Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. HMX Deep Navy
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Deep Navy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Deep Navy each offer unique benefits that cater to different preferences. The Aqua King (V3) stands out with its remarkably frictionless and polished typing feel, reminiscent of gliding effortlessly across a freshly resurfaced ice rink. This switch is ideal for those who seek a subdued yet creamy experience, making it perfect for prolonged typing sessions where comfort is paramount. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy boasts a rich and sharp sound profile, combined with silky smooth keystrokes thanks to its robust nylon construction and Ly stem. This switch might appeal to users who enjoy auditory feedback alongside a smooth typing sensation, providing an immersive experience that enhances their overall keyboarding. Both switches have their own merit—whether it's the Aqua King's luxurious glide or the Deep Navy's engaging soundscape. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Deep Navy exhibit distinct differences in their housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles and user experience. The Aqua King (V3) utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, a material renowned for its rigidity and strength. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, making it particularly appealing to users who prefer a more defined and articulate auditory feedback when typing. The translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switch, especially when RGB lighting is involved, but also contributes to its clear resonance, ensuring that light can easily pass through and illuminate the interior.
In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy adopts nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which contrasts sharply with polycarbonate. Nylon, being a softer material, absorbs more sound and results in a deeper, fuller sound profile. This softer profile creates a cushioned typing experience that may feel more satisfying to some users who prefer a rounder sound. The contrasting dynamics between the two materials highlight the effectiveness of nylon in muffling sounds, leading to a more subdued and muted auditory feedback compared to the brighter notes produced by the Aqua King (V3).
When considering how these differences translate into user experience, it becomes clear that the combination of housing materials in each switch plays a pivotal role in defining their sound characteristics. The Aqua King (V3) delivers a pronounced auditory experience appreciated by typists who seek clarity and sharpness, capitalizing on the qualities of polycarbonate. Conversely, the Deep Navy's nylon housing offers a smoother and softer sound profile that may appeal to those who value comfort and depth over clarity. In both cases, the materials’ properties contribute significantly to the overall sound and feel, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences and typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Aqua King (V3) has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium weight switch. In contrast, the Deep Navy features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a preferable choice for those who favor a softer touch during extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. This lighter design allows for less fatigue over time, while the medium-weight Aqua King provides a more substantial feel that may appeal to users who prefer a stronger tactile feedback. Consequently, if you are looking for a switch with a lighter actuation and bottom out force, the HMX Deep Navy would be the ideal choice, whereas the Aqua King (V3) would be better suited for individuals who appreciate a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, the Aqua King (V3) stands out with a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Deep Navy offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Aqua King the longer option, providing a more traditional and hearty typing experience. In contrast, the Deep Navy, with its shorter travel distance, caters to users seeking quicker response times, often preferred by gamers who benefit from rapid keypresses. If you are someone who appreciates a more pronounced feedback and depth when typing, the Aqua King (V3) would be the ideal choice, whereas those who favor a snappier, more responsive feel may lean toward the Deep Navy.
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 HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
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 (V3) offers a subdued auditory experience, characterized by a dampened sound when pressed. This means it emits a softer sound signature, which may appeal to users seeking a less intrusive typing experience that remains audible without being overwhelming. On the other hand, while the Deep Navy linear switch features a rich sound profile crafted from full nylon construction, specific descriptors for its sound are not provided. However, the combination of its material and design suggests it may produce a more noticeable auditory feedback compared to the Aqua King, making it suitable for those who appreciate a distinct sound while typing.
When considering feel, the Aqua King (V3) excels in delivering a uniquely smooth and effortless typing experience. Descriptors like creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished illustrate how these switches glide under your fingers, minimizing resistance and providing an almost ethereal typing sensation. This creates an environment in which keystrokes feel seamless and fluid. The Deep Navy switch, while lacking specific descriptors regarding its tactile feel, is noted for its silky smoothness courtesy of the Ly stem. This suggests the potential for a pleasant typing experience as well. Although both switch types promise smooth action, the Aqua King (V3) explicitly touts a wider array of luxurious tactile descriptors.
In conclusion, while both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and HMX Deep Navy linear switches aim to provide a smooth typing experience, their auditory characteristics are notably different, with the Aqua King being more subdued and the potential for the Deep Navy to offer a richer sound profile. The Aqua King showcases a variety of luxurious tactile descriptors that emphasize an effortlessly smooth typing experience, while the Deep Navy hints at a similar smoothness without elaborating on its tactile qualities. Ultimately, both switches cater to distinct preferences, but users can expect a quality typing experience with either choice, depending on whether they prioritize sound or the luxurious feel of keystrokes.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences in tactile feedback, sound, and effort required for key presses. If you prefer a typing experience characterized by smoothness and ease of use, the Aqua King (V3) is the better choice. Its notable medium bottom-out force of 62 grams provides a sense of substance while maintaining a frictionless feel that allows your fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys, making it particularly suited for users who favor a polished and creamy typing experience. On the other hand, if you tend to enjoy a lighter touch and are drawn to a richer, more pronounced sound profile, the Deep Navy excels with its lighter 45-gram bottom-out force and full nylon construction that enhances both comfort and auditory feedback. Its refined design not only provides a silky smooth action per keystroke but also offers a unique tactile sensation that many typists cherish. Ultimately, consider what aspects—such as the amount of force needed to press the keys or the sound and feel of the switches—are most important to you in achieving an ideal mechanical keyboard experience.
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