Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Aqua King and the KTT Orange. The Aqua King switch is best known for its incredibly smooth and frictionless typing experience. It feels like gliding on freshly resurfaced ice, creating a magical sensation while typing. In contrast, the KTT Orange switch boasts a bouncy feel due to its 22mm long spring. It also offers a slick, frictionless typing experience and emits a low-pitched sound profile. Both switches prioritize a frictionless typing experience, but they have their unique qualities. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King and the KTT Orange are both made of polycarbonate. This material choice contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. The transparency of polycarbonate also allows for enhanced aesthetics, especially when paired with RGB lighting. Whether it is the top or bottom housing, the use of polycarbonate ensures a clear and resonant sound profile, making them both suitable options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts who value auditory feedback.
Despite their similarities, it is important to note that if the top and bottom housings are different for a switch, the qualities of each housing material will be split. When pressing down on the Everglide Aqua King or the KTT Orange switches, the impact and resulting sound will be influenced by the bottom housing. On the other hand, the top housing will have a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. This distinction should be taken into consideration by users who have specific preferences for the feel and sound of their mechanical keyboards.
Overall, the Everglide Aqua King and the KTT Orange share the benefits of using polycarbonate in their housing materials. These switches deliver a clear, resonant sound profile that is enhanced by the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of the material allows for visually appealing effects when paired with RGB lighting. Whether you opt for the Aqua King or the Orange, you can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetic appeal, thanks to the shared polycarbonate housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, there are some notable differences. Both switches have the same actuation force of 46 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is identical for both options. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Aqua King switch has a higher force of 62 grams, while the Orange switch has a lower force of 53 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the KTT Orange linear switch would be a suitable choice. With a lower bottom out force, it provides a softer and more effortless press when typing. This can be beneficial for individuals who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it helps to reduce fatigue.
On the other hand, if a more substantial typing experience is desired, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch would be a better option. With its higher bottom out force, it offers a stronger push feel and provides a greater sense of feedback when typing. This can be favored by individuals who prefer a more deliberate and tactile typing experience.
Both switches fall within the range of medium actuation forces, but the Aqua King switch is heavier when it comes to bottoming out compared to the Orange switch. Therefore, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the KTT Orange linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Aqua King's travel distance falls within the traditional range, providing a comfortable and familiar feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Orange switch offers a slightly shallower travel distance, which is preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. If you prioritize a more responsive keyboard, the shorter travel distance of the Orange switch may be the better option for you. However, it's worth noting that some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, lacking a satisfying depth. In such cases, the Aqua King, with its longer travel distance, might be the preferable choice. Both switches offer their own advantages, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing/gaming style.
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 KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange 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 linear switch is best known for its frictionless feel, creating a magical typing experience reminiscent of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink. Your fingers simply glide across the keys, resulting in a smooth and effortless typing experience. In terms of sound, the Aqua King produces a subdued, dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches.
On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch is characterized by its bouncy type feel, thanks to the 22mm long spring integrated into the switch. With a polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and a vivid orange nylon bottom housing, this switch provides a slick, frictionless typing experience. It also features a low-pitched sound profile, resulting in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches.
Both switches offer a frictionless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The Aqua King provides a creamy, silky, and polished typing experience, thanks to lubrication applied at the factory and specific materials used. Similarly, the KTT Orange switch offers a frictionless and bouncy typing feel. Although the specific feel of the Orange switch is not described in detail, it can be inferred that it also provides a smooth and effortless typing experience.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King and KTT Orange switches both offer a frictionless typing experience, providing smooth and effortless key travel. While the Aqua King focuses on a subdued sound profile and a creamy, silky, and polished typing feel, the Orange switch offers a low-pitched sound profile and a bouncy typing sensation. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Everglide Aqua King and the KTT Orange switches, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Aqua King with its 62 grams may be the better choice for you. Its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished feel will provide a smooth and buttery typing experience. The Aqua King offers a subdued sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a more subtle typing sound.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force, the KTT Orange with its 53 grams may be more suitable. The Orange switch provides a bouncy and frictionless feel, giving you a spring-like feedback and effortless typing experience. The low-pitched sound profile of the Orange switch offers a bass-heavy and mellow tone.
Overall, both switches offer a frictionless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Whether you choose the Aqua King for its medium bottom out force and creamy feel or the KTT Orange for its lighter bottom out force and bouncy feel, you can expect a smooth and satisfying typing experience. Consider your preferred bottom out force, feel, and sound profile to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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