Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Huano Caramel Latte
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Huano Caramel Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Huano Caramel Latte stand out as two exceptional linear options, each offering unique typing experiences suited for different preferences. The Aqua King (V3) is celebrated for its remarkably smooth, frictionless feel, resembling the sensation of gliding effortlessly across freshly resurfaced ice—a quality that is perfect for users seeking a serene and polished typing experience. In contrast, the Huano Caramel Latte provides a tactile medium weight of 50g at bottom out, combined with a bright, clacky sound profile that enhances the auditory and tactile pleasure with every keystroke. While the Aqua King leans toward a subdued and creamy character, the Caramel Latte brings a bit more personality, ideal for those who appreciate a lively typing experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Huano Caramel Latte showcase distinct housing materials that contribute to their overall performance and auditory characteristics. The Aqua King (V3) employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, notable for its rigidity and translucency that allow for a clearer, higher-pitched sound profile. This stiffer plastic enhances the resonance and crisper articulation of keystrokes, making it particularly well-suited for RGB lighting setups. The combination of polycarbonate's sharp acoustic properties and its visual appeal ensures that users experience both vibrant lighting effects and a dynamic auditory feedback, reinforcing the switch's effectiveness for typists and gamers alike.
In contrast, the Huano Caramel Latte features a unique composition that includes POK material for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The POK top housing yields a smooth and clacky sound, benefitting from its relatively low coefficient of friction which enhances keypress feel and response. However, the nylon bottom housing, recognized for its softer and more absorbent qualities, creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. This combination results in an interesting sound dynamics where the top housing lends clarity, while the bottom housing offers warmth and depth to the overall typing experience.
When comparing the two switches, it's clear that the Aqua King (V3) maintains a more uniform sound characteristic due to its consistent use of polycarbonate, while the Huano Caramel Latte's dual-material approach offers a more complex auditory experience. The performance outcomes could be similar in terms of user satisfaction, as both switches are designed to provide a distinctive keystroke experience. However, the nuances in sound and feel could appeal to different preferences; the Aqua King's sharper, resonant profile versus the Caramel Latte's deeper, rounded sound demonstrates the diverse possibilities within mechanical switch designs. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will likely come down to individual user preference regarding the desired sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Aqua King (V3) has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams, compared to the Caramel Latte's 45 grams, making the Latte the lighter option for users who prefer a switch that requires less force to activate. However, the bottom out forces reveal an even starker contrast; the Aqua King bottoms out at 62 grams, while the Caramel Latte only requires 55 grams to reach its maximum depth. This means that the Aqua King (V3) offers a more substantial feel when fully pressed, which may appeal to those who enjoy a heavier typing experience. Conversely, the lighter weight of the Caramel Latte’s forces could appeal to typists looking for an easier, more comfortable typing experience during extended use. Overall, if you're looking for a switch that combines a heavier feel with a stronger push, the Aqua King (V3) may be the better option. However, for those who prioritize ease and comfort, the Huano Caramel Latte fits the bill with its lighter actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Aqua King (V3) has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Caramel Latte features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Aqua King the longer option, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial key press that provides a heartier depth. In contrast, the Caramel Latte, with its shorter travel distance, may offer quicker response times, catering to those who prioritize speed, especially gamers. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference; if you prefer a deeper feel, the Aqua King is the way to go, whereas if responsiveness is paramount, the Caramel Latte could be the better fit.
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 Huano Caramel Latte has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Caramel Latte for $2.75.
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) offers a subdued auditory profile, producing a dampened sound that is not entirely silent but maintains a subtle and refined character compared to many other switches. This makes the Aqua King suitable for environments where a quieter typing experience is preferred. On the other hand, the Huano Caramel Latte has a bright, clacky sound profile, enhancing the feedback of each keystroke and delivering a more pronounced auditory sensation. While the Aqua King may be better for those who favor a more muted sound, the Caramel Latte caters to enthusiasts who enjoy the traditional clicky sound often associated with mechanical keyboards.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King (V3) stands out with multiple descriptors including creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished. These qualities create a typing experience likened to gliding over a freshly surfaced ice rink, where every keystroke feels effortless and fluid. Users can expect a highly enjoyable typing session with minimal resistance, which is ideal for long typing sessions or gaming. The Caramel Latte, while known for its smoothness, lacks specific descriptors in this context; however, it is indicated to provide a super smooth typing experience overall. This points to a likely pleasant typing sensation, though the intricacies of its feel remain somewhat unexplored compared to the Aqua King.
Overall, both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and Huano Caramel Latte offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Aqua King excels in providing a subdued sound and exceptionally smooth, frictionless feel, making it a top choice for users seeking elegance and quietude. Conversely, the Caramel Latte offers a bright auditory feedback that excites typists who enjoy a more pronounced sound with their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will hinge on whether one prioritizes a smooth, muted experience or a vibrant, tactile auditory reaction.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switches ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in typing experience and sound. If you're looking for a medium bottom-out force with a typing feel that's practically frictionless, the Aqua King (V3) is your best bet. This switch is ideal if you enjoy a smooth, creamy, and polished typing experience that feels almost effortless—think of gliding your fingers across the keys like ice skating. Its subdued sound profile will also appeal to those who prefer a quieter workspace without sacrificing the joy of tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch while typing, the Huano Caramel Latte with its medium-light force offers a bright, clacky sound and a smooth experience that's enjoyable for both typing and gaming. The more pronounced acoustic feedback may cater to those who relish a bit more auditory engagement during their keystrokes. Ultimately, consider your typing style, sound preferences, and whether you value a heavier or lighter switch before making your choice.
Mentioned in this article
