Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. HMX FJ400
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX FJ400 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX FJ400 present two intriguing options for those seeking a refined typing experience. The Aqua King (V3) stands out for its distinctive frictionless feel, akin to gliding across a freshly resurfaced ice rink, making each keystroke feel smooth and effortless. This switch is characterized by a subdued, creamy, and polished typing sensation, perfect for users who prioritize a luxurious and refined touch. On the other hand, the HMX FJ400 offers a balanced sound profile, making it a versatile choice that caters to a wide range of typists. While the FJ400 may not have the same silky smoothness as the Aqua King (V3), its middle-ground characteristics provide reliability and consistency, appealing to those who appreciate a balanced experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
T2
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in mechanical switches significantly influence their acoustic profiles and overall typing experience. The Everglide Aqua King (V3) features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This characteristic stems from polycarbonate's relative stiffness, which allows for greater clarity and resonance when the switches are activated. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal, making it an excellent choice for RGB lighting setups, as it allows the light to pass through efficiently. In contrast, the HMX FJ400 incorporates a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials are engineered for sound production, they deliver distinctly different auditory results—one emphasizes clarity and brightness, while the other focuses on a warmer, rounded sound.
Examining the bottom housings reveals further divergence in material selection and resulting sound characteristics. The Aqua King (V3) is equipped with a polycarbonate bottom housing, reinforcing the high-pitched and crisp profile established by its top counterpart. This cohesion ensures that the overall experience of using the switch aligns closely with the brighter sound signature that polycarbonate offers. Conversely, the HMX FJ400 uses a nylon bottom housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a fuller and deeper typing experience, with the nylon's sound-dampening properties lending a more muted and rounded aspect to the keystrokes. Each switch’s unique sound profile, therefore, is a product of its individual housing materials, which lend contrasting acoustics to the switches.
In practical terms, these differences mean that when typing on the Aqua King (V3), the user will experience a crisp and sharp sound derived from both housings, allowing the inherent qualities of polycarbonate to shine through. Meanwhile, the FJ400 will deliver a more subdued and rounded auditory experience, with the nylon bottom housing shaping the feel of each keystroke. Ultimately, while the top and bottom housings of these switches employ different materials, the way they interact can create distinct sound profiles that affect the overall typing experience. Users can enjoy the respective advantages of each switch by selecting based on the sound characteristics that appeal to their preferences.
Weight
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch showcase distinct characteristics in their actuation forces and bottom-out forces. The Aqua King (V3) features an actuation force of 46 grams, which is slightly lighter than the FJ400's actuation force of 50 grams. This makes the Aqua King (V3) more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, as it requires less force to actuate. However, the bottom-out force of the Aqua King (V3) is at 62 grams, compared to the FJ400's 58 grams, indicating that while the Aqua King is easier to press at the moment of actuation, it becomes a bit heavier when pressed all the way down. Thus, if one seeks a more substantial tactile feedback with slightly heavier resistance at bottoming out, the FJ400 may be the better choice. Overall, the Aqua King (V3) is lighter in terms of actuation force, while the FJ400 is marginally heavier with respect to bottom-out force, appealing to varying preferences among users.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch, it is evident that the Aqua King (V3) has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX FJ400 offers a somewhat shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This slight difference may seem negligible, but it can impact the overall typing experience significantly. Gamers often favor the FJ400 for its shorter travel distance, as it can facilitate quicker response times, making it ideal for fast-paced gameplay. Conversely, the Aqua King (V3), with its longer 4 mm travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial key press, providing a more tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference; those favoring a quicker, snappier feel may opt for the FJ400, while those seeking depth and a more pronounced feedback may find the Aqua King (V3) to be the better choice.
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 FJ400 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the FJ400 for $3.29.
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 sound profile of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) is characterized as subdued, producing a dampened auditory experience when the keys are pressed. This results in a typing sound that is not entirely silent but is notably more subtle compared to many other switches on the market, providing a quieter typing experience that may appeal to those in shared spaces or environments where noise is a concern. In contrast, the HMX FJ400's sound profile is unmentioned, leaving its acoustic characteristics unknown. Therefore, while the Aqua King (V3) guarantees a serene auditory output, the FJ400’s sound performance remains a mystery, encouraging potential users to seek clarification on this aspect.
In terms of tactile feedback, the Aqua King (V3) is celebrated for its creamy, frictionless feel—described as akin to ice skating on fresh ice. This smoothness is enhanced by the switch's polished finish and factory lubrication, allowing for an effortless flow during typing with minimal resistance. It's categorized as silky and buttery, which ensures an almost magical experience with each keystroke. The HMX FJ400 lacks specific descriptors about its feel, which leaves a gap in understanding how it compares in terms of typing sensation. Therefore, users looking for an extraordinary tactile experience should gravitate towards the Aqua King (V3), as its tactile properties suggest a significant upper hand.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) stands out primarily because of its subdued sound profile and exceptional tactile feedback characterized by its creamy and frictionless quality. If you're seeking a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Aqua Kings deliver just that. Meanwhile, the HMX FJ400 leaves some aspects unknown, particularly regarding its sound and feel, necessitating further exploration or user feedback to fully assess its capabilities. If you're looking for the most satisfying experience, the Aqua King (V3) emerges as the clear choice, while the FJ400 may require additional scrutiny to see if it meets your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch should hinge on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you're seeking. If you desire an ultra-smooth, nearly frictionless typing experience that feels like gliding across a freshly resurfaced ice rink, the Aqua King (V3) is your go-to switch. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, it strikes a nice balance for those who appreciate a medium actuation force with a creamy and silky typing feel. The subdued sound profile makes it an excellent fit for quieter environments or when you're focused on your work, allowing you to type without attracting too much auditory attention. On the other hand, if you're looking for a well-rounded switch that offers a balanced sound profile and slightly less actuation force at 58 grams, the HMX FJ400 might be the better choice for you. It serves as a solid middle ground within the HMX Film switch lineup, appealing to those who want a more versatile option without sacrificing too much in terms of feel or sound. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prioritize an exceptionally smooth experience or a balanced, versatile typing sensation.
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