Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. HMX KD200
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX KD200 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, users often find themselves torn between the tactile sensations and sound profiles of different options. The Everglide Aqua King (V3), a linear switch, is celebrated for its remarkably smooth feel, often compared to the sensation of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. Users who prefer a subdued and creamy typing experience will appreciate the Aqua King's frictionless nature, which creates a polished and silky typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX KD200 stands out as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, appealing to those who enjoy a more audible feedback with each keystroke. While both switches fall into the linear category, their distinctive characteristics cater to different preferences in typing feel and sound. 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
50g
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
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX KD200 differ significantly in their choice of housing materials, which profoundly affects the auditory experience for users. The Aqua King (V3) utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which allows for a sharper and high-pitched sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness enhances the clarity and resonance of the sounds produced, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a crisp auditory response. In contrast, the KD200 opts for nylon for both its top and bottom housings. This material is traditionally known for generating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. Thus, while the Aqua King (V3) promotes a more vibrant sound, the KD200 delivers a rounder and more substantial auditory experience.
Examining the housing materials further reveals how each influences the overall sound characteristics of the switches. For the Aqua King (V3), the polycarbonate top housing emphasizes clarity when releasing a key, while the bottom housing also contributes to the higher-pitched bottom-out sound. This cohesiveness in material allows users to achieve a consistent sharpness throughout the keystroke. Conversely, the KD200's nylon housing fundamentally alters both the top and bottom sounds, resulting in a uniform yet softer acoustic profile. The nylon material dampens the sound, ensuring that both the release and bottom-out experiences are consistent with a fuller, rounded auditory response. Consequently, someone looking for a more nuanced auditory feedback may prefer the KD200 over the crisper sound of the Aqua King (V3).
Both switches maintain distinct audio properties due to their chosen materials, but the differences can lead to comparable results when one seeks a balance in feedback. If a user prefers a keystroke that feels cohesive between the two sounds, they may achieve similar auditory satisfaction by adjusting their typing technique or even implementing dampening materials in their keyboard setup. For instance, users of the Aqua King (V3) might find that a softer touch can help diminish the sharpness, bringing it closer to the roundness of the KD200. Ultimately, while the resulting sounds may differ based on the material, with deliberate adjustments and preferences, users can tailor their experiences to find balance, regardless of whether they lean toward the clarity of polycarbonate or the warmth of nylon.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch with the HMX KD200 linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Aqua King (V3) requires an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, giving it a medium weight feel that can cater to users who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX KD200 has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a significantly lower bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch, particularly for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. This means that while both switches have similar actuation forces, the Aqua King (V3) is the heavier option overall, which may appeal to users seeking a firmer keystroke. Conversely, the lighter nature of the KD200 may provide a quicker and less tiring experience for users.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Aqua King (V3) boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KD200 offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Aqua King (V3) allows for a deeper key press, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial tactile experience. In contrast, the KD200’s shorter travel distance can facilitate quicker response times, making it a potentially better choice for gamers who value speed. Therefore, if you are looking for a key switch that offers more depth and a hearty feel, the Aqua King (V3) is the superior option. Conversely, if you prioritize responsiveness and rapid actuation, the KD200 would be the preferable 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 KD200 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the KD200 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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) is characterized by its subdued acoustic profile. This dampened sound signature creates a more subtle typing experience, allowing for quiet operation that won't distract you or those around you. The Aqua King's sound is not completely silent but leans towards a more muted response compared to many other switches on the market. On the other hand, the HMX KD200 stands out as the clackiest member of its switch family, which implies a sharper, more pronounced sound with each keystroke. This clackiness is likely to be more attention-grabbing, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that many users find appealing.
When it comes to feel, the Aqua King (V3) excels with a diverse array of descriptors including creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished. Each of these qualities contributes to an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience that feels luxurious and refined. This fluid key travel makes typing feel incredibly enjoyable, as if gliding over the keys with minimal resistance. In contrast, the tactile qualities of the HMX KD200 are unknown, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons in this context.
In conclusion, both switches offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Everglide Aqua King (V3) provides a subdued auditory experience paired with an incredibly smooth and frictionless typing sensation, whereas the HMX KD200 delivers a more pronounced clack with an unspecified feel. For someone looking to choose between these switches, the decision will hinge on whether they prioritize a quieter and smoother typing experience with the Aqua Kings or the more audible and possibly different tactile experience of the KD200.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch, your personal preferences and typing style should greatly influence your decision. If you enjoy a typing experience that feels exceptionally smooth, effortless, and somewhat muted, the Aqua King (V3) is an excellent choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, combined with its creamy, frictionless feel, creates a luxurious and subdued typing experience that makes long typing sessions more comfortable. This switch is perfect for scenarios where a quiet, yet refined typing sound is desired, such as in shared workspaces or during late-night gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you desire a lighter actuation force, enjoy the tactile feedback from a clackier sound, and prefer a more expressive typing experience, then the HMX KD200 would be the better option for you. With a bottom-out force of 50 grams, it offers a more playful and responsive feel while adding an energetic clack to each keystroke, making it ideal for those who love to type and game vigorously. Ultimately, your choice should reflect both your typing preferences and the environments in which you typically use your keyboard.
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