Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Cherry MX Brown 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 and the Cherry MX Brown. The Aqua King, a linear switch, is best known for its frictionless feel, reminiscent of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. Typing on these switches feels as smooth as gliding, a truly magical experience. On the other hand, the MX Brown, a tactile switch, is beloved for its subtlety. With a relatively light typing experience, gentle tactility, and subdued audio feedback, these switches offer a more delicate touch. Both switches have their unique qualities, making them attractive options for different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
45g
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
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 Cherry MX Brown switches exhibit distinct differences in terms of sound profile and aesthetic properties. The Aqua King utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, while the MX Brown employs nylon for the same purpose. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is especially advantageous if you plan to use RGB lighting since its translucency allows for better illumination. In contrast, nylon, known as a classic switch housing material, generates a deeper and fuller sound due to its relatively softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder profile.
The difference in materials used for the top housing of the Aqua King and MX Brown switches leads to contrasting sound experiences. The polycarbonate top housing of the Aqua King enables a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when releasing a key. Its translucent nature also enhances the visual appeal, especially when paired with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the MX Brown contributes to a deeper and fuller sound upon key release. The absorbing properties of nylon result in a rounder sound profile that may be preferred by some users. Both switches provide unique sound characteristics, allowing users to tailor their typing experience based on their preferences.
Similar to the top housing, the differences in materials used for the bottom housing of the Aqua King and MX Brown switches play a role in the overall sound and feel. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aqua King contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when bottoming out a key. This stiffer material offers a clearer and more resonant sound profile that may be desirable for those seeking a louder and more defined typing experience. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing of the MX Brown elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out a key. By absorbing more sound, nylon creates a duller and rounder profile, which can provide a more subdued and quieter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing and the MX Brown's nylon bottom housing depends on individual preferences for sound and feel while typing.
In summary, while the Everglide Aqua King and Cherry MX Brown switches share similarities in the qualities of their top and bottom housing materials, namely polycarbonate and nylon, respectively, they provide distinct experiences in terms of sound profile and aesthetic attributes. Polycarbonate offers a sharper and crisper sound, enhanced by its translucency for RGB lighting, whereas nylon produces a deeper and fuller sound. The choice between these switches depends on personal preferences for sound, feel, and the desired visual aesthetics. Whether one seeks a clear and resonant typing experience or a more subdued and rounder sound profile, both switches offer unique qualities to cater to various user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of weight, both switches fall within the medium range, which offers a balanced typing experience for most users. However, the Aqua King has a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams compared to the MX Brown's 45 grams. This means that the Aqua King requires a slightly stronger push to activate a keystroke.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Aqua King has a higher value of 62 grams compared to the MX Brown's 55 grams. This indicates that the Aqua King offers a more substantial typing experience, as it requires a heavier press to fully bottom out. On the other hand, the MX Brown provides a lighter feel when bottoming out, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons.
It is worth noting that the differences in force between these two switches are relatively small and may not be noticeable to all users. Therefore, those seeking a similar experience in actuation force and bottom out force can expect comparable results from both the Aqua King and MX Brown switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for a slightly heavier or lighter tactile feedback while typing.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, you will feel the same distance traveled for both switches. The travel distance is the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, and in this case, both switches offer the exact same experience in terms of travel distance. Therefore, whether you choose the Aqua King or the MX Brown, you can expect similar results when it comes to the distance you feel when pressing down on the keys.
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 Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
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 and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel.
Starting with sound, the Aqua King switch produces a subdued sound when pressed. While not completely silent, it offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the MX Brown switch is characterized by a bassy sound profile with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The MX Brown switch also has a low-pitched sound, which further contributes to its overall audio feedback.
Moving on to feel, the Aqua King switch is best described as offering a creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience. These switches provide a smooth and buttery sensation when typing, with minimal resistance or friction. It feels as though your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys, creating a magical typing experience. In contrast, the MX Brown switch is referred to as textured or scratchy, offering noticeable friction when pressed. Some users may prefer this subtle texture, while others might favor a smoother, friction-free typing experience.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch have distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua King switch provides a subdued sound and a luxurious, frictionless typing feel. Meanwhile, the MX Brown switch offers a bassy sound and a textured sensation. Based on this information, individuals seeking a smoother and more frictionless typing experience should opt for the Aqua King switch, while those who prefer a more tactile and textured feel may find the MX Brown switch to be more fitting. It is worth noting that the sound and feel of these switches can also be influenced by factors such as keyboard choice and keycap selection.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a frictionless and effortless typing experience, reminiscent of gliding on ice, then the Aqua King is the way to go. With its medium bottom out force of 62 grams, it offers a smooth and silky sensation, melting your fingers into each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtler typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown is the better choice. With its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, it offers a relatively light typing experience and a more subdued sound signature. Additionally, if you appreciate a textured or slightly scratchy feel when pressing the keys, the MX Brown can cater to that preference. Ultimately, whether you seek a creamy and frictionless typing feel or a more subtly tactile and subdued audio experience, both switches have their merits and can enhance your overall typing enjoyment.
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