Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Haimu Neo White mechanical keyboard switches, both switches offer a unique typing experience but cater to different preferences. The Aqua King (V3) is revered for its frictionless and silky smooth typing feel, akin to gliding on ice, with a subdued and creamy touch. On the other hand, the Neo White switches are known for their medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, providing a satisfying typing experience with a smooth actuation due to the rare use of a Ly stem. If you prefer a polished and frictionless typing experience, the Aqua King (V3) is the way to go, while the Neo White switches offer a mild and neutral typing feel. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Haimu Neo White, one key difference is in the bottom housing material used. The Aqua King (V3) utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Neo White features a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This variation in bottom housing material results in distinct sound characteristics between the two switches, with the Aqua King producing a crisper sound compared to the Neo White's more muted sound.
On the other hand, both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing material, which is known to create a clear and resonant sound profile. This similarity means that when typing on either the Aqua King (V3) or the Neo White, users can expect a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to the consistent top housing material. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of both keyboards. Despite any differences in bottom housing materials, this shared feature ensures a comparable sound experience for users of both switches.
Overall, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Haimu Neo White may come down to personal preference in sound profile. While the Aqua King offers a sharper and more defined sound thanks to its polycarbonate top and bottom housings, the Neo White provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon bottom housing. Whether you prefer a crisper typing experience or a more subdued sound, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the housing materials of these switches contribute significantly to the overall sound and feel of typing, making them key factors to consider when selecting a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, it is clear that they have some differences. The Aqua King (V3) has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it slightly heavier compared to the Neo White which has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 58 grams. While the Aqua King (V3) provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, the Neo White offers a lighter typing feel which can be beneficial for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Haimu Neo White linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Aqua King has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Neo White. The Aqua King's 4 mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a deeper press feel, while the Neo White's 3.6 mm travel distance is shallower and may appeal to those looking for a faster response time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance - with the Aqua King offering a longer press and the Neo White providing a slightly shorter and quicker key press. Both switches can provide a satisfactory typing experience, but the different travel distances may cater to varying preferences in key 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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch offers a subdued sound that is dampened and more subtle compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White linear switch provides a neutral sound profile with moderate actuation force requirement, suitable for various usage scenarios. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aqua King (V3) is known for providing a creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience. This means that it offers a smooth and buttery sensation with minimal resistance or friction, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White switch is described as mild, offering a gentler typing experience without any extreme characteristics. Both switches provide a satisfying typing feel, with the Aqua King emphasizing smoothness and the Neo White offering a more approachable sensation.
Overall, when comparing the subjective qualities of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, both switches excel in providing a smooth typing experience. While the Aqua King offers a more polished and frictionless feel with a unique ice-skating-like sensation, the Neo White provides a mild and gentle typing experience suitable for a wide range of users. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, either switch can deliver a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you'll get similar results in terms of overall typing enjoyment.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch that provides a magical, frictionless typing experience reminiscent of ice skating on freshly resurfaced ice, then the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch is the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly reduced total travel and a smooth actuation due to the rare use of a Ly stem, the Haimu Neo White linear switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a creamy, frictionless typing feel or a mild, approachable typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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