Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. HMX Cheese
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Cheese switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Cheese are two exceptional linear mechanical keyboard switches, each offering a unique typing experience. The Aqua King (V3) is praised for its frictionless feel, akin to gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. With a subtle and creamy sensation, this switch provides a polished and silky typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Cheese stands out for its unparalleled smoothness and satisfying clicky sound profile. These ultra-light switches offer a crisp and poppy typing feel that is unmatched by most switches on the market. While both switches excel in providing a smooth typing experience, the Aqua King (V3) emphasizes a frictionless feel, whereas the HMX Cheese focuses on a satisfying clicky sound. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
46g
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
Ly
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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Cheese, it is evident that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Aqua King (V3) features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. On the other hand, the HMX Cheese incorporates a nylon top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While the Aqua King (V3) offers a more resonant and clear sound profile, the HMX Cheese provides a duller and rounder sound, catering to different preferences in switch sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Aqua King (V3) allows for the option of RGB lighting due to its translucency, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. Conversely, the nylon top housing of the HMX Cheese offers a classic look without the option for RGB lighting. The contrasting materials used in the top housings of these switches not only impact sound profiles but also contribute to their overall appearance, catering to different preferences in terms of lighting effects and design aesthetics.
While the top housings of both switches differ in material, the bottom housings play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch. The qualities of the bottom housing material are felt when pressing down on the switch, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. The impact of the top housing material, on the other hand, is more noticeable when releasing a key, affecting the sound produced. Despite using different housing materials, both switches offer unique sound profiles and tactile feedback, providing users with a variety of options to suit their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the HMX Cheese linear switch, it is evident that they have different weight profiles. The Aqua King (V3) has a medium actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a balance between a light and heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Cheese switch offers a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams. This makes the Cheese switch more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Aqua King (V3) is better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches cater to users with varying preferences in keyboard switch weight.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Aqua King has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cheese, which may result in a slightly deeper typing experience. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Cheese with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes may opt for the Aqua King. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the longer travel distance of the Aqua King providing a more traditional feel, while the shorter travel distance of the Cheese caters to those seeking quicker keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
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) linear switch offers a subdued typing experience, producing a dampened sound when pressed. In comparison, the HMX Cheese linear switch's sound quality is unknown. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King (V3) switch is known for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience. The switch feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, offering a smooth and buttery sensation with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the feel of the HMX Cheese linear switch is not described.
Overall, both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the HMX Cheese linear switch seem to provide a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. While the Aqua King (V3) is praised for its frictionless and silky feel, the HMX Cheese switch is lauded for its unparalleled smoothness and satisfying sound signature. If you enjoy a smooth typing experience with minimal resistance, both switches are likely to deliver similar results, offering a premium typing experience for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the HMX Cheese linear switch, your decision should ultimately depend on your preference for typing experience. If you value a medium bottom out force and a smooth, frictionless typing feel reminiscent of ice skating, the Aqua King (V3) is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and an unparalleled smooth and crispy typing experience with a clacky sound signature, the HMX Cheese switch may be more to your liking. Consider the sound and feel descriptions provided for each switch to make an informed decision based on your personal typing preferences. Ultimately, the best switch for you will be the one that caters to your specific needs and delivers the typing experience you desire.
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