking a lighter, agile feel would likely favor the Canglan V2. Overall, while both switches serve different user preferences, their actuation force and bottom out force distinctly define their intended use cases.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch, a clear distinction arises. The Aqua King (V3) features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the Canglan V2 has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. For those who enjoy a more pronounced key press, the Aqua King’s greater travel may provide a satisfying depth, ideal for typists who favor tactile feedback. Conversely, gamers or users seeking rapid response times might prefer the Canglan V2 due to its 3.5 mm travel, which allows for quicker actuation. This difference in travel distance indicates that the choice between the two will largely depend on personal preference; opting for the Canglan V2 will offer a more responsive experience, while the Aqua King is suited for those who appreciate a more substantial key press.
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 HMX Canglan 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 Canglan V2 for $2.99.
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) features a subdued auditory profile, producing a dampened sound upon actuation. This characteristic lends itself to a more refined and subtle auditory experience, avoiding the harshness often associated with many mechanical switches. In contrast, the sound qualities of the HMX Canglan V2 are currently unknown, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. However, it is essential to note that the overall sound experience can be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycap materials, implying that both switches could yield different results based on other equipment used.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King (V3) is lauded for its remarkably smooth and frictionless typing experience, evoking imagery of an ice skater gliding effortlessly across a fresh rink. Descriptors such as creamy, silky, and polished further illustrate the refined nature of its keystrokes, ensuring that the user enjoys a consistent and fluid touch across the board. The Canglan V2, while lacking detailed descriptors in this aspect, is reported to deliver a light feel that, combined with its thocky sound signature, may create a pleasant typing sensation for users. Even without further specifications, one can anticipate a different yet enjoyable experience from the Canglan V2.
In summary, while the Everglide Aqua King (V3) distinguishes itself with a subdued sound profile and an exceptionally smooth, frictionless feel, the HMX Canglan V2 appears to offer a different auditory enjoyment with its deep sound signature and light feel—though specifics on its tactile experience remain undisclosed. Thus, while both switches may serve well in various setups, the Aqua King leans towards a more refined and silky typing experience, whereas the Canglan V2 may cater to those seeking an interesting auditory quality along with its lighter tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice may depend on personal preferences, as both switches promise unique qualities to enhance your mechanical keyboard journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Canglan V2 linear switches will greatly depend on your personal typing preferences and the kind of experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard. If you lean towards a medium bottom-out force and crave an exceptionally smooth and nearly frictionless typing experience, the Aqua King (V3) is an excellent choice that will have your fingers gliding over the keys like ice skating on freshly resurfaced ice. This switch's subdued sound profile also makes it suitable for quieter environments, where you might want to maintain a low-key typing presence without sacrificing the overall tactile enjoyment. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 48 grams and enjoy a deeper sound signature that gives your keystrokes a satisfying thock, the Canglan V2 is likely the better option for you. Its unique material blend contributes to both its smooth feel and characteristic deep sound, making your typing experience not only enjoyable but also sonically rewarding. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct advantages, so your decision should reflect what resonates more with your typing style and auditory preferences.
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