Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch to the Outemu Blue clicky switch, it's clear that each offers a unique typing experience. The Aqua King (V3) is renowned for its smooth and frictionless feel, akin to gliding on ice. Its subdued, creamy, and silky characteristics make typing a truly magical experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switch lacks any specific standout features but is known for its clicky feedback, providing a tactile typing experience. While the Aqua King (V3) offers a polished and refined feel, the Outemu Blue gives a satisfying click with each key press. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Outemu Blue switches, it is evident that they both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting due to its translucency. While both switches share this feature, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when a key is released, showcasing the importance of the material choice in switches.
However, where the two switches differ is in the material used for the bottom housing. The Aqua King (V3) utilizes polycarbonate for the bottom housing as well, while the Outemu Blue features a nylon bottom housing. The nylon housing of the Blue switch elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than the stiffer polycarbonate. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aqua King (V3). The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed down.
In conclusion, while both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Outemu Blue switches offer a similar sharp and crisp sound profile due to their polycarbonate top housing, the difference in their bottom housing materials leads to varying sound characteristics. The Aqua King (V3) maintains a consistent sound profile throughout with its polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Outemu Blue offers a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon bottom housing. These differences in housing materials result in unique typing experiences for users of each switch, showcasing the importance of material choice in keyboard switches.
Weight
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Outemu Blue clicky switch's 50 grams. On the other hand, the Aqua King has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Blue's bottom out force is unknown. Both switches have their advantages; the Aqua King may be preferred for longer typing sessions due to its lighter actuation force, while the Outemu Blue could appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing experience with its potentially heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will likely come down to personal preference and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, the travel distance of these two switches is equal, providing a similar typing experience in terms of key travel. The similarity in travel distance between the Aqua King (V3) and the Blue allows for consistent typing feedback and performance regardless of which switch is used.
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 Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 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 is known for producing a subdued sound when pressed, providing a dampened and more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue clicky switch's sound qualities are unknown, but keep in mind that sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the typing feel, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch is renowned for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience. These qualities result in a smooth and buttery sensation, with minimal resistance and effortless key presses, akin to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. In contrast, the typing feel of the Outemu Blue clicky switch is not specified, but it's important to note that the unique typing feel of a switch can greatly impact the overall typing experience.
Considering both the sound and feel characteristics of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the unknown qualities of the Outemu Blue clicky switch, it is evident that the Aqua King (V3) offers a distinctively smooth, quiet, and luxurious typing experience. While the specific qualities of the Blue switch are not provided, it is safe to say that choosing between these two switches would significantly depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Ultimately, investing time in researching and testing different switch types will help you determine which one suits your typing style and preferences best.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, you should consider your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you value a smooth and frictionless typing experience akin to ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink, then the Aqua King (V3) would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with tactile feedback, the Outemu Blue switch may be more suitable for your needs. Additionally, if you prefer a switch with a more subdued sound profile, the Aqua King (V3) would be the better option. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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