Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Haimu Orange Sea stand out as two excellent options for enthusiasts seeking a refined typing experience, particularly in the realm of linear switches. The Aqua King (V3) is celebrated for its frictionless feel, which evokes the sensation of ice skating on freshly resurfaced ice, allowing for effortless gliding of fingers across the keys. This results in a truly magical typing experience characterized by subdued, creamy, and silky smooth operation. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea also offers an impeccably smooth typing feel, paired with a neutral sound signature that caters to users favoring a quieter environment. Both switches promise a delightful experience, but your choice will ultimately depend on personal preference for tactile feedback and auditory cues in your typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Haimu Orange Sea both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a distinctive sound profile characterized by sharpness, high-pitched clarity, and resonance. This similarity in material choice allows for a comparable auditory experience as both switches exhibit clear sound articulation due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucent quality of the polycarbonate enhances the visual effects of RGB lighting, making it an appealing option for those who value both auditory and visual performance in their keyboard switches. The clear top housing of both switches not only showcases the internal mechanics but also amplifies the overall sound quality, leading to a vibrant keypress feedback.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the two switches are made from different materials, with the Aqua King (V3) continuing the use of polycarbonate while the Orange Sea opts for nylon. The choice of nylon for the Orange Sea's bottom housing imparts a deeper and fuller sound profile, contributing a rounder and more muted auditory experience. In comparison, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aqua King (V3) retains that crisp and sharp sound quality, enhancing the overall responsiveness and feedback during use. This divergent material choice underscores how the bottom housing influences the sensation of bottoming out during typing, with the nylon housing absorbing more sound and creating a cushioned feel.
Ultimately, the mixed materials in the Aqua King (V3) and the Haimu Orange Sea yield distinct auditory profiles that can appeal to different user preferences. While both switches have a commonality in the top housing's polycarbonate, the contrasting bottom housings create varied sound experiences. Users can expect a sharper, crisper sound with the Aqua King (V3) versus a deeper and rounder sound with the Orange Sea, illustrating how the interaction between the two housing materials can lead to different typing experiences. This interplay is essential for discerning keyboard enthusiasts who prioritize both sound and tactile feedback while typing or gaming.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, notable differences arise in both their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aqua King (V3) features an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, offering a medium feel that caters to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who favor a lighter touch during long typing sessions or intense gaming. As such, the Aqua King (V3) would typically be perceived as a heavier switch compared to the more nimble Orange Sea, which is suited for users looking for ease and speed. Thus, the choice between these two switches largely depends on whether one prefers a heavier, more tactile push or a lighter, more effortless keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, we find a notable difference in their specifications. The Aqua King (V3) boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional switch length, providing a deeper, more substantial feel upon actuation. In contrast, the Orange Sea offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to those who prefer quicker response times commonly favored by gamers. This means that while the Aqua King (V3) provides a more pronounced keystroke, the Orange Sea allows for a swift and potentially more responsive typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, the Aqua King (V3) is the longer switch, whereas the Orange Sea is the shorter option, offering distinct advantages depending on user preference for depth versus responsiveness.
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 Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 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
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch is characterized by a noticeably subdued sound, which results in a dampened auditory experience when pressed. It strikes a balance, providing a typing experience that is not entirely silent but also less pronounced than many traditional switches. In contrast, the sound profile of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch remains unknown, leaving a gap in comparability in that regard. It's worth noting, however, that the sound produced by any switch can vary significantly depending on factors like the keyboard build and selected keycaps, so users might still experience a similar auditory environment regardless of the switch.
When it comes to feel, the Aqua King (V3) stands out with an array of descriptors, including creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished. These qualities collectively create a typing experience that is fluid, smooth, and almost luxurious, giving the user the sensation of their fingers gliding effortlessly over the keys. The level of care in the switch's design, likely involving factory lubrication and high-quality materials, contributes to this exceptional tactile experience. On the other hand, the specifics of the Haimu Orange Sea's feel remain undisclosed, making it difficult to establish a direct comparison. However, it's important to note that users who prioritize a smooth typing experience will likely find satisfaction with either switch, assuming the Haimu offers similar tactile qualities.
In conclusion, while the Aquas King (V3) excels in providing a delicate yet subdued auditory experience paired with a highly refined tactile feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switch leaves some aspects unknown. For users searching for an ultra-smooth typing feeling, the Aqua King (V3) undoubtedly delivers, setting a high bar for competitive switches. If the Haimu Orange Sea manages to mirror or exceed those tactile experiences, it could prove to be an appealing option. Ultimately, personal preference and specific typing habits will play significant roles in determining which switch may be the better fit for an individual.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch depends largely on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a slightly heavier switch that offers a uniquely smooth, frictionless experience akin to gliding on ice, the Aqua King (V3) is your best option. Its 62-gram bottom-out force provides a satisfying resistance that can enhance your tactile feedback, making it ideal for users who prefer a more substantial feel while typing. Additionally, if you appreciate a quieter environment, the Aqua King's subdued sound profile could be advantageous, allowing you to type without disturbing those around you. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch with effortless keystrokes, the Haimu Orange Sea's 45-gram bottom-out force might be better suited for you. Its impressively smooth feel and neutral sound signature create a typing experience that is both gentle and unobtrusive, perfect for extended typing sessions or if you're frequently working in shared spaces. Ultimately, consider how these factors align with your typing habits and environment, and you'll find the switch that makes your keyboard experience exceptional.
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