Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. KTT Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the KTT Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Aqua King and the KTT Cream Yellow are both excellent options to consider. The Aqua King is guaranteed to provide a typing experience unlike any other, as its smooth and frictionless feel resembles gliding on a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink. With its subdued, creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished characteristics, this linear switch is ideal for those seeking a seamless and magical typing sensation. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow switch offers a distinctively clacky sound, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem that provides resonant audio feedback. Its lengthened spring also contributes to a uniquely bouncy typing feel, perfect for those who desire a more lively and tactile experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your individual needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King and the KTT Cream Yellow both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material choice provides several similar benefits for both switches. The use of polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially advantageous for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through and create stunning visual effects. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when comparing the top housings of these two switches.
However, there is a notable difference between the bottom housings of the Aqua King and the Cream Yellow. While the Aqua King's bottom housing also utilizes polycarbonate, the Cream Yellow incorporates nylon. This variation in material leads to distinct sound profiles for each switch. Typing on the Aqua King, with its polycarbonate bottom housing, will produce a deeper and fuller sound. In contrast, the Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Therefore, those who prioritize sound characteristics may prefer the Aqua King for its polycarbonate bottom housing.
Considering the split between top and bottom housings, it is important to note that each brings unique qualities to the overall performance of a switch. When pressing down on either the Aqua King or the Cream Yellow, the bottom housing's material will significantly impact the bottom-out sound and feel. As the top housing is responsible for the sound when releasing a key, it becomes more influential in that particular aspect of the typing experience. Therefore, the choice between these two switches may depend on personal preferences regarding the desired bottom-out sound and the sound released upon key release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, both switches fall within the medium range. The Aqua King has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Cream Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams.
In terms of actuation force, the Cream Yellow requires slightly more force compared to the Aqua King. This means that the Cream Yellow switch may offer a slightly stronger push feel when triggering keystrokes. On the other hand, the Aqua King has a slightly higher bottom out force, requiring more force to fully press down the switch compared to the Cream Yellow.
In the context of weight, if one prefers a lighter switch, the Aqua King with its lower actuation force might be a better option. This lighter actuation force allows for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions without fatigue. However, those looking for a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Cream Yellow, as its higher actuation force provides a stronger push feel.
Overall, both switches offer a similar medium actuation and bottom out force. So, whether you choose the Aqua King or the Cream Yellow, you can expect similar results in terms of force required for keystrokes. The decision between the two may come down to individual preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, it is clear that the Aqua King has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cream Yellow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. While both switches offer a satisfying tactile feel, they have different characteristics. The Aqua King's 4.0 mm travel distance is more in line with the traditional length, providing a deep press sensation. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow's 3.5 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for increased responsiveness. So, if you prefer a more profound key press, the Aqua King is the way to go, but if you prioritize faster response times, the Cream Yellow will deliver similar results with its slightly shorter travel distance.
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 KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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 switch is best described as having a subdued sound. When pressed, it produces a dampened sound that is not completely silent, but offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the KTT Cream Yellow switch is known for its distinctively clacky sound. The shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem of the Cream Yellow switch contribute to a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, described as crisp, bright, and percussive. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Aqua King switch is known for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience. These switches offer a smooth and buttery sensation due to lubrication applied in the factory or specific materials used. The Aqua King switch minimizes resistance and friction, creating a fluid travel and allowing your fingers to effortlessly melt into each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Cream Yellow switch provides a bouncy typing feel. It offers a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and providing rebound when pressed.
Based on the available information, the Everglide Aqua King switch and the KTT Cream Yellow switch offer contrasting subjective qualities. The Aqua King switch provides a frictionless and silky typing experience with a subdued sound, reminiscent of gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. In contrast, the Cream Yellow switch delivers a uniquely bouncy typing feel with a distinctively clacky sound, providing a sharp and snappy feedback. Depending on individual preferences, one can choose between the smoothness and quietness of the Aqua King switch or the lively and percussive feedback of the Cream Yellow switch. When considering these switches, it is important to also consider other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps, as they can influence the overall sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that offers a frictionless and magical typing experience, where your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys like ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink, then the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is the one for you. Additionally, if you prefer a more subdued sound when typing, one that is not completely silent but offers a more subtle and dampened sound signature, the Aqua King is a suitable choice.
On the other hand, if you value a distinctively clacky sound when typing, with a crisp, bright, and percussive tone, then the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is the better option. The Cream Yellow switch is designed to provide a uniquely bouncy typing feel, giving you a spring-like feedback sensation and a lively key rebound.
Ultimately, your decision between the Everglide Aqua King and the KTT Cream Yellow will depend on your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you prioritize a smooth and buttery typing experience, choosing a switch that feels creamy, frictionless, silky, or polished, then the Aqua King is the way to go. However, if you prefer a switch that offers a bouncy feel and delivers a clacky and resonant audio feedback, then the Cream Yellow is the switch for you.
Overall, both switches have their strengths and unique characteristics, so it's important to consider your personal preferences and typing style when making a decision.
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