Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Outemu Cold Plum mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Aqua King (V3) is renowned for its smooth and frictionless typing experience, reminiscent of gliding on ice. With a subdued, creamy, and polished feel, it provides a magical typing experience for those who enjoy a silky keypress. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switches stand out for their thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, offering a smooth keystroke and satisfying sound. While the Aqua King (V3) boasts a more subtle and refined typing experience, the Cold Plum appeals to enthusiasts seeking a distinct and enjoyable typing feel. 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
60g
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
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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 Cold Plum, it is clear that they each offer unique sound profiles due to the differences in their materials. The Aqua King (V3) features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Cold Plum utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
While the Aqua King (V3) and Cold Plum differ in their housing materials and resulting sound profiles, they both offer unique benefits. The polycarbonate housing of the Aqua King (V3) is ideal for those who prefer a sharper and more resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the nylon housing of the Cold Plum caters to individuals seeking a deeper and fuller sound experience. Despite their differences, both switches excel in providing a distinctive typing experience based on the materials used in their housing construction.
Overall, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Outemu Cold Plum ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The polycarbonate housing of the Aqua King (V3) offers a crisper sound, ideal for those who enjoy a sharper typing experience. In contrast, the nylon housing of the Cold Plum provides a deeper, fuller sound that appeals to a different set of users. However, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience through the unique qualities of their housing materials, ensuring that users will achieve satisfying results regardless of their choice.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it is evident that the Aqua King is lighter in both aspects. With an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, the Aqua King offers a medium level of resistance. On the other hand, the Cold Plum requires a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy. For those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Aqua King would be the ideal choice. However, individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Cold Plum for its heavier forces. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Cold Plum has a shorter travel distance compared to the Aqua King. The shorter travel distance of the Cold Plum may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Aqua King's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing experience.
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 Cold Plum 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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch is known for its subdued sound profile, offering a dampened and subtle sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch does not have a specific description provided for its sound. Depending on the keyboard and keycaps used, the Cold Plum switch may have a different sound profile.
Moving on to the typing feel, the Aqua King (V3) switch is praised for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished feel. This means that users can expect a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance and effortless key presses, akin to gliding fingers effortlessly across the keys. In contrast, the Cold Plum switch does not have a specific feel description provided.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch offers a unique typing experience with a smooth and frictionless feel, along with a subdued sound profile, suitable for those seeking a magical and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch provides a distinctive typing experience with a thocky sound profile, but specific information on its feel is not available. Depending on personal preference, both switches can deliver enjoyable typing experiences, but for those seeking a specific feel or sound, it is recommended to test them out in person before making a decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that provides a silky and frictionless typing experience with a medium bottom out force, then the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, along with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing feel or a unique sound profile and construction material in your mechanical keyboard switch.
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