Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch to the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, there are distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Aqua King (V3) is renowned for its frictionless feel, akin to gliding effortlessly across a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink. It offers a typing experience that is described as 'subdued', 'creamy', and 'silky'. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch boasts a unique auditory blend with a high-pitched yet muted sound, striking a delicate balance between presence and subtlety. With a bottom-out force of just 43.5g, it is designed for prolonged typing sessions and features stem material that enhances the ease of keystrokes. Each switch offers a polished and silky feel, but in different ways. 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
37.5g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the PH Studio Milk Tea, we can see that the Aqua King (V3) utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, while the Milk Tea uses POM for both. This means that both keyboards will have a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate in the Aqua King (V3), whereas the Milk Tea's POM housing will create a deeper and more muted sound. However, both keyboards will provide a clear and resonant sound profile, albeit with different tonal characteristics.
One key difference between the two keyboards is in the sound profile each housing material creates. The Aqua King (V3) with its polycarbonate housing will produce a sharper and crisper sound, perfect for those who prefer a more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the Milk Tea's POM housing will create a deeper and more muted sound, which may appeal to those looking for a quieter typing experience. Despite these differences, both keyboards will offer a pleasing and unique sound that enhances the overall typing experience.
In terms of aesthetics, the Aqua King (V3) stands out with its translucent polycarbonate housing that is ideal for RGB lighting setups. On the other hand, the Milk Tea's opaque POM housing may not allow for as much light to pass through, resulting in a different visual experience. However, both keyboards showcase the unique qualities of their respective housing materials, adding to the overall look and feel of the keyboard. Ultimately, whether you prefer the sharper sound of polycarbonate in the Aqua King (V3) or the deeper sound of POM in the Milk Tea, both keyboards offer a high-quality typing experience with their unique housing materials.
Weight
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch is heavier than the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch in terms of both actuation force and bottom out force. The Aqua King has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Milk Tea has an actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams. The Aqua King provides a medium push feel, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, while the Milk Tea offers a lighter touch, ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference, with the Aqua King offering a more pronounced keystroke feel, and the Milk Tea providing a lighter and smoother typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force for their keyboard.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Aqua King being slightly longer and the Milk Tea being slightly shorter. For those looking for a faster response time, the Milk Tea may be the preferred option due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Aqua King may be the choice for those who prefer a more substantial key press with a slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable to the individual user.
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 PH Studio Milk Tea has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milk Tea for $4.00.
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 known for its frictionless and ice-skating-like typing feel, providing a smooth and magical typing experience. In terms of sound, it offers a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, contributing to a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch stands out for its unique auditory blend, with a high-pitched yet muted sound that strikes a balance between presence and subtlety. It is also designed for prolonged typing sessions with its accessible bottom-out force of 43.5g, and the use of Ly for the stem material enhances the effortless feel of each keystroke.
When it comes to feel, both switches share descriptors such as polished and silky, highlighting their smooth and refined typing experiences with reduced friction and effortless key travel. The creamy and frictionless qualities of the Aqua King (V3) align with the polished and silky attributes of the Milk Tea, ensuring a similarly enjoyable typing experience for users. Overall, while the Aqua King (V3) offers a more subdued sound, the Milk Tea provides a unique high-pitched yet muted auditory experience, both switches excel in delivering a smooth and effortless typing feel, making them ideal choices for those seeking a premium typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a more pronounced typing experience with a medium bottom-out force and a creamy, frictionless feel, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. This switch offers a subtle sound profile and effortless keystrokes, resembling the sensation of skating on ice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force with a polished, silky feel and enjoy a unique auditory blend of high-pitched yet muted sound, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch would cater to your needs. This switch is designed for prolonged typing sessions, offering a balance between presence and subtlety. Ultimately, your decision between these two switches would depend on your personal preferences in terms of typing feel, sound profile, and bottom-out force.
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