Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Cherry MX Silent Red mechanical keyboard switches, it's evident that both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Aqua King (V3) is celebrated for its frictionless feel, akin to gliding on ice, providing a magical typing experience with a subdued, creamy, and silky touch. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red maintains the classic MX Red's feel but operates quietly, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments with its muted, thocky, low-pitched, and textured keystrokes. Each switch offers distinct advantages, whether it be the smoothness of the Aqua King or the quietness of the MX Silent Red. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Silent Red, it is clear that both switches use different materials for their top housing. The Aqua King (V3) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red features a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Aqua King provides a more resonant sound and is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the nylon top housing of the MX Silent Red absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches also differ in materials. The Aqua King (V3) features a polycarbonate bottom housing, contributing to its sharp, crisp sound profile. Similarly, the Cherry MX Silent Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The differences in housing materials for the bottom housing impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches, with the polycarbonate housing providing a clearer, resonant sound compared to the nylon housing, which absorbs more sound.
While the housing materials for the top and bottom of the switches are different, the qualities each material brings to the sound profile are distinct. The impact of the top housing material is more noticeable when releasing a key, while the bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide a unique typing experience based on the housing materials used, with the Aqua King (V3) emphasizing a clearer, sharper sound profile with its polycarbonate housing, and the Cherry MX Silent Red offering a deeper, fuller sound with its nylon housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, we find that the Aqua King has a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams compared to the MX Silent Red's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Aqua King is heavier at 62 grams, while the bottom out force of the MX Silent Red is unknown. This difference in bottom out force may result in a slightly different typing experience for users, with the Aqua King offering a more substantial feel when fully pressed. In terms of weight, the Aqua King appears to be slightly heavier overall compared to the MX Silent Red. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Cherry MX Silent Red has a shorter travel distance compared to the Everglide Aqua King. The shorter travel distance on the Cherry MX Silent Red may provide a faster response time, which is preferred by many gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Everglide Aqua King may offer a more substantial feeling when pressing down on a key. Both switches provide a different tactile experience, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference for travel distance.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 (V3) linear switch is renowned for its subtle and dampened sound profile, providing a quieter typing experience compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch is characterized by its muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound, offering a deep and rich typing experience with minimal noise. Both switches cater to individuals in noise-sensitive environments, with the Aqua King (V3) offering a more subdued sound and the MX Silent Red delivering a softer, quieter, and bass-heavy tone. When it comes to feel, the Aqua King (V3) stands out for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red is noted for its textured feel, providing users with a unique tactile experience. Ultimately, while the Aqua King (V3) excels in offering a smooth and fluid typing feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red emphasizes a quiet and satisfying typing experience with a slightly textured touch. Whether you opt for the Aqua King (V3) or the MX Silent Red, you can expect a premium typing experience tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a medium bottom out force and a typing experience that feels frictionless, akin to gliding on freshly resurfaced ice, then the Aqua King (V3) may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no bottom out force and a satisfying typing experience that operates silently, perfect for noise-sensitive environments, then the Cherry MX Silent Red could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a subtle sound profile and a buttery smooth feel, or a quieter typing experience with a slightly heftier feel. Make sure to consider your preferences and needs to choose the switch that best suits your typing style.
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