Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Akko V3 Cream Black Pro
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro, both of which are linear switches. The Aqua King (V3) is praised for its frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding on ice, creating a magical typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro stands out for its unique poppy and clacky sound, smoothness, and affordability, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious individuals. While both switches offer their own set of attributes, such as being creamy and polished, and providing a different typing experience, it is essential to delve deeper into the specifics to determine the best switch for your preferences. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiff nature, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. On the other hand, while the Aqua King (V3) also has a polycarbonate bottom housing, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics.
In terms of housing materials, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. This results in both switches having a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making them suitable for users looking for a more defined typing experience. However, where they differ is in the bottom housing material, with the Aqua King (V3) maintaining its polycarbonate bottom housing while the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro opts for a nylon bottom housing. This contrast leads to the Aqua King (V3) delivering a more resonant sound upon keypress, while the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro offers a deeper and fuller sound quality.
Overall, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro may come down to personal preference in sound profile. Both switches provide a unique typing experience with their housing materials. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches creates a clear and sharp sound, particularly suited for those who value a more defined typing feedback. However, the difference in bottom housing material gives each switch its distinct sound signature, with the Aqua King (V3) offering a crisper bottom-out experience and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro providing a deeper and fuller sound quality.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Aqua King is the lighter option with an actuation force of 46 grams, while the Cream Black Pro is the heavier option with an actuation force of 55 grams. Both switches have a medium actuation force, making them suitable for users who prefer a moderate amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the Aqua King is 62 grams, while the Cream Black Pro has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making the Cream Black Pro slightly heavier in terms of the force required to fully press down a key. Depending on personal preference, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Aqua King for longer typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier Cream Black Pro for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing style and preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Aqua King offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cream Black Pro. The Aqua King would provide a bit more depth and feedback when typing, whereas the Cream Black Pro would offer a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Aqua King being better suited for those who prefer a bit more key travel and tactile feedback, while the Cream Black Pro would be ideal for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to 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 Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) switch offers a subdued sound profile, producing a dampened and more subtle sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch is described as high-pitched, delivering a sharp and crisp sound with each press. Depending on personal preference and other factors like keyboard and keycap choice, users can expect a different auditory experience with each switch.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, both the Aqua King (V3) and the V3 Cream Black Pro provide a creamy typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation while typing. The Aqua King (V3) switch is known for feeling frictionless, providing a glide-like sensation when typing. The V3 Cream Black Pro, on the other hand, is described as bouncy and snappy, providing a spring-like feedback and super responsiveness during typing. Both switches are polished, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches both offer a creamy and polished typing experience, they differ in sound characteristics. The Aqua King (V3) produces a more subdued sound, while the V3 Cream Black Pro delivers a high-pitched and crisp sound. Depending on your preference for sound and typing feel, either switch can provide a high-quality mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch or the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you are looking for a switch that provides a frictionless and effortless typing experience, the Aqua King (V3) may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a unique poppy and clacky sound that offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, the V3 Cream Black Pro could be the switch for you. Remember to also take into account factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and feel when making your decision. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your individual typing preferences and needs.
Mentioned in this article
