Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. TKC Kiwi
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the TKC Kiwi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer unique typing experiences are the Everglide Aqua King and the TKC Kiwi. The Aqua King, a linear switch, is best known for its frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding on a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink. Your fingers effortlessly slide across the keys, creating a truly magical typing experience. On the other hand, the Kiwi, a tactile switch, aims to enhance your typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. This bump provides a satisfying level of feedback, resulting in an immersive typing experience. Additionally, the Kiwi is lightly factory-lubed for a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. While these general characteristics can help guide your decision, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King and the TKC Kiwi differ in terms of their housing materials. The Aqua King features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Kiwi's top housing is made of UHWMPE, a newer material that offers a very bright sound signature. This results in resonant clacks when typing on switches with UHWMPE top housing. While both materials contribute to a unique sound profile, the Aqua King's polycarbonate housing emphasizes clarity and crispness, while the Kiwi's UHWMPE housing focuses on brightness and resonant clacks.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches utilize different materials. The Aqua King features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to the overall sound profile of the switch. Like the polycarbonate top housing, the bottom housing enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound when bottoming out the keys. On the other hand, the Kiwi's bottom housing is made of UHWMPE, mirroring its top housing material. As a result, the bottom housing of the Kiwi provides a similar bright sound signature and resonant clacks when typing. While the materials may differ, both switches ensure that the qualities brought by the bottom housing are prominent when physically pressing down on the keys.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings play distinct roles in the sound profile of a switch. When pressing down on a key, the feeling and sound experienced will be influenced by the bottom housing, while the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing the key. Therefore, although the Aqua King and the Kiwi differ in terms of their housing materials, the overall sound experience between the two switches may still be similar, albeit with varying emphasis on different aspects of the sound profile. Whether you prefer the sharper and crisper sound of the Aqua King's polycarbonate or the bright and resonant clacks of the Kiwi's UHWMPE, both switches offer their own unique qualities based on the materials used.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, we can see a few key differences. The Aqua King has an actuation force of 46 grams, slightly heavier than the Kiwi's 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Kiwi is heavier at 67 grams compared to the Aqua King's 62 grams. Both switches fall under the medium to medium-heavy range, offering a satisfying typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Aqua King may be the preferable choice, as its actuation force is lighter. On the other hand, the Kiwi provides a stronger push feel, which some individuals may find more substantial and prefer for a tactile typing experience. Overall, while the Aqua King is lighter in terms of actuation force, the Kiwi is heavier when it comes to bottom out force, offering a nuanced choice for different preferences.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent and equal distance of movement. Whether typing on the Aqua King or the Kiwi, the travel distance will provide a similar tactile feedback and key press experience. Therefore, in terms of their travel distance, both switches offer a comparable user experience with no noticeable difference in their distance traveled from the top to the bottom position.
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 TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00 per 10 switches.
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 switch is best described as subdued. It offers a dampened sound when pressed, creating a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi switch is low-pitched. It produces a bass-heavy and mellow tone, providing a unique sound experience. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aqua King switch is known for offering a creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience. These switches provide a smooth and buttery feel, as if gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. They minimize resistance and offer a fluid travel. Similarly, the Kiwi switch is described as stepped, accented, and polished. It offers a mild tactile feedback with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The tactility is prominent but not overwhelming, providing a satisfying typing experience. Both switches share the quality of having a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Considering all the available information, the Everglide Aqua King and TKC Kiwi switches offer different subjective qualities. The Aqua King provides a frictionless and silky typing experience, while the Kiwi offers a mild tactile feedback. In terms of sound, the Aqua King is subdued, while the Kiwi is low-pitched. Both switches have a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. It is important to consider personal preferences and typing style when choosing between these switches. If you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Aqua King may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bit of tactility and a unique sound profile, the Kiwi switch can deliver a more immersive typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches are best known for their frictionless feel, which can be compared to ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. Your fingers will simply glide across the keys, creating a magical typing experience. Additionally, the Aqua King offers a subdued sound profile, providing a more subtle and dampened sound when pressed.
On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch would suit you well. These switches are designed to enhance your typing experience, offering a satisfyingly snappy sound profile. The Kiwi switches are lightly factory-lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. Furthermore, these switches have a bottom out force of 67 grams, which provides a medium to medium-heavy resistance when pressing the keys.
Ultimately, your choice between the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch depends on your preference for smoothness versus tactility in your typing experience. If you prioritize a frictionless and fluid typing feel with a medium bottom out force, the Aqua King is the way to go. However, if you prefer a tactile and snappy typing experience with a slightly stronger bump, the Kiwi is the better option. Consider your typing preferences and decide which switch aligns best with your needs.
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