Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. HMX Cloud - 50g
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Cloud - 50g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Cloud - 50g both offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Aqua King (V3) stands out for its remarkably frictionless feel, akin to gliding effortlessly on a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink, providing a subdued, silky, and polished typing sensation that many users find magical. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 50g presents a clacky sound profile with a lighter actuation force, appealing to those who appreciate a bright and lively typing experience while maintaining a smooth touch. For enthusiasts seeking a sublime and tranquil typing session, the Aqua King (V3) may be the ideal choice, while the HMX Cloud - 50g is perfect for those who relish auditory feedback with each keystroke. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
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
3.90 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
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Cloud - 50g switches, we find a distinct contrast in materials used for their top housings. The Aqua King (V3) features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency. This creates a sound profile that is sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper, making it particularly suitable for RGB lighting setups due to its ability to let light pass through effectively. The clear nature of polycarbonate offers not just an aesthetic advantage, but also enhances the sound resonance, providing a brighter auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is a softer material that absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile. The pronounced warmth and rounder sound achieved with nylon can create a more subdued auditory experience compared to polycarbonate, catering to users who prefer a more grounded typing feel.
Looking at the bottom housings of these switches, we see a similar divergence in material use, which further influences the characteristics of each switch. The Aqua King (V3) continues to employ polycarbonate for its bottom housing, affirming the consistency in its sharper sound profile. Key presses on this keyboard model will emphasize the crisper bottom-out sound that polycarbonate is lauded for. Conversely, the HMX Cloud - 50g’s nylon bottom housing complements its top housing, resulting in a cohesive sound signature that is rounded and mellow. This softer bottom housing further accentuates the deepness of the sound, making it ideal for users who enjoy a more cushioned and quieter typing experience. Thus, the material differences in both the top and bottom housings lead to unique auditory signatures for each switch.
Ultimately, while the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and HMX Cloud - 50g switches employ different materials for their top and bottom housings, both designs provide distinct yet appealing outcomes in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua King’s dual polycarbonate construction results in a brighter, crisper typing experience that suits more vibrant setups, while the Cloud - 50g’s use of nylon fosters a deeper, more resonant tactile response. Despite their differences, users of both switches can achieve enjoyable typing experiences tailored to their preferences in sound profiles: the Aqua King's sharper tone may be preferred by gamers or those seeking a more pronounced keystroke, while the HMX Cloud's fuller sound might resonate more with typists who value a softer touch.
Weight
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switches offer different experiences when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Aqua King (V3) features an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it on the heavier side of the scale. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Cloud switch requires less force to activate and reach the bottom, making it more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons, as users may find it easier on the fingers. Conversely, the Aqua King, with its higher force requirements, provides a more substantial feel, appealing to those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Overall, if you prefer lighter switches, the HMX Cloud - 50g would be the better choice, while those seeking a heavier tactile feedback may gravitate towards the Aqua King (V3).
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch, the Aqua King (V3) has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cloud - 50g features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm. This means that the Aqua King (V3) offers a more pronounced keypress sensation, which may appeal to users who prefer a deeper and more tactile feel. In contrast, the Cloud - 50g, with its shorter travel distance, may cater to gamers seeking quicker response times and faster actuation, making it suitable for high-paced gaming scenarios. Overall, if you're looking for a hearty depth in your keystrokes, the Aqua King (V3) is the better choice, while the Cloud - 50g is ideal for those who favor speed and responsiveness.
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 Cloud - 50g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 50g 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) delivers a subdued auditory experience. This means that when you press down on the keys, you’ll notice a dampened sound, offering a more subtle and less intrusive typing atmosphere compared to many other mechanical switches. This can be particularly advantageous in shared workspaces or for those who prefer a quieter typing sound. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 50g is known for its clacky sound profile, which caters to enthusiasts who enjoy a more pronounced and lively auditory feedback during their typing sessions. This contrast between the two means that users seeking a quieter experience will likely prefer the Aqua King, while those who enjoy a more expressive sound might gravitate toward the Cloud - 50g.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King (V3) shines with its frictionless, creamy, silky, and polished qualities. Typing on these switches is often described as a dream, as they minimize resistance and glide effortlessly under the fingers. This results in a typing sensation akin to ice skating, where your fingers flow smoothly from one key to the next without any hindrance. Meanwhile, the specific feel of the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is not detailed here, making it unknown compared to the rich tactile experience of the Aqua King. Therefore, the Aqua King caters to users who prioritize an exceptionally smooth and luxurious typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and HMX Cloud - 50g switches offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Aqua King stands out for its subdued sound and luxurious, frictionless feel, making it ideal for those who value a smoother and quieter typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g appeals to those who prefer a brighter auditory feedback and potentially a different tactile sensation, though that aspect remains unspecified. Your choice will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your typing experience, but either way, both switches promise an enjoyable mechanical keyboard journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you are looking for an exceptionally smooth, frictionless experience that feels effortless, the Aqua King (V3) is an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy typing quietly due to its subdued sound profile. This switch offers a unique combination of creamy, polished, and silky sensations, making it ideal for long typing sessions where comfort and reduced resistance are paramount. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force at 50 grams alongside a clacky sound that adds a bit of character to your typing experience, the HMX Cloud - 50g may be more suited for you. Its bright sound profile provides a tactile response that can be quite satisfying for enthusiasts who appreciate auditory feedback. Consider your typing style and environment: for a quiet, seamless experience, opt for the Aqua King, but if you enjoy a lighter touch and more acoustic feedback, the HMX Cloud would be an excellent pick.
Mentioned in this article
