Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch. The Aqua King (V3) is praised for its frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. It offers a typing experience that is smooth, creamy, and polished, perfect for those who prefer a subtle and silky typing sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo stands out for its gentle tactility, providing just enough feedback without being overwhelming. With a medium-light typing feel and a neutral sound signature, the Mallo strikes a balanced chord for typists looking for a versatile switch. While both switches offer unique features and benefits, the Aqua King (V3) and the Mallo cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the KTT Mallo both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aqua King. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of aesthetics, both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the KTT Mallo benefit from having clear polycarbonate top housings. Clear housings are more likely to be polycarbonate, and the transparency of the material allows for RGB lighting effects to be showcased. However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom contributes to the overall sound profile by providing a clear and resonant tone, while the Mallo's nylon bottom absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. This difference in housing materials impacts the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key.
In summary, while both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the KTT Mallo feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharp and clear sound profile, they differ in terms of their bottom housings. The Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing offers a more resonant sound, while the Mallo's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. The choice of housing material in each switch affects the overall typing experience, with the qualities of the top and bottom housings impacting the sound profile and feel of the switch. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials that cater to different preferences for sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, the actuation force of the Aqua King is 46 grams, while the Mallo's actuation force is unknown. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Aqua King requiring 62 grams and the Mallo needing 55 grams. The Aqua King is on the lighter side in terms of actuation force, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. On the other hand, the Mallo offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger tactile feedback. Overall, both switches offer a medium resistance level, but the Aqua King leans towards a lighter feel while the Mallo offers a slightly heavier touch.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these switches, it is evident that they both offer the same amount of key travel, allowing for a consistent typing experience. Whether you prefer the linear feel of the Aqua King or the tactile feedback of the Mallo, you can expect a smooth key press with the same travel distance in both switches. Overall, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with the same travel distance, catering to different preferences in typing feel.
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 KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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) linear switch offers a subdued sound profile, providing a dampened sound when pressed. This creates a more subtle auditory experience compared to most switches. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo tactile switch presents a neutral sound signature that is neither overpowering nor background noise. Additionally, the Mallo also has a subdued sound profile, offering a gentle auditory feedback. Ultimately, depending on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, both switches are versatile options for different typing environments, ensuring a pleasant typing experience without causing any disturbances.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch is lauded for its frictionless and creamy typing experience, reminiscent of effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys like ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. This switch provides a smooth and fluid keypress, making typing feel almost magical. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo tactile switch is described as feathery and mild, offering a light typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue and provides a gentle tactile feedback. The Mallo also has a stepped feel, which adds a subtle two-stage sensation to the keypress. Both switches ensure a comfortable typing experience, catering to different preferences and typing styles for an enjoyable typing session.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Aqua King emphasizes a frictionless and creamy typing experience with a subdued sound profile, the Mallo provides a subtle tactile feedback and a light, feathery feel with a neutral sound signature. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring a pleasant and enjoyable typing experience for users. Whether a typist prefers a smooth glide or a gentle tactile bump, both switches offer versatile options that can enhance the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you desire a typing experience that feels as smooth as gliding on ice with a creamy, frictionless sensation, then the Aqua King (V3) is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a gentle tactility with a neutral sound profile and a feathery, mild typing feel, then the KTT Mallo switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a frictionless, buttery typing experience or a subtle, versatile switch that strikes a balanced chord for various typing environments. Choose wisely based on your personal preferences and typing habits.
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