Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Huano Grape Orange
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Huano Grape Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Huano Grape Orange stand out as two exemplary linear switches, each offering a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences. The Aqua King (V3) is celebrated for its almost frictionless sensation, reminiscent of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink, allowing for a fluid and creamy typing experience that many users find enchanting. Its polished feel and subdued feedback make it a desirable choice for those who appreciate a smooth, unencumbered transition between keystrokes. On the other hand, the Huano Grape Orange is distinguished by its remarkably light 40g actuation force, which provides an effortless typing experience ideal for marathon typing sessions. This switch is perfect for users who prioritize comfort during long hours of use and seek a more tactile response without the weight. Both switches have their unique charms; however, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
40g
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
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Huano Grape Orange switches, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a similar sound profile characterized by clarity and resonance. The polycarbonate material offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound due to its stiffness, making it beneficial for users who appreciate the crisp auditory feedback when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal of RGB lighting, allowing the illumination to shine through more vividly. This commonality in top housing material means that users will experience similar auditory effects and aesthetics when using either switch, primarily when RGB is a consideration.
However, the differences become notable in the bottom housing, where the Aqua King (V3) again employs polycarbonate while the Grape Orange opts for nylon. Polycarbonate’s inherent stiffness continues to dominate the auditory profile of the Aqua King’s bottom, contributing to a clear and resonant sound during key presses. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Grape Orange tends to absorb more sound due to its softer composition, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference in material composition leads to distinct sound experiences during typing, where the bottom-out sound of the Grape Orange may feel more muted and rounded compared to the sharper feedback from the Aqua King.
Ultimately, the contrasting materials in the bottom housings mean that the two switches will produce different tactile and auditory experiences at various points of the key press. The Aqua King's dual polycarbonate design allows it to maintain a consistent sound signature throughout with a focus on clarity, whereas the Huano Grape Orange provides a more varied acoustic experience, particularly in terms of depth and softness from its nylon base. For users prioritizing a specific sound or feel profile, this distinction can significantly shape their keyboard experience, while those who appreciate the sharper sound of polycarbonate will find a sense of continuity in the Aqua King despite the differences in bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Aqua King (V3) requires a stronger actuation force of 46 grams, while the Grape Orange is lighter at 40 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer effortless typing or gaming sessions. This lighter actuation force means that users could potentially type for longer periods without experiencing as much fatigue. In terms of bottom out force, the Aqua King (V3) also has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams compared to the Grape Orange's 50 grams. This difference again aligns with the respective user preferences—if someone desires a more substantial typing experience, the Aqua King (V3) is the better option due to its heavier forces. Conversely, those seeking a lighter, more responsive feel should gravitate towards the Grape Orange. Overall, the Grape Orange offers a softer touch, while the Aqua King (V3) provides a firmer resistance throughout the keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Aqua King (V3) features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional choice that offers a deeper press, whereas the Grape Orange has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This shorter distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, providing a snappier feel with each keystroke. Those who prefer a more substantial depth in their typing experience would benefit from the Aqua King (V3) due to its longer travel distance, which may feel more comfortable for prolonged use. Thus, if you favor responsiveness, the Grape Orange is the better option, while the Aqua King (V3) caters to those who appreciate a more pronounced 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 Huano Grape Orange has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Grape Orange 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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) features a subdued acoustic profile that provides a dampened sound when pressed. This allows for a quieter typing experience, which can be especially beneficial in noise-sensitive environments or during long work sessions. While the Grape Orange switch's sound characteristics are not specified, it is important to note that the overall sound can vary based on the type of keyboard and keycaps used. Thus, if the Grape Orange were to achieve a similar acoustic signature, it would likely depend on the board setup.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King (V3) stands out for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished qualities, transforming typing into a near-effortless experience. This switch allows fingers to glissade smoothly across the key surface, creating an incredibly fluid action with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Grape Orange switch is characterized by its exceptionally light 40g actuation force, lending itself to an effortless typing experience that's also ideal for prolonged usage. While both switches offer low resistance, the Aqua King's diverse range of descriptors suggests a richer tactile experience.
In conclusion, both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and Huano Grape Orange switches provide unique typing characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Aqua King leans towards a luxurious and smooth typing feel with its frictionless action and subdued sound, making it ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy that "skating on ice" sensation. Meanwhile, the Grape Orange excels in its lightweight ease of use, making it a comfortable choice for those who type for extended periods. For users seeking either a creamy typing experience or a lightweight feel, both switches can deliver satisfying results, albeit through different sensory experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, your choice largely depends on your typing style and how you prioritize different aspects of the typing experience. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force and a frictionless, silky feel that glides effortlessly from key to key, then the Aqua King (V3) might be the ideal choice for you. It's particularly well-suited for users who appreciate a refined touch and a more subdued sound profile, making it great for both typing and gaming without being overly noisy. On the other hand, if you're looking for something lighter with a lower actuation force, the Grape Orange is perfect for longer typing sessions where comfort takes precedence. Its lighter feel allows for quicker keystrokes, benefiting those who may fatigue easily during extended use. In essence, go for the Aqua King (V3) if you value a creamy and polished experience, while the Grape Orange caters to a more relaxed and effortless typing sensation.
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