Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3), a linear switch, and the Outemu Brown, a tactile switch, it's clear that they offer distinctly different typing experiences. The Aqua King (V3) is highly praised for its smooth and frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding on ice. This switch is categorized as 'Subdued', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Silky', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch is known for a more traditional tactile feedback, with no specific standout features highlighted. Choosing between these switches may come down to personal preference - whether you prefer a silky smooth typing experience or a more traditional tactile feedback. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Outemu Brown both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This makes them ideal for switches that aim for a clear and resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Aqua King (V3) has a polycarbonate bottom housing while the Outemu Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing. The nylon housing of the Brown switch results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
Despite the different bottom housing materials, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Outemu Brown both offer similar qualities in terms of how the top housing impacts the sound when a key is pressed and released. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches ensures a sharp, crisp sound profile that is enhanced by the stiffness of the plastic. However, where they differ is in the bottom housing – the Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a clear and resonant sound profile, while the Brown's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound that absorbs more sound for a duller tone. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and feel.
In conclusion, while both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Outemu Brown share similar qualities in their polycarbonate top housings, they diverge in terms of their bottom housing materials. The Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing complements the top housing for a clear and resonant sound, while the Brown's nylon bottom housing adds a deeper and fuller tone to the switch's overall sound profile. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a deeper, fuller tone will determine which switch is more suited to your preferences and typing style.
Weight
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Outemu Brown tactile switch which has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Aqua King requiring 62 grams and the Brown needing 65 grams. Those who prefer a lighter feel when typing may lean towards the Aqua King for its lighter actuation force, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Outemu Brown with its heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, they provide a similar tactile feedback and actuation point despite their different switch types. Users can expect a consistent and smooth typing experience with both switches. However, it is worth noting that some users may prefer the linear feel of the Aqua King switch over the tactile feedback of the Brown switch. Overall, the travel distance of both switches ensures that users will get a satisfying typing experience with either option.
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 Brown 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
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch is praised for its frictionless and polished feel, providing a typing experience reminiscent of gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch lacks specific descriptions of its tactile feel. When it comes to sound, the Aqua King (V3) is noted for its subdued sound, offering a quieter typing experience compared to most switches. However, the sound profile of the Outemu Brown remains unknown.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King (V3) is described as offering a creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience, all emphasizing smoothness and effortless key presses. The absence of descriptions leaves the tactile feel of the Outemu Brown a mystery. With similar unknowns regarding sound and feel for the Outemu Brown switch, it can be inferred that the Aqua King (V3) linear switch would likely provide a more refined and enjoyable typing experience based on the available information. Ultimately, when choosing between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, the Aqua King (V3) appears to offer superior sound and feel qualities for a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that offers a frictionless and buttery typing experience, then the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch is the way to go. The Aqua King's smooth and effortless feel, along with its subdued sound profile, will provide you with a magical typing experience akin to gliding on ice. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Brown switch may be more suitable for you. While it may not have the same standout characteristics as the Aqua King, the Brown switch still offers a reliable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound.
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