Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Outemu Cream Yellow offer unique typing experiences. The Aqua King (V3) is a linear switch that is loved for its smooth and frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding on ice. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow is a tactile switch that doesn't have any specific standout qualities mentioned. If you're looking for a switch that feels subdued, creamy, and polished, the Aqua King (V3) may be the perfect choice for you. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Nylon
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Outemu Cream Yellow's nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The polycarbonate top housing is stiffer, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound, particularly suitable for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the nylon top housing is softer and absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile. While both materials have their own distinct sound characteristics, the choice between them ultimately depends on the desired typing experience.
On the bottom housing side, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) continues to use polycarbonate, offering the same sharp and crisp sound profile as the top housing. In comparison, the Outemu Cream Yellow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The differences in material properties between polycarbonate and nylon affect the overall feel and sound of the switch, with polycarbonate providing a clear and resonant sound while nylon creates a more muted and rounder sound. Depending on personal preference and typing style, users may find one material more appealing than the other when it comes to the bottom housing of these switches.
While the Everglide Aqua King (V3) uses polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, providing a consistent sharp and clear sound profile throughout, the Outemu Cream Yellow features a contrast between its nylon top and bottom housings, resulting in a mix of deep and fuller sounds. The bottom housing material typically has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound upon releasing the key. Ultimately, the choice between these housing materials will depend on individual preferences for sound profile, typing feel, and aesthetic considerations such as RGB lighting compatibility.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have similar weight characteristics. The Aqua King (V3) has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Cream Yellow has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. Both switches fall into the medium weight category, providing a balance between lightness for extended typing sessions and a stronger push feel for a more robust typing experience. Overall, users can expect comparable results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces with either switch, making them suitable options for a variety of typing preferences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it is clear that the Aqua King has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Cream Yellow's 3.3 mm. The Aqua King's 4.0 mm travel distance falls on the more traditional end of the spectrum, offering a deeper key press experience, while the Cream Yellow's 3.3 mm is slightly shallower. Gamers may prefer the Aqua King for its deeper travel distance, allowing for a more hearty key press, while those looking for a faster response time may opt for the Cream Yellow with its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and response time.
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 Cream Yellow 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 renowned for its incredibly smooth and frictionless feel, providing a typing experience akin to gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch's feel is unknown. When it comes to sound, the Aqua King (V3) is characterized as producing a subdued sound, not completely silent but more subtle compared to most switches. Unfortunately, the sound profile of the Cream Yellow is unavailable. Overall, based on the available information, it is clear that the Aqua King (V3) offers a unique and luxurious typing experience with its frictionless feel and subdued sound. On the other hand, the specifics of the Cream Yellow tactile switch remain a mystery, making it difficult to compare the two switches in terms of sound and feel. To achieve similar results to the Aqua King (V3), one could opt for switches known for their smooth and buttery typing experience, such as the Gateron Inks or Tealios.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, consider the typing experience you desire. If you prefer a smooth and frictionless typing experience akin to gliding on ice, then the Aqua King (V3) would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a buttery and silky sensation with a subtle sound signature, the Cream Yellow might be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences for key feel and sound. Happy typing!
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