Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro offer distinct typing experiences. The Aqua King is a linear switch known for its frictionless feel, akin to gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. On the other hand, the Akko Cream Blue Pro V3 is a tactile switch that provides a poppy and clacky sound profile, coupled with a smooth and bouncy tactile sensation. While the Aqua King offers a silky and subdued typing experience, the Akko Cream Blue Pro V3 provides a lively and polished feedback. If you enjoy a smooth and frictionless typing experience, the Aqua King may be the switch for you. However, if you prefer a tactile and snappy feedback paired with a distinct sound profile, the Akko Cream Blue Pro V3 could be the better choice. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
POM
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 spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. However, the V3 Cream Blue Pro differs from the Aqua King in terms of its bottom housing material, which is made of nylon. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches made with this material.
In terms of sound profile, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro will have a similar sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound due to their shared polycarbonate top housing material. However, where they differ is in the bottom housing material. The Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing will contribute to the overall sound profile by providing a clear and resonant sound, while the Cream Blue Pro's nylon bottom housing will absorb more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. Each housing material brings its own unique qualities to the switch, resulting in slightly different typing experiences.
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, it becomes clear that the type of plastic used can greatly impact the sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound, the Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing will provide additional resonance, whereas the Cream Blue Pro's nylon bottom housing will muffle the sound slightly for a deeper tone. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the desired sound profile and typing experience, with the housing materials playing a significant role in that decision.
Weight
In comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, we find that the Aqua King has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Cream Blue Pro's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aqua King requires 62 grams while the Cream Blue Pro only needs 55 grams, making the former heavier in this aspect. This means that the Aqua King provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Cream Blue Pro offers a lighter touch that may be more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-light range, so users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of force required to actuate and bottom out. Ultimately, the preference between a lighter or heavier switch will depend on the individual's typing style and personal preference for typing feedback.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Aqua King switch offers a deeper travel distance, providing a more satisfying key press for those who enjoy a significant amount of travel. On the other hand, the Cream Blue Pro switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can lead to quicker response times and preferred by gamers looking for faster actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired typing experience. Both switches offer different travel distances, catering to individuals who prefer either a longer or shorter key press, allowing for a customized typing experience based on preference.
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 Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
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 switch experience, producing a dampened sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, which is particularly appealing for users who enjoy a lively and audible feedback. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience depending on personal preference, board, and keycap choices.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King (V3) is known for its creamy and frictionless typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless sensation when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a tactile feedback that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, along with a spring-like rebound when pressed. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Aqua King (V3) focusing on smoothness and ease of typing, while the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro emphasizes a lively tactile response.
Overall, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua King (V3) provides a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a subdued sound profile, while the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a lively tactile feedback with a poppy and clacky sound. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Aqua King (V3) emphasizing smoothness and ease, and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro highlighting tactile feedback and a distinct sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, consider the characteristics that best suit your typing preferences. If you prioritize a smooth, almost frictionless typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Aqua King (V3) is a great choice. Its creamy and polished feel, combined with a subdued sound, create a serene typing environment. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile switch with a lower bottom out force and a more pronounced feedback, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is a fitting option. Its accented and bouncy feel, along with a poppy sound profile, elevate the typing experience for those seeking a lively sensation. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
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