Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream 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 Kailh NovelKeys Cream. The Aqua King is a linear switch that is best known for its frictionless feel, giving the sensation of effortlessly gliding over a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink while typing. On the other hand, the Cream switches by NovelKeys offer a heftier linear typing experience with a deeper sound profile than the average switch. They provide a buttery feel and a low-pitched textured sound that can be quite invigorating. Both switches have their unique qualities that make them appealing to different users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
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 Kailh NovelKeys Cream differ in terms of the material used for both the top and bottom housings. The Aqua King utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream features a POM (polyoxymethylene) top and bottom housing, resulting in an incredibly pleasing and unique sound. The sound profile of the Cream switches is deeper and relatively more muted compared to the Aqua King.
In terms of aesthetics, the Aqua King's polycarbonate housing offers translucency, making it particularly useful for those planning to use RGB lighting. The clear housing allows the light to pass through, enhancing the overall visual experience. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream's POM housing does not provide the same level of translucency, therefore limiting its compatibility with RGB lighting setups.
When it comes to the feel and sound of the switches, the material of the bottom housing plays a significant role. In this aspect, both the Aqua King and the NovelKeys Cream offer unique experiences. The Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel, resulting in a sharper and crisper sensation. Meanwhile, the Cream's POM bottom housing delivers a deeper and more muted bottom-out sound, creating a distinct tactile experience.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Aqua King and NovelKeys Cream differ, it is worth noting that they both aim to provide exceptional sound profiles in their own ways. These switches offer diverse options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, allowing them to choose between a sharper, crisper sound with the Aqua King or a deeper, more muted sound with the Cream. Regardless of the differences, both switches guarantee a high-quality typing experience that can enhance any keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, there are notable differences between the two. The Aqua King has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams, while the NovelKeys Cream requires slightly more force with an actuation force of 55 grams. This means that the Aqua King will be slightly easier to trigger keystrokes on compared to the NovelKeys Cream. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Aqua King requires 62 grams of force, whereas the NovelKeys Cream requires 70 grams. This makes the NovelKeys Cream heavier in terms of bottoming out force.
Considering weight is important for various preferences. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may appreciate the Aqua King for its lower actuation force, which allows for longer periods of comfortable typing. This can be especially beneficial for users who require extended typing sessions, such as those using keyboards for work or engaging in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial, stronger push feel while typing may prefer the NovelKeys Cream, as its heavier actuation force provides a more pronounced typing experience.
It is important to note that both the Aqua King and the NovelKeys Cream fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, so individuals looking for a moderate level of force will find both switches suitable. However, those seeking even lighter or heavier options should consider alternatives. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces, and whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel. Therefore, both switches will provide similar results in terms of the perceived distance they travel from top to bottom.
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 Kailh NovelKeys Cream has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Cream for $6.25.
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 is best known for its frictionless feel, creating a magical typing experience reminiscent of gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. In terms of sound, the Aqua King switch produces a subdued sound when pressed. It's not completely silent, but it offers a more subtle sound compared to most switches.
On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch offers a heftier typing experience with a fairly deep sound profile. The sound of the Cream switch is described as low-pitched, featuring a bass-heavy and mellow tone. When typing on a Cream switch, expect a clean and sharp sound profile that is resonant and offers a immersive auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King switch provides a smooth and buttery typing experience, akin to gliding your fingers across the keys effortlessly. It offers a creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished feel, with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
The NovelKeys Cream, on the other hand, is described as buttery, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Some users might prefer a textured feel with noticeable friction, while others may prefer a smoother, friction-free experience. The Cream switch is invigorating, offering pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel.
Based on the available information, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Aqua King provides a frictionless and magical typing experience, with a subdued sound and a smooth, buttery feel. Meanwhile, the Cream switch offers a heftier typing experience, deeper sound profile, and a buttery, invigorating feel. Each switch provides its unique characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences. If you prefer a frictionless and smooth typing experience, the Aqua King switch would be a good option. If you prefer a heftier and more invigorating experience with a low-pitched sound, the NovelKeys Cream switch would be a suitable choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that offers a smooth and frictionless typing experience, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches provide a magical typing experience, with a feeling similar to ice skating on a freshly resurfaced ice rink. The Aqua King has a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, which adds to the overall comfortable typing feel. Additionally, the Aqua King produces a subdued sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches.
On the other hand, if you prefer a heftier linear typing experience and enjoy a deeper sound profile, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch would be the ideal option for you. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, the Cream switches offer a weightier feel when typing. They produce a low-pitched and resonant sound, giving you an immersive auditory experience with a clean and sharp sound profile.
Both switches have their unique advantages, so it ultimately depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a smooth and frictionless typing feel, go for the Everglide Aqua King. But if you prefer a weightier typing experience and enjoy a deeper sound profile, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream would be the better choice. Consider these factors and choose the switch that aligns with your typing preferences and overall typing experience.
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