Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Outemu Crystal
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Outemu Crystal switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that provide distinct typing experiences are the Everglide Aqua King and the Outemu Crystal. The Aqua King is known for its frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding on a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink. This switch falls under the categories of subdued, creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished. On the other hand, the Crystal switch offers a unique, elastic typing feel with a medium-light weight. Typists can enjoy a neutral sound profile while typing on these switches, which are characterized as chirpy, high-pitched, and polished. Both switches have their own merits, providing a different tactile experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King and the Outemu Crystal keyboards both feature polycarbonate housings, which contribute to a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, allowing for a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for those utilizing RGB lighting, as it enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the switch. Therefore, both keyboards offer similar results in terms of sound quality and visual appeal.
However, it is worth noting that if the top and bottom housings differ in material for a particular switch, the qualities of each housing will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the characteristics of the bottom housing will be most prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while both the Everglide Aqua King and the Outemu Crystal use polycarbonate for their top and bottom housings, the specific arrangement and design may vary, resulting in subtle differences in the overall typing experience.
Despite some potential variations, the utilization of polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings in the Everglide Aqua King and the Outemu Crystal ensures a consistent sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the stiffness of polycarbonate remains a common factor between the two keyboards, leading to enhanced clarity and resonance in the sound produced. Moreover, the shared characteristic of translucency in polycarbonate allows for a visually appealing switch, particularly when incorporating RGB lighting. Ultimately, while there may be slight nuances in the implementation of polycarbonate in the housings, the Everglide Aqua King and the Outemu Crystal offer comparable performance and aesthetic benefits.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch, their actuation forces and bottom out forces reveal some differences. The Aqua King has a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Crystal's 45 grams, making the Aqua King require a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Crystal requires a lighter force of 55 grams, while the Aqua King has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams.
Considering weight in typing experience, those who prefer a lighter switch may find the Crystal more suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. Its slightly lighter actuation and bottom out forces can provide a smoother and potentially less fatiguing typing experience. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Aqua King. Its slightly heavier actuation force can offer a satisfying tactile feedback, while the higher bottom out force provides a greater sense of solidity in keystrokes.
Overall, the Aqua King and Crystal linear switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, with slight variations in weight. The Aqua King leans towards the heavier side, while the Crystal is slightly lighter. Both switches provide options for those who prefer a medium or medium-light typing experience, respectively.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of the distance traveled when pressing down on a key. The user can expect to feel the same level of key travel with both switches, ensuring a consistent typing or gaming experience. Neither one is shorter or longer than the other, as they both provide the same 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 Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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 switch is known for producing a subdued sound when pressed. It's not completely silent, but it offers a more subtle and dampened sound compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal switch has a unique acoustic signature. It is described as chirpy, which means it has a little squeak to it. Additionally, it has a high-pitched sound profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. If you prefer a more rich and bassy sound, the Crystal switches might be the right choice for you. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Everglide Aqua King and the Outemu Crystal switches are described as polished. This means that they have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This can be attributed to the materials used or factory lubrication. Both switches offer reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Aqua King switch is also described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. It feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, as they effortlessly melt into each keystroke. The Aqua King switch is also described as frictionless and silky, further enhancing the overall smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. While the Crystal switch does not have additional descriptors for feel, as a polished switch, it is expected to provide a similarly smooth typing experience.
In conclusion, the subjective qualities of the Everglide Aqua King and Outemu Crystal switches differ in terms of sound. The Aqua King switch has a subdued sound profile, while the Crystal switch has a chirpy and high-pitched sound. However, both switches offer a polished feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. If you prefer a more subtle sound, the Aqua King switch might be the better option. On the other hand, if you enjoy a unique acoustic signature with a little squeak and sharp sound, the Crystal switch could be the right choice for you. Overall, both switches provide a pleasant typing experience, and regardless of your choice, you can expect a smooth feel when typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a smooth and frictionless typing experience, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is the way to go. These switches offer a magical and effortless feel, akin to gliding your fingers across a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is medium, they strike a balance of responsiveness and comfort. In terms of sound, the Aqua King produces a subdued and more subtle sound when pressed, providing a quieter typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a unique and elastic typing experience, the Outemu Crystal linear switch is a great choice. These switches have a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams and offer a linear feel. They are known for their neutral sound profile, ensuring that your typing doesn't disturb those around you. With their polished finish, the Crystal switches provide a sleek and refined typing experience.
Ultimately, both the Aqua King and Crystal switches have their own strengths, and the decision will come down to personal preference. If you prioritize a nearly frictionless and effortlessly smooth typing feel, go for the Aqua King. If you prefer a unique and elastic typing experience with a polished finish, the Crystal is the way to go. Happy typing!
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