Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Keygeek Keylin stand out as noteworthy options, both offering their unique take on linear switch design. The Aqua King (V3) is celebrated for its frictionless feel, reminiscent of ice skating on freshly resurfaced ice, delivering a typing experience that is described as subdued, creamy, and silky smooth. This switch is ideal for those who prioritize a smooth and effortless keystroke, making it an excellent choice for extended typing sessions or gaming where speed and precision are key. In contrast, the Keygeek Keylin features new molds designed to enhance the overall typing experience with rich acoustics and remarkable smoothness. While the Keylin might not carry the same descriptive categories as the Aqua King, it offers a premium feel that tech enthusiasts can appreciate, pairing exceptional performance with a satisfying sound profile. Both switches serve to enhance productivity and enjoyment, yet their distinct characteristics cater to different preferences. 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
38g
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
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
UPE
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Keygeek Keylin, it becomes evident that both switches leverage distinct materials that influence their overall sound profiles. The Aqua King (V3) utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for its rigidity and clarity. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, making it particularly advantageous for those who favor pronounced audio feedback from their switching experience. In contrast, the Keylin opts for nylon for both housings, a classic choice that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This softness allows nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder and more muted auditory feedback. Each switch, with its differing materials, offers a unique typing experience that caters to varied preferences regarding sound and feel.
Despite the differences in housing materials, there are parallels between the two switches in terms of how the sound is predominantly affected by the individual housing materials. In the Aqua King (V3), the polycarbonate top housing accentuates the sound on key release, giving it a prominent crispness that pairs well with RGB lighting applications due to its translucency. Conversely, the nylon top housing of the Keylin offers a softer and deeper departure sound upon release. While these characteristics diverge, they both lead to engaging audio dynamics, albeit in different spectrums of pitch and resonance.
Finally, when evaluating the bottom housings, the Aqua King (V3) retains its polycarbonate composition, echoing the sharper sound attributes that resonate throughout the switch. The Keylin, with its nylon bottom housing, continues to produce a fuller sound profile, but this time, it influences the bottom-out experience. While both switches perform differently due to these material selections, users can achieve similar overall satisfaction depending on their preferences; the Aqua King (V3) offers more clarity and resonance for those seeking higher-pitched feedback, while the Keylin caters to those who favor a warmer, more enveloping auditory experience. Ultimately, both materials can provide a fulfilling typing experience tailored to individual preferences, showcasing the nuanced impact of housing materials in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces are quite notable. The Aqua King (V3) requires a stronger actuation force of 46 grams, compared to the lighter 38 grams required by the Keylin switch. This means that the Aqua King provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a heavier key feel, while the Keylin is better suited for those who favor a lighter touch, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or marathon gaming. Furthermore, the bottom out forces also reflect this trend; the Aqua King registers a bottom out force of 62 grams, significantly heavier than the Keylin's 48 grams. Consequently, users seeking a softer keystroke feel and ease of use over long durations may gravitate towards the Keylin, while those desiring a firmer feedback may opt for the Aqua King (V3). In summary, the Aqua King is the heavier switch, offering a more pronounced tactile experience, whereas the Keylin is the lighter option, conducive to prolonged usage.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, you can see a notable difference. The Aqua King (V3) features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Keylin has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Aqua King offers a more traditional depth, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Keylin's shorter travel distance caters to those who favor quicker response times, making it an ideal choice for gamers seeking a more rapid key activation. Thus, if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Keylin will likely meet your needs better, while the Aqua King may appeal to those who enjoy a deeper and more deliberate keystroke. Overall, the Aqua King is the longer switch, and the Keylin is the shorter one.
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 Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin 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
When comparing the sound profile of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Keygeek Keylin linear switches, the Aqua King (V3) stands out with a subdued sound signature. This means that when pressed, the switch produces a dampened sound that is not overly loud, making it ideal for quieter environments or for users who prefer a more understated auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Keylin are not specified in the provided information, so it's difficult to compare directly. However, the acoustic properties of both switches can be influenced by the type of keyboard and keycaps used, so users may achieve varied sound experiences based on their setups.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King (V3) excels with descriptors like creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished. This array of qualities suggests an incredibly smooth and effortless typing experience that minimizes resistance and enhances the sensation of ease when pressing the keys. The switch feels refined and luxurious, allowing your fingers to glide seamlessly across the keyboard surface. Unfortunately, the Keylin's tactile characteristics are not described, leaving a gap in the comparison. However, if the Keylin aims to deliver a premium typing experience, it may also offer a smooth feel, albeit potentially with differences that are yet to be revealed.
In summary, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) is characterized by its subdued sound and an exceptional feel that combines creaminess with a frictionless action, contributing to a high-quality typing experience. While the auditory specifications of the Keygeek Keylin remain unknown, the promise of a premium typing experience suggests that it could compete favorably in terms of feel. Ultimately, if you value a mute ear with silky touch, the Aqua King (V3) may be the better choice, but the potential of the Keylin remains an enticing possibility for those seeking an elevated experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Keygeek Keylin linear switches will largely depend on your typing preferences and the typing experience you desire. If you gravitate towards a medium-bottoming force and seek an extraordinarily smooth and frictionless experience, the Aqua King (V3) will be the right fit. It will provide that unique, creamy sensation akin to gliding over freshly resurfaced ice, making it perfect for long typing sessions or gaming marathons where every keystroke counts. The subdued sound profile also makes it an excellent choice for quieter environments, striking a balance between performance and acoustics. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom out force of 48 grams, the Keylin might be more up your alley. It offers a premium typing experience with rich acoustics and an overall smoothness that is enjoyable for various types of key presses. Whether you're composing emails, coding, or gaming, its lighter feel may reduce fatigue during extended use. Ultimately, both switches cater to different needs, so your final decision should be informed by your specific typing style and the ambiance of your workspace.
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