Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. HMX Macchiato
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Macchiato switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Macchiato stand out as two compelling options, both offering the benefits of linear response but with distinct characteristics. The Aqua King (V3) is celebrated for its frictionless, almost ethereal typing feel, akin to gliding across a freshly resurfaced ice rink, making it perfect for users who prioritize a smooth, subdued, and creamy typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Macchiato aims to captivate enthusiasts with its silky performance and bright sound profile, appealing to those who value auditory feedback alongside a smooth keypress. While both switches cater to a preference for linear actuation, their unique textures and sound qualities can significantly influence your typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
POK
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Macchiato utilize different materials for their switch housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles and user experiences. The Aqua King (V3) features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. Polycarbonate is known for being a stiffer plastic, which leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through vividly, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. This choice of material provides a clear and resonant response, especially when typing, where the sound produced upon key release reflects the qualities of the top housing.
In contrast, the HMX Macchiato employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon, recognized as a classic switch housing material, yields a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb sound better than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. While the Macchiato's aesthetic may not be as pronounced in terms of RGB lighting due to the opacity of nylon, the overall typing experience offers a softer touch and a sizable sound variance, particularly noticeable during keystrokes and bottom-out responses, owing to the softer nature of the material.
When comparing the two, it becomes clear how the differences in housing materials between the Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Macchiato affect their sound and feel. Users of the Aqua King (V3) will appreciate the brighter sound signature and the visually appealing RGB effects, whereas those who opt for the Macchiato will find comfort in its warmer, more subdued sound profile. For users looking for a switch that balances both sound and aesthetics, experimenting with switches that feature a mix of these materials may yield similar sound profiles to either model, depending on the desired typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between polycarbonate and nylon can vastly influence one’s typing experience, leading to distinct preferences among users.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Macchiato linear switches, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Aqua King (V3) features an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. Conversely, the HMX Macchiato is lighter with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, designating it as a light switch. This distinction means that typists and gamers who prefer a more effortless keystroke might gravitate towards the Macchiato for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel might find the Aqua King (V3) more satisfying despite its heavier resistance. Overall, the Macchiato is the lighter option, making it suitable for extended use, whereas the Aqua King (V3) delivers a stronger push that some users may prefer for enhanced tactile feedback.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them identical in this respect. This means that users will experience the same distance of key travel when pressing down on either switch, resulting in a similar feel and responsiveness during typing or gaming sessions. As both switches share this travel distance, individuals seeking a consistent typing experience can confidently choose between the two without worrying about differences in travel distance affecting performance.
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 Macchiato has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Macchiato 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
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch is characterized by its subdued sound profile, producing a dampened noise upon activation. While it is not silent, the sound it produces is more subtle compared to many other switches, making it suitable for quieter environments. In contrast, the sound profile of the HMX Macchiato linear switch remains unmentioned, making it difficult to compare directly. However, it is generally understood that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors, including the keyboard's design and keycap materials.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King (V3) switch shines with its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished characteristics. This switch offers an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience that minimizes any sense of resistance, allowing your fingers to glide over the keys with ease. The predictably silky sensation enhances the fluidity of each keystroke, contributing to a truly enjoyable typing experience. Unfortunately, details about the feel of the HMX Macchiato linear switch are undisclosed, preventing an effective comparison in this regard.
In conclusion, while the Everglide Aqua King (V3) switch is well-regarded for its subdued sound and luxurious feel characterized by a frictionless typing experience, the HMX Macchiato's sound and feel qualities remain unknown. If you opt for the Aqua King (V3), you can expect a smooth, polished, and enjoyable typing experience, while the Macchiato may still possess its own appeal—potentially delivering a bright sound profile and a silky feel, though specifics are currently lacking. As both switches focus on providing a smooth typing experience, users may enjoy similarities in overall satisfaction, depending on personal preference and keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Macchiato linear switches, consider your typing preferences and the overall experience you seek. If you prefer a more substantial feel with a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, the Aqua King (V3) may be the perfect fit for you, especially if you enjoy a uniquely frictionless typing sensation that feels like gliding on ice. This switch offers a creamy and silky experience, ideal for those who appreciate smooth, effortless keystrokes with a subdued sound profile that won’t disrupt your surroundings. Conversely, if you lean towards a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 50 grams, the HMX Macchiato may be more suitable for you. It promises a silky smooth typing experience as well, although it is particularly tailored for those who appreciate an effortlessly bright sound profile that can enhance your typing rhythm. In summary, choose the Aqua King (V3) for a heavier, refined experience and the Macchiato for a lightweight, lively feel. Your choice ultimately hinges on whether you value a more solid typing experience or prefer a lighter touch with an engaging auditory feedback.
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