Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Outemu Lime
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Outemu Lime switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a variety of options available, each offering a unique typing experience. Two popular switches to consider are the Everglide Aqua King and the Outemu Lime. The Aqua King is a linear switch, known for its frictionless feel that is reminiscent of gliding on freshly resurfaced ice skating rinks. With a touch that is subdued, creamy, and silky, this switch creates a magical typing experience. On the other hand, the Lime switch is a tactile switch, offering a lightweight and approachable tactility. It is specifically designed to provide a feathery light typing experience, with just a touch of tactility. Additionally, the Lime switch is also silenced, making it perfect for those who prefer a muted typing experience. Both switches have their merits and reasons for choosing them. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best-informed decision on which switch is best for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King and the Outemu Lime switches differ in terms of their materials and resulting sound profiles. The Aqua King features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that resonates more clearly. In contrast, the Lime switch utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, while the Aqua King provides a sharper sound, the Lime offers a deeper and richer audio experience.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the Aqua King and the Lime switches feature different materials as well. The Aqua King incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, which, similar to its top counterpart, creates a sharper and more resonant sound profile. Conversely, the Lime switch utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. Much like the differences in their top housings, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aqua King produces a crisper sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Lime provides a rounder and more mellow sound. These variations in housing materials contribute to the unique auditory experiences offered by each switch.
Despite these differences, it is important to note that the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King and the Outemu Lime switches share some similarities. Both the polycarbonate and nylon materials have distinct benefits. Polycarbonate provides greater clarity and resonance, while nylon offers a fuller and more absorbing sound. Therefore, regardless of the switch chosen, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with unique sound profiles. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it suitable for switches that utilize RGB lighting, whereas the Lime with its nylon housing may not offer the same aesthetic appeal. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preferences in terms of sound profile and visual aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Aqua King has an actuation force of 46 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Lime's 35 grams. This means that the Aqua King requires more force to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the Aqua King's bottom out force of 62 grams is heavier than the Lime's 45 grams. This indicates that typing on the Aqua King will provide a more substantial and tactile typing experience, as it requires a stronger push. On the other hand, the Lime switch offers a lighter actuation and bottom out force, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience and need to type for longer periods. Both switches provide different levels of force for typing, catering to individuals with varying preferences.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Outemu Lime tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Aqua King has a longer travel distance compared to the Lime. In general, a 4.0 mm travel distance is considered more traditional, while a 3.3 mm travel distance is shallower. However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances are becoming more popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the Outemu Lime tactile switch with its shorter travel distance may be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial keystroke, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch with its longer travel distance might be the preferred 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 Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40 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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Aqua King is best described as subdued. This means that it produces a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switch is considered neutral and muted. A neutral switch has a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes. Additionally, the Lime switch is also muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King switch offers multiple descriptors. It is described as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished. These qualities indicate that the Aqua King switch provides a smooth and buttery typing experience, with minimized resistance or friction. It offers a fluid travel and enhances the overall smoothness of typing feel. Similarly, the Lime switch is described as mild, feathery, subtle, and also polished. These qualities suggest that the Lime switch offers a more gentle typing experience with a light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue. It also has a gentle resistance and a sleek typing experience due to reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Taking all the available information into consideration, we can see that the Aqua King and Lime switches offer different subjective qualities. The Aqua King switch provides a frictionless and polished feel, akin to gliding your fingers across the keys effortlessly. It also offers a subdued sound profile. On the other hand, the Lime switch offers a feathery and polished feel, with a more approachable tactility. It produces a neutral sound profile and is also muted. Despite their differences, both switches provide smooth typing experiences and can be suitable for various preferences. Overall, while the Aqua King and Lime switches have their unique qualities, they both provide satisfying tactile experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a smooth and frictionless typing experience, then the Everglide Aqua King linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a creamy, frictionless, and polished feel, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. The Aqua King's sound profile is subdued, offering a more subtle and dampened typing sound compared to most switches. On the other hand, if you are looking for a lightweight switch with a touch of tactility and a feathery typing experience, then the Outemu Lime tactile switch is the way to go. The Lime switches are known for their unique combination of being lightweight, gently tactile, and silenced, providing a comfortable and approachable typing experience. The Lime has a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various environments, including shared spaces. Ultimately, your choice between the Aqua King and the Lime will depend on your preferences for typing feel and sound, so consider these factors when making your decision.
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