Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Everglide Aqua King and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) are both popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique experiences. The Aqua King is best known for its frictionless feel, akin to gliding on a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink. Its typing experience is described as magical, thanks to its subdued, creamy, and silky characteristics. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro is the epitome of a classic budget switch. It is loved for its smoothness and buttery goodness, accompanied by a low, "thocky" sound and satisfyingly thick resistance. This versatile switch excels in both gaming and typing, making it a perfect all-purpose option for enthusiasts on a budget. While these general pointers provide a glimpse into the distinctive traits of each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
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
The housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Aqua King features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches intended for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has a nylon top housing, which gives rise to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Aqua King utilizes polycarbonate, while the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) incorporates nylon. Similar to the top housing, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aqua King enhances the sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound upon bottoming out. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing of the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) offers a deeper and fuller sound experience. The relatively softer nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder bottom-out sound.
It is important to note that the choice of housing material impacts the sound and feel of the switches differently. The qualities introduced by the top housing are more prominent when releasing a key, while the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, the differences between the polycarbonate and nylon housing extend beyond just sound profiles. The Everglide Aqua King and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) both offer unique sound experiences based on their respective housing materials, allowing users to select a switch that aligns with their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the Aqua King requires 46 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) requires slightly more at 50 grams. This means that the Aqua King is lighter in terms of actuation force. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Aqua King's lower actuation force may be more suitable, allowing for longer periods of typing without as much fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), as it requires a slightly higher actuation force. Both switches provide the same level of resistance when fully pressed down, ensuring a consistent bottoming out experience.
Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style. Those who prioritize a lighter typing experience may find the Aqua King more comfortable, while individuals seeking a stronger push feel may gravitate towards the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3).
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent travel distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, if you were to compare the travel distance between the two switches, you would get similar results as both offer the same amount of key travel.
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 Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.33 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Yellow 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
The Everglide Aqua King linear switch is best known for its frictionless feel, creating a typing experience reminiscent of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is highly regarded for its smoothness and buttery goodness, making it a versatile choice for both gaming and typing. While the Aqua King is described as having a subdued sound, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) produces a low-pitched, bassy, and thocky sound during key presses. In terms of feel, the Aqua King offers a creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction. Similarly, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) provides a buttery and textured typing sensation, with noticeable friction when pressed by some users. Based on this information, it can be concluded that both switches excel in certain areas. If you are seeking a typing experience with minimal resistance and fluid travel, the Aqua King would be an excellent choice. Alternatively, if you prefer a switch that offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a lower-pitched, bassy sound profile, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) would be a suitable option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a frictionless and almost magical typing experience, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is the one for you. These switches feel like gliding on freshly resurfaced ice skating rink, providing a truly unique and smooth sensation. Additionally, if you prefer a more subdued sound, the Aqua King switch offers a dampened sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, if you are looking for a classic budget switch that excels in both gaming and typing, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is the ideal choice. These switches embody smoothness and buttery goodness, with a low, "thocky" sound that adds to the satisfying typing experience. The Milky Yellow Pro is especially favored by budget enthusiasts. Overall, if you prioritize a frictionless and almost magical typing experience, go for the Aqua King switch, while if you value a smooth and budget-friendly all-purpose switch, opt for the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3).
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