Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Cherry MX Red both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Aqua King (V3) is celebrated for its smooth and frictionless typing experience, akin to gliding on ice, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a creamy and polished feel while typing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red stands out for its slightly heavier touch and deeper sound profile, providing a tactile and textured typing experience that is both responsive and satisfying. 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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Cherry MX Red, we can see that they both offer unique characteristics to the overall typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing of the Aqua King (V3) provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Cherry MX Red offers a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. While both materials have different sound profiles, they each contribute to the overall typing experience in their own way.
In terms of the bottom housing, the polycarbonate housing of the Aqua King (V3) continues to offer a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile and a clear and resonant sound, similar to its top housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Cherry MX Red, however, provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to its top housing, as nylon is known for absorbing more sound. This contrast in sound profiles between the bottom housings of the two switches further emphasizes the unique characteristics that each housing material brings to the typing experience.
Overall, while the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Cherry MX Red both utilize different housing materials for their switches, they each offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The polycarbonate housing of the Aqua King (V3) delivers a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon housing of the Cherry MX Red provides a deeper and fuller sound. Despite their differences, both switches ultimately aim to enhance the overall typing experience through the unique qualities of their housing materials.
Weight
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch have similar actuation forces, with the Aqua King requiring 46 grams and the MX Red requiring 45 grams. However, the Aqua King has a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the MX Red's bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight, the Aqua King is slightly heavier than the MX Red. The actuation force is crucial for determining the sensitivity of the keys, while the bottom out force affects the overall typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the MX Red, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel may opt for the Aqua King. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch both have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will feel the key travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and smooth keystroke experience due to their linear design. Therefore, whether you choose the Everglide Aqua King (V3) or the Cherry MX Red, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance and overall typing feel.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red 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
In terms of sound, the Aqua King (V3) linear switch offers a subdued sound profile, producing a dampened and subtle sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red linear switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound, offering a deeper and more satisfying auditory experience. Depending on your preferences, the Aqua King (V3) may be more suitable for those looking for a quieter and more understated typing sound, while the MX Red may appeal to those seeking a more pronounced and bass-heavy typing sound.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Aqua King (V3) linear switch is described as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red linear switch is noted for its textured feel, which may offer a bit more tactile feedback and friction when pressed. If you enjoy a smoother and more fluid typing experience, the Aqua King (V3) may be the better choice, while the MX Red may appeal to those who prefer a slightly more tactile feel.
Overall, both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Cherry MX Red linear switches offer excellent qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Aqua King (V3) may be the better option, while the MX Red provides a more pronounced and slightly more tactile typing feel. Ultimately, personal preference and typing style will determine which switch is the best fit for you. However, both switches are well-regarded in the mechanical keyboard community, so you can expect similar high-quality results regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that provides a frictionless and effortless typing experience with a medium bottom out force, then the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. The Aqua King (V3) offers a creamy, polished, and silky typing feel, making it feel like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel and a deeper sound profile with no bottom out force, the Cherry MX Red linear switch would be more suitable for you. The MX Red offers a thocky and low-pitched sound, along with a textured feel for those who prefer a bit of friction when typing. Ultimately, your choice between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Cherry MX Red will depend on your preference for typing experience, sound profile, and bottom out force.
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