Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro both stand out as top choices, albeit for different reasons. The Aqua King V3 is known for its smooth, frictionless feel reminiscent of gliding on ice, providing a magical typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a budget-friendly option with a satisfying combination of a poppy, clacky sound and a smooth tactile feel. While the Aqua King V3 is praised for its subdued and creamy typing experience, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is popular for its bouncy and snappy feel. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
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 spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, giving them a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which creates a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboards. Both switches will provide users with similar results in terms of sound profile and brightness when using RGB lighting.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Aqua King (V3) boasts a polycarbonate bottom housing, continuing the trend of providing a sharp and clear sound profile. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials will impact the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro play a significant role in determining the sound profile and overall typing experience of these switches. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound, they differ in their bottom housing materials, with the Aqua King (V3) utilizing polycarbonate and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro incorporating nylon. These differences result in unique typing experiences, with the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro offering a deeper and fuller sound compared to the sharper sound of the Aqua King (V3). Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch, we can see that the Aqua King has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Cream Yellow Pro's 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aqua King requires 62 grams while the Cream Yellow Pro needs 60 grams, making them fairly similar in that aspect. The Aqua King provides a slightly lighter typing experience overall, which may be preferred by those looking for longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow Pro offers a slightly stronger push feel, which can provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal 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 Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Aqua King has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cream Yellow Pro. The Aqua King's 4.0mm distance offers a more traditional keypress feel, while the Cream Yellow Pro's 3.3mm distance provides a shallower and possibly more responsive experience. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quick response times, while others may find longer travel distances to be more comfortable. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
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 Yellow 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 Yellow 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
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch offers a subdued sound profile, providing a dampened typing experience compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch delivers a poppy and clacky sound right out of the box, ideal for those seeking a vibrant auditory experience. When it comes to feel, the Aqua King (V3) is known for its creamy, frictionless, and silky typing sensation, akin to effortlessly gliding fingers across the keys. In contrast, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and overall polished for a smooth and refined typing experience.
In conclusion, the Aqua King (V3) linear switch emphasizes a smooth and frictionless typing feel with a subdued sound profile, offering a unique typing experience conducive to long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch focuses on a more tactile and responsive typing feel, paired with a poppy and clacky sound for those who prefer a more lively auditory experience. While both switches offer distinct qualities, users can expect a similar level of quality and performance in terms of key travel and overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference regarding sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience reminiscent of gliding on ice, then the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a budget-friendly option that offers a satisfying poppy sound and creamy tactile feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a frictionless and polished typing feel or an easy-to-press and feathery typing experience. Both switches have their unique characteristics and cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best aligns with your typing style and preferences.
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