Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. HMX Hibiscus
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Hibiscus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two standout options in the linear category are the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Hibiscus. The Aqua King (V3) is celebrated for its near-frictionless action, providing a typing feel reminiscent of gliding effortlessly across a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink. With a profile described as subdued, creamy, and silky, it promises a magical experience that caters to users seeking a whisper-quiet environment without compromise on smoothness. On the other hand, the HMX Hibiscus offers an ultra-light actuation force that is among the softest in the market, coupled with a distinctively clacky and poppy sound signature, making it perfect for those who relish an audibly satisfying keystroke along with a pristine typing experience. While both switches deliver exceptional smoothness, the Aqua King (V3) emphasizes a subtle, frictionless glide, whereas the Hibiscus focuses on light actuation and acoustics. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
Nylon
Stem material
T3
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 Hibiscus utilize distinctly different materials for their top housings, showcasing a divergence in their acoustic signatures. The Aqua King (V3) employs polycarbonate, known for its sturdiness and translucency. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is particularly accentuated under RGB lighting due to the material's ability to transmit light effectively. Conversely, the Hibiscus features a nylon top housing that produces a deeper, fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a rounder, less resonant audio experience. Consequently, users can expect a marked difference in sound characteristics between the two models, with the Aqua King (V3) favoring clarity and brightness and the Hibiscus leaning towards warmth and fullness.
When examining the bottom housing materials, the differences between the Aqua King (V3) and the Hibiscus persist. The Aqua King (V3) maintains its use of polycarbonate, which contributes to a crisp, resonant bottom-out sound that complements the aforementioned characteristics of the top housing. In stark contrast, the Hibiscus employs nylon, further enhancing its sound dampening qualities and reinforcing the overall deeper and rounder sound abstraction experienced during key presses. With both switches, the bottom housing influences the sound and feel when the key is pressed down, revealing the strengths of each material, but the impact varies greatly based on the properties of the materials chosen.
In terms of user experience, both switch designs will offer unique feel and sound profiles despite their contrasting materials. The Aqua King (V3) benefits from its polycarbonate housings—both top and bottom—resulting in a more consistent high-pitched sound profile throughout the switching action. On the other hand, the Hibiscus, with its consistent use of nylon for both housing types, creates a unified experience marked by deeper tonal effects. Therefore, while both switches serve the same core purpose, the choice of materials leads to distinct auditory and tactile results, allowing users to select according to their preference for either clarity and brightness or warmth and fullness in their keystrokes.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aqua King (V3) has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, classifying it as a medium force switch. In contrast, the Hibiscus features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a lower bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a light switch. This means that users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the Hibiscus more comfortable. On the other hand, the Aqua King (V3), with its heavier feel, will appeal to those who favor a stronger push for a more substantial typing experience. While the actuation force and bottom out force differ significantly between the two switches, users will achieve distinct tactile experiences based on their preferences, with the Hibiscus being the lighter option and the Aqua King (V3) being the heavier one.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, it’s clear that the Aqua King (V3) offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Hibiscus features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference indicates that the Aqua King may provide a more substantial keypress experience, appealing to those who prefer a deeper feel. In contrast, the Hibiscus, with its shorter 3.5 mm travel, may appeal to gamers or users seeking quicker response times, as shorter distances can facilitate faster actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference: if you appreciate a hearty depth with each keystroke, the Aqua King (V3) is the better option, while the Hibiscus could be ideal for those who favor agility and responsiveness.
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 Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus for $2.99.
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 characteristics of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch are marked by a subdued sound profile. When pressed, these switches produce a dampened auditory feedback, offering a less pronounced sound than many other switches on the market, making them ideal for quieter environments or for users who prefer a more subtle typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus linear switch has not been detailed in terms of its sound profile, leaving some uncertainty about how it compares in this area. However, sound variations can be significantly influenced by the keyboard’s build and the choice of keycaps, which means personal customization can yield distinct results.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King (V3) switches are celebrated for their creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience. They are designed to minimize resistance and provide a fluid keystroke, allowing typists to glide effortlessly across the keys. This combination creates a luxurious tactile sensation that can enhance typing enjoyment. Conversely, specific details regarding the feel of the HMX Hibiscus switches are not provided, making it difficult to directly compare them. With the Aqua Kings offering such a refined experience, the Hibiscus switches may provide a different tactile feedback that remains unknown without additional information.
In summary, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch stands out for its smooth, low-sound profile and an exceptionally refined feel that offers a premium typing experience. The HMX Hibiscus linear switch, although lacking specific details in sound and feel, may have its own unique qualities that could appeal to different preferences. Ultimately, both switches cater to distinct typing styles and preferences, and choosing between them may come down to personal experience, especially considering the nuanced effects of different keyboard builds and keycap choices.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Hibiscus linear switches ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the ambiance you wish to create while you type. If you lean towards a typing experience that feels exceptionally smooth, frictionless, and creamy, the Aqua King (V3) is your go-to choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams strikes a balance that offers a satisfyingly controlled typing experience without requiring excessive force. This makes it ideal for long typing sessions, allowing your fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys with minimal fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a bit of auditory feedback with a more poppy and clacky sound, the HMX Hibiscus should be your switch of choice. With its light bottom-out force of 48 grams, it makes an excellent option for quick typists who enjoy a more responsive key press combined with a delightful acoustic experience. In short, opt for the Aqua King (V3) for a luxurious glide and muted sound, and select the HMX Hibiscus for a lively, interactive feel that adds an element of fun to your typing.
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