Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. HMX Lucky
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Lucky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Lucky offer unique experiences tailored to different types of users. The Aqua King (V3) stands out with its frictionless, silky typing feel, reminiscent of gliding across a freshly resurfaced ice rink. This switch is perfect for those who prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience, characterized by its subdued and creamy characteristics. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky switches bring a more neutral yet deeply satisfying experience, thanks to their softer nylon housings and lightweight design, making them an appealing choice for users who prefer a balance of comfort and responsiveness while typing. Both switches cater to different preferences; the Aqua King (V3) excels in delivering a luxurious glide, while the Lucky offers a reassuring and satisfying feel. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Lucky differentiate themselves primarily through their housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles during usage. The Aqua King (V3) features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucency. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that enhances clarity and resonance. The ability of polycarbonate to reflect RGB lighting also adds an aesthetic appeal, making it a popular choice for users who value visual effects as much as auditory feedback. In contrast, the Lucky opts for a nylon top housing, which introduces a softer sound profile characterized by a deeper and rounder tone. Nylon's ability to absorb sound leads to a muted, fuller signature that users may find preferable for a quieter typing experience or an overall less harsh auditory environment.
In terms of bottom housings, the Aqua King (V3) sticks with polycarbonate, further reinforcing its identity as a switch that produces a clear and crisp sound. The combination of a polycarbonate top and bottom housing means that users can expect consistency in sound quality, as both elements contribute to a unified auditory experience. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky's nylon bottom housing contrasts with its nylon top, emphasizing the creation of a deeper and more subdued sound profile. The different properties of nylon—being softer and more sound-absorbent—allow for an entirely distinct acoustic experience when the key is depressed.
The interplay between the distinct housing materials in the Aqua King (V3) and HMX Lucky demonstrates how each type brings unique qualities to the typing experience. The Aqua King’s use of polycarbonate in both housings creates a coherent sound signature that is both sharp and vibrant, with the top housing affecting sound upon release, while the bottom housing contributes to the bottoming-out sensations. Contrarily, the Lucky's mixed material approach means that typing results in a combination of characteristics, where the softness of nylon is more pronounced. Users seeking a crisper sound will likely prefer the Aqua King (V3), while those who value a more muted, fuller auditory feedback may gravitate toward the HMX Lucky—showcasing how similar switches can evoke vastly different experiences based on housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch to the HMX Lucky linear switch, there are noticeable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Aqua King (V3) has a medium actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Lucky switch is lighter with an actuation force of just 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, especially suitable for prolonged use such as typing or gaming sessions, the HMX Lucky switch would be the better option. On the contrary, users who like a firmer feel might find the Aqua King (V3) more satisfying due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces. The different forces lead to distinct experiences; the Aqua King (V3) provides a more substantial push, while the Lucky allows for quicker keystrokes with less effort. Therefore, users need to consider their preferences for typing feel when choosing between these two switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, a clear difference emerges. The Aqua King (V3) features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Lucky has a slightly shorter distance of 3.8 mm. While 4 mm represents the most traditional travel distance, the 3.8 mm of the Lucky is indicative of the modern trend toward shorter distances, favored by gamers for quicker response times. If a user prefers a more robust feel with a deeper travel, the Aqua King (V3) is the better choice with its longer travel distance. Conversely, those seeking a more responsive typing experience might lean towards the HMX Lucky due to its reduced 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 HMX Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky for $2.99.
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 (V3) features a subdued auditory profile, producing a dampened sound when pressed. While it’s not entirely silent, the character of its sound is notably more subtle than many other switches on the market. This quality is ideal for users who prefer a quieter typing experience, as it minimizes disturbances in shared workspaces or gaming environments. In contrast, the sound profile for the HMX Lucky switch is unknown, so while the Aqua King (V3) may be a good choice for those seeking a less intrusive sound, the Lucky’s sound characteristics remain a mystery.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King (V3) is characterized by its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished sensations. Typing on these switches is akin to effortlessly gliding across a smooth surface, providing a luxurious experience that minimizes any resistance. Each keystroke feels seamless and refined, allowing a fluid typing motion that enhances both speed and accuracy. The HMX Lucky switch, however, does not have specific tactile attributes detailed, leaving an ambiguity regarding how it compares to the Aqua King (V3).
Overall, while both switches cater to enthusiasts looking for a satisfying typing experience, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) stands out with its subdued sound profile and a luxurious feel characterized by smoothness and minimal friction. The HMX Lucky switch, though, lacks specific information on its sound and tactile qualities, leaving potential users to contemplate how it might feel and sound compared to the well-regarded Aqua King (V3). Ultimately, if a quieter switch is desired, the Aqua King (V3) would be a more informed choice, while the Lucky may still offer an appealing experience without clarity on its exact characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Lucky linear switch depends greatly on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you favor a more substantial keystroke that provides both medium resistance (with a bottom-out force of 62 grams) and an exceptionally smooth experience reminiscent of ice skating—thanks to its frictionless and silky feel—the Aqua King (V3) is likely the better choice. Its subdued sound will also keep your typing discreet, making it ideal for environments like offices or shared spaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 43 grams, and you desire a neutral yet deeply satisfying typing experience, the Lucky would suit you well. Its softer, glittery nylon housing offers a unique feel that’s less demanding on your fingers, perfect for long typing sessions where comfort is key. Overall, your decision may boil down to the weight and feel of the switch; the Aqua King provides a more premium typing experience with its robust characteristics, while the Lucky keeps things light and easy for casual typing.
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