Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) mechanical keyboard switches, both offer exceptional qualities that cater to different preferences. The Aqua King (V3) is renowned for its 'Subdued', 'Creamy', and 'Frictionless' typing experience, akin to gliding effortlessly on ice. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) stands out for its 'Buttery', 'Bassy', and 'Thocky' keystrokes, providing a smooth and budget-friendly typing experience with a pleasing low-pitched sound. While the Aqua King (V3) offers a polished and silky feel, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) presents a buttery smoothness with a distinctive thock sound. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
52g
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
POM
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), it is evident that the Aqua King utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, while the Milky Red Pro uses nylon for both components. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Therefore, the Aqua King is likely to provide a crisper sound when typing, while the Milky Red Pro may offer a smoother and more muted typing experience.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Aqua King allows for translucency, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. This feature enhances the overall visual appeal of the switch. In contrast, the Milky Red Pro’s nylon top housing may lack the translucency of polycarbonate and may not offer the same level of customization when it comes to lighting effects. However, the fuller sound produced by the nylon material may appeal to those who prefer a deeper typing experience without the need for flashy lighting effects.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the typing experience, it is important to note that the bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice between polycarbonate and nylon housings for both the Aqua King and Milky Red Pro ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile, aesthetics, and typing experience. Despite their differences, both switches are likely to provide a satisfactory typing experience based on the unique qualities of their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in the typing experience. The Aqua King (V3) has a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) with 45 grams, making it slightly heavier. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aqua King (V3) requires 62 grams, which is heavier than the 52 grams needed for the Milky Red Pro (KS-3). This means that while the Aqua King (V3) provides a more substantial typing experience with a higher actuation and bottom out force, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offers a lighter touch for those who prefer a smoother typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the Aqua King (V3) being better suited for those who prefer heavier switches, and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for those who enjoy a lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, they will both travel the same distance from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and overall typing experience provided by both switches. Whether you choose the Aqua King or the Milky Red Pro, you can enjoy a consistent travel distance of 4mm when typing on your keyboard.
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 Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 Aqua King (V3) linear switch offers a more subdued and dampened sound compared to the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, which is known for its bassy and low-pitched "thocky" sound profile. The Aqua King provides a quieter typing experience, while the Milky Red Pro delivers a richer and deeper sound that can be quite satisfying to the ears. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your preference for sound and the overall setup of your keyboard, including the board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King (V3) switch is often described as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience reminiscent of gliding on ice. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch is known for its buttery feel, offering a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Both switches aim to provide a smooth key actuation, but the Aqua King may offer a slightly more refined and luxurious typing experience due to its various descriptors highlighting the absence of friction and effortless key travel.
Considering all the available information, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch offer unique sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. While the Aqua King focuses on providing a frictionless and polished typing experience with a subdued sound, the Milky Red Pro emphasizes a buttery feel with a bassy and thocky sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a quieter and smoother typing experience or a richer and more satisfying sound while typing. Both options promise a premium typing experience that will surely enhance your overall keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, your decision should be based on your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a frictionless and silky typing feel with a medium bottom out force, then the Aqua King (V3) may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a lower bottom out force, along with a pleasing low-pitched “thock” sound, then the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) would be the better option. Consider your typing preferences and sound preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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