Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two noteworthy contenders that cater to the preferences of typists and gamers alike are the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Cherry MX Orange switches. The Aqua King (V3) stands out with its uniquely frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding across a freshly resurfaced ice rink. This switch offers a subdued and creamy typing experience, characterized by its silky and polished sensation, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a smooth and effortless stroke, particularly favored by users who type extensively. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange switches, reissued with enhancements from the original MX Orange, offer a nostalgic yet refined option for enthusiasts who appreciate reliability and sought-after performance. While both switches fall under the linear category, catering to users who prefer a smooth actuation without tactile feedback or clicky sounds, they each provide distinct characteristics tailored to different typing experiences. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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 Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Cherry MX Orange utilize different materials for their switch housings, which results in distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Aqua King (V3) features polycarbonate in both its top and bottom housing, which contributes to a higher-pitched, crisp sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness allows it to create a clear and resonant tone that enhances the overall acoustic feedback of the switch. This material choice is also advantageous for RGB lighting setups, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the illumination effect, making it a popular selection for gamers and typists seeking aesthetic appeal alongside performance.
Conversely, the Cherry MX Orange employs nylon for its top and bottom housings, resulting in a markedly different sound and feel. Nylon is softer than polycarbonate, which leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile that absorbs more audio frequencies, producing a duller and rounder auditory experience. The choice of nylon for both the top and bottom housings contributes to a consistent sound profile, offering smooth tactile feedback that many users prefer for both gaming and typing. This sonic distinctiveness sets the MX Orange apart, appealing to those who favor a more muted acoustic presence in their mechanical switches.
While the materials used in the Aqua King (V3) and the MX Orange differ significantly, their design influences how sound is experienced upon keystroke. Since the Aqua King uses polycarbonate for both housings, its sharper sound is consistent throughout, enhancing the reactive feedback users feel when engaging with the switch. In contrast, the MX Orange's nylon housing provides a contrasting experience, where the softer material tends to soften the sound, particularly when bottoming out. Ultimately, while the sound profiles of these two switches are distinct due to their different material compositions, they both offer engaging typing experiences—one focusing on clarity and resonance and the other on depth and warmth.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch with the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, we note some key differences in actuation force. The Aqua King (V3) has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams, while the MX Orange requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. This makes the Aqua King more suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel, allowing for extended typing sessions or gameplay without fatigue. In terms of bottom out force, the Aqua King also has a defined measurement at 62 grams, indicating that the switch offers a noticeable resistance as it is fully pressed down. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange does not have a set bottom out force, which limits direct comparison. Overall, the Aqua King is the lighter option, catering to those who appreciate a softer touch, while the MX Orange, with its heavier actuation force, may appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch feature identical travel distances of 4 mm. This similarity means that when pressed, users will experience the same key travel feel, resulting in comparable typing and gaming experiences in terms of key actuation. Since both switches have equal travel distances, users can expect similar responsiveness and feedback during use, leading to a consistent performance regardless of which switch they choose.
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 Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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) is characterized by its subdued acoustic profile. It produces a dampened sound upon actuation, making it a gentler option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience without being completely silent. In contrast, the specifics of the sound produced by the Cherry MX Orange switches remain unknown; however, it’s worth noting that the sound a switch emits can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard plate and keycap materials. Therefore, while the Aqua King (V3) is decidedly more muted, the sound profile of the MX Orange could vary widely based on its setup.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King (V3) stands out with a typing experience often described as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished. These descriptors suggest an exceptionally smooth and effortless key actuation, allowing your fingers to glide gracefully from one key to the next, resembling the effortless motion of ice skating. Essentially, the Aqua King’s design focuses on providing minimal resistance and a refined tactile experience. Unfortunately, there isn't any detailed information available regarding the feel of the Cherry MX Orange switches, limiting the ability to draw a direct comparison in this regard.
In summary, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) offers a unique combination of subdued sound and an extraordinary typing feel characterized by its creamy and frictionless qualities. While we have specific insights into the warmth of its acoustic response and the fluidity of its action, the Cherry MX Orange remains somewhat of a mystery, particularly regarding its sound and tactile feedback. If you seek a unique typing experience highlighted by serenity and smoothness, the Aqua King (V3) is an excellent choice, while the MX Orange might suit those who prefer a more traditional feel, depending on their unique characteristics not yet detailed. Ultimately, both switches can lead to satisfying typing experiences, but the Aqua King (V3) clearly appeals more to those who prioritize smoothness and reduced noise.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a frictionless, creamy, and silky typing experience that feels almost gliding, the Aqua King (V3) is the clear choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams caters well to those who enjoy a more balanced tactile response without excessive resistance, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where quick, smooth action is essential. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that has a classic feel with a reliability stemming from Cherry's reputation, the MX Orange might be the way to go, especially if you appreciate the resurrected qualities of these historical switches. Although its bottom-out force is less defined, it promises a solid experience. Consider also the sound profile; the subdued nature of the Aqua King makes it suitable for quieter environments, while the MX Orange would also be an excellent pick if you want a more robust typing feel. Therefore, reflect on what you prioritize in your keyboard experience—whether it's supreme smoothness and a muted sound or a more conventional, reliable tactile sensation—and choose the switch that best aligns with your typing needs.
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