Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Neo Lavender HE
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Neo Lavender HE switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Neo Lavender HE present two distinct yet compelling options for typists and gamers alike. The Aqua King (V3) is celebrated for its remarkably smooth, frictionless feel that evokes the sensation of gliding over a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink, making it perfect for those who prioritize a silky and polished typing experience. Its subdued characteristics cater to users who enjoy a smooth, creamy tactile touch with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Neo Lavender HE distinguishes itself with its clean, low sound and compatibility with Wooting keyboards, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a more unique auditory and tactile feedback, thanks to its innovative hall effect technology. While both switches offer appealing benefits—be it the Aqua King's luxurious glide or the Lavender HE's novel acoustics—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
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
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Neo Lavender HE utilize different materials for their switch housings, leading to distinct auditory experiences when typing. The Aqua King (V3) features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the material's stiffer nature, lending clarity and resonance to the sound emitted when the keys are pressed. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE employs a nylon top housing that delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference in housing materials sets the two switches apart in terms of sound dynamics.
When examining the bottom housing materials of both switches, the differences in acoustic properties continue to unfold. The Aqua King (V3) boasts a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the sound characteristics found in its top housing—providing clarity and a crisp bottom-out sound. Meanwhile, the Lavender HE's nylon bottom housing, similar to its top counterpart, enhances the deeper sound profile established by its softer nature. The duality of nylon across both housings offers a consistent auditory experience, creating a more muted sound when bottoming out. In each case, the choice of material significantly influences both the feel and sound of the switches, resulting in a nuanced typing experience.
Ultimately, both switch designs yield varying auditory profiles due to their distinct material choices, while also exhibiting some similarities depending on their configurations. If you appreciate a sharper and more resonant typing experience, the Aqua King (V3) may be the better option with its polycarbonate housings. However, for those who prefer a warmer, fuller sound, the Lavender HE's nylon construction provides a satisfying alternative. Despite their differences, users can still derive enjoyable typing experiences from both switches—one can achieve a similar tactile experience or sound profile by choosing a keycap or sound dampening method suited to the housing in a particular switch type. In this way, fans of both switches can engage with their preferences while exploring the diverse landscape of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Aqua King (V3) features an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, placing it in the medium weight category. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE offers a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This implies that for users seeking a lighter switch for comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions, the Lavender HE would be the preferable option. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may find the Aqua King (V3) to be more satisfying. Overall, the Aqua King (V3) is heavier across both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the lighter Neo Lavender HE switch.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch exhibit distinct travel distances, which can significantly influence user experience. The Aqua King (V3) boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, positioning it as a more traditional option that may appeal to those who enjoy a deeper press. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, catering to gamers and users who prefer a quicker response time. While both switches are relatively close in distance, the Aqua King (V3) provides a more pronounced keystroke, which some users might find more satisfying, whereas the Lavender HE may feel more responsive due to its shorter travel. Thus, if you seek a more subtle and efficient activation, the Neo Lavender HE is the ideal choice; however, for those who value a fuller press, the Aqua King (V3) stands out with its longer travel distance.
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 Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50 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
The sound profile of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) is characterized as subdued, offering a dampened auditory experience that is less intrusive than many other switches, making it suitable for quiet environments or office settings where noise levels are a concern. This subtle sound can create a more focused typing atmosphere. Conversely, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch is noted for its clean and low sound, which does well to set it apart from typical mechanical switches. While the Aqua King delivers a softer auditory impact, the Lavender HE’s sound may be perceived as slightly clearer or more distinct, yet their overall effectiveness in producing less noise makes them both good options for users seeking a more serene typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Aqua King (V3) excels in delivering a smooth, creamy typing experience that feels effortless and fluid, akin to gliding across ice. Descriptors such as frictionless, silky, and polished further emphasize the high level of refinement in its design. This results in a luxurious tactile sensation that enhances typing speed and comfort. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE's feel remains unspecified based on the current information, leaving an unknown factor in this comparison. However, users looking for a straightforward typing experience might find satisfaction in the Aqua King's silky and smooth characteristics.
In summary, while the Everglide Aqua King (V3) boasts a subdued sound and an exceptionally creamy feel, the Neo Lavender HE offers a clean auditory experience that stands out from the crowd. The Aqua King's impressive traits make it a top contender for those prioritizing a luxurious typing experience. The Lavender HE, while less detailed in terms of feel, could complement the Aqua King's strengths with its unique sound signature. Overall, users may find satisfaction in either option, but the Aqua King offers a more well-rounded and refined experience with a clear advantage in tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the type of experience you're seeking. If you enjoy a smooth and creamy typing feel, the Aqua King (V3) is your best bet. Its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams strikes a balance that offers both tactile feedback and a frictionless experience, perfect for those long typing sessions where comfort and ease are paramount. The subdued sound profile means you can type quietly without disturbing those around you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 50 grams, the Neo Lavender HE might be more suitable for you. Its unique magnetic mechanism delivers a clean, low sound, which can enhance the experience when using compatible Wooting keyboards. The Lavender HE's characteristics make it an excellent choice for gamers or typists who value quick actuation and a distinctly different sound profile. Ultimately, consider your priorities in terms of weight, sound, and feel to make the choice that best suits your needs.
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