Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple 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 Creamy Purple Pro stand out as distinct options tailored to different typing experiences. The Aqua King (V3), renowned for its frictionless feel, offers a smooth and silky typing experience akin to gliding across a pristine ice skating rink. This linear switch is ideal for those who prefer a gentle keystroke without tactile interruptions, promoting a fluid and uninterrupted flow during typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro caters to enthusiasts who relish a pronounced tactile feedback, featuring a large tactile bump that delivers an engaging and satisfying click with every press. This tactile switch is perfect for typists who enjoy the robust response and a bass-laden auditory experience, making each keystroke an immersive event. Each switch presents unique attributes that cater to varying preferences, making the choice between them a matter of individual typing style. 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
30g
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
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
Nylon
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, both switches prominently feature polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice provides a discerning auditory experience characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of the polycarbonate contributes to this clarity, allowing for more resonant sound when the key is released. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for accommodating RGB lighting, ensuring a vibrant and visually appealing effect beneath the keycaps. As a result, users of both these switches can expect a similar acoustic quality from the top housing, leading to an enhanced gaming or typing experience that highlights the clarity of sound.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the two switches diverge significantly, with the Aqua King (V3) retaining polycarbonate and the V3 Creamy Purple Pro utilizing nylon. The polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the bright and crisper sound profile created by the top housing, resulting in a uniform auditory experience when pressing keys. This consistency aids in sustaining the heightened response and tactile feedback expected by users. In sharp contrast, the nylon bottom housing in the V3 Creamy Purple Pro serves a different purpose—its softer nature absorbs sounds more effectively, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Consequently, while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a rounder, richer sound upon bottoming out the keys, the Aqua King (V3) provides a more balanced and brighter sound across both strokes.
The distinct sound characteristics stemming from the different bottom housing materials significantly influence the overall typing feel and auditory feedback in their respective switches. When a key is pressed on the Aqua King (V3), the engaging properties of polycarbonate resonate throughout the switch, ensuring a consistent auditory signature from top to bottom. Meanwhile, the unique nylon bottom housing of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro alters the sound to be more muted and substantial, especially when bottoming out. Therefore, while both switches capitalize on the advantages of polycarbonate to ensure sharpness and clarity at the top, the nylon's contribution in the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a different sensation for users, underscoring the overall versatility in switch performance based on housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aqua King requires a heavier actuation force of 46 grams, while the Creamy Purple Pro is significantly lighter at just 30 grams. This difference means that users who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions may find the Creamy Purple Pro more comfortable. In terms of bottom out force, the Aqua King also exhibits a higher value at 62 grams compared to the Creamy Purple Pro’s 50 grams, reinforcing the Aqua King's heavier overall feel. For those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, the Aqua King may be their preferred choice, while the Creamy Purple Pro caters to those seeking a softer touch. Overall, if you're looking for a balance between typing comfort and weight, the lighter Creamy Purple Pro may be ideal, while the Aqua King serves well for those who appreciate a stronger push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, the Aqua King features a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Creamy Purple Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. The 4 mm travel distance of the Aqua King is considered more traditional and may provide a more pronounced actuation for users who prefer a deeper keypress. In contrast, the Creamy Purple Pro’s shorter 3 mm travel distance caters to gamers who seek faster response times, making it a favorable choice for those who prefer a more rapid and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, if you value depth and a more tactile feel, the Aqua King would be the better option, whereas the Creamy Purple Pro would suit those looking for quicker actuation.
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 Creamy Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for $2.10.
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 audio profile, producing a dampened sound upon actuation. This gives it a quieter presence compared to many other switches, making it a good choice for those who prefer a less intrusive typing experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a loud sound signature with a bassier pitch, which can be invigorating for users who enjoy auditory feedback during their typing sessions. The drastic difference in sound profiles between these switches caters to varying preferences, where the Aqua King (V3) is more discreet, while the Creamy Purple Pro demands attention.
Regarding feel, the Aqua King (V3) excels with its creamy and frictionless characteristics, which provide a smooth, buttery typing experience akin to gliding across fresh ice. Users will appreciate the effortlessly fluid travel that minimizes any sense of resistance, enhancing comfort during long typing sessions. In sharp contrast, the Creamy Purple Pro's tactile bump is a standout feature, offering a pronounced feedback that delivers a satisfying tactile response with each keystroke. However, the specific tactile qualities of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro may not be as polished or refined as those of the Aqua King, which could influence the overall typing experience depending on user preference.
In summary, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) presents a subdued sound signature with an exceptionally smooth and frictionless feel, while the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro combines a loud auditory feedback with a prominent tactile bump. Choosing between these switches will largely come down to personal preference regarding sound and tactile feedback; those who appreciate a quieter and silkier experience will gravitate towards the Aqua King (V3), while those who favor a pronounced tactile sensation and a louder experience will likely enjoy the Creamy Purple Pro. Ultimately, both options provide distinct typing experiences suited to different user preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and requirements. If you prioritize a smooth, effortless typing experience, the Aqua King (V3) is your go-to. With its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, it provides a balance of resistance while delivering a creamy, frictionless feel that allows your fingers to glide effortlessly over the keys. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy a subtle sound profile, making it suitable for quiet environments or if you simply prefer a more subdued auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer key switches that offer a pronounced tactile bump and a more engaging typing sensation, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be ideal. With a lighter activation force of 50 grams, this switch caters to users who appreciate a nice tactile feel and don’t mind a louder sound signature. Its bassier sound and tactile feedback make it a great option for typing enthusiasts who thrive on the physical feedback of each keystroke. In essence, your selection should align with whether you favor a smooth, quiet ride or a tactile, louder experience as you interact with your keyboard.
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