Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. KTT Darling
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the KTT Darling switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the KTT Darling, both linear switches with unique characteristics. The Aqua King is known for its frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding on freshly resurfaced ice; it is categorized as 'Subdued', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Silky', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Darling offers a chewy and substantial typing sensation, with a pronounced bounciness that adds springy responsiveness to each keystroke; it is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', and 'Resonant'. While the Aqua King provides a magical and smooth typing experience, the Darling offers a satisfying tactile and auditory feedback. 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
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the KTT Darling both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for light to shine through the housing. On the other hand, the Darling utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aqua King. Nylon's softer properties absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing.
In terms of material composition, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the KTT Darling have similar top housings made of polycarbonate, providing a consistent sharp and crisp sound profile. However, the difference arises in the bottom housings, with the Aqua King utilizing polycarbonate and the Darling using nylon. This contrast allows for a unique typing experience, with the Aqua King offering a more resonant bottom-out sound due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, while the Darling provides a deeper and fuller sound profile with its softer nylon bottom housing. The choice of material for the bottom housing greatly impacts the overall sound and feel of the switch, making each option distinct in its own right.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the KTT Darling will come down to personal preference in sound profile. Both switches offer a sharp and high-pitched sound profile with their polycarbonate top housings, but the difference in bottom housings provides a unique typing experience. The Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing creates a more resonant sound upon bottoming out, while the Darling's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. Depending on whether you prefer a clearer and crisper sound or a fuller and rounder sound, each switch offers a distinct typing experience that caters to different preferences.
Weight
The actuation force for the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch is slightly heavier at 46 grams compared to the KTT Darling linear switch at 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aqua King (V3) requires 62 grams, which is heavier than the Darling's 53 grams. This means that the Aqua King (V3) provides a more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force, while the Darling offers a lighter touch with a lower bottom out force. Both switches have similar actuation forces, so users can expect a similar typing experience in that aspect. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the KTT Darling linear switch, we can see that the Aqua King has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Darling has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Aqua King with its 4.0 mm travel distance falls into the more traditional range, providing a balance between responsiveness and depth. On the other hand, the Darling's 3.5 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it a preferred choice for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. While both switches offer a smooth linear feel, the slight difference in travel distance can cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize a shorter travel distance for speed or a slightly longer one for a more tactile experience.
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 Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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 Aqua King (V3) offers a subdued experience, with a dampened sound that is more subtle compared to other switches. On the other hand, the KTT Darling produces a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound when typing, providing a more engaging auditory feedback. If you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Aqua King (V3) might be the better choice, while the Darling would appeal to those looking for a more audible typing feedback.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King (V3) offers a creamy and frictionless typing experience, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. This switch minimizes resistance and provides a silky sensation with each keystroke. In contrast, the KTT Darling switch is described as bouncy, giving a springy and responsive feel to each key press. If you prefer a smoother typing experience, the Aqua King (V3) might be the way to go, but if you enjoy a more lively and tactile response, the Darling switch could be more suitable.
Overall, when comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the KTT Darling linear switch, it is evident that they offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prioritize a quieter typing experience with smooth and effortless keystrokes, the Aqua King (V3) would be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more audible typing feedback with a bouncy and responsive feel, the KTT Darling switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches provide unique typing sensations, so the choice between the two would depend on your personal preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and a typing experience that feels like 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 switch with a lighter bottom out force and a typing sensation that is chewy and substantial, with a pronounced bounciness and a high-pitched sound profile, then the KTT Darling linear switch would be the perfect fit for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and overall typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and typing style to enhance your keyboarding experience.
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