Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Outemu Milk Tea 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 Milk Tea offer unique experiences for users. The Aqua King (V3) is a linear switch that is praised for its frictionless feel, likened to gliding on ice. With descriptors like 'subdued', 'creamy', 'frictionless', 'silky', and 'polished', this switch provides a smooth and seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the Milk Tea is a tactile switch that does not have any standout characteristics listed. These switches offer contrasting typing experiences, with the Aqua King providing a more effortless and smooth feel, while the Milk Tea may offer a more tactile typing experience. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
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) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the Outemu Milk Tea's Ly top housing. Both materials offer a unique sound experience, with polycarbonate offering a higher-pitched sound and the Ly top housing providing resonant clacks when typing. The polycarbonate top housing is also beneficial for those looking to incorporate RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency. In contrast, the Milk Tea's Ly top housing is described as offering a very bright sound signature, adding a different auditory experience for users.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Aqua King (V3) features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Outemu Milk Tea utilizes a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate bottom housing in the Aqua King (V3) contributes to a sharp and clear sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing in the Milk Tea offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate material. These differences in bottom housing material can significantly impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed.
Overall, while the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and Outemu Milk Tea use different housing materials in their top and bottom components, they both offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences. The polycarbonate material in the Aqua King (V3) delivers a sharper and higher-pitched sound, while the Milk Tea's Ly top housing provides bright and resonant clacks when typing. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing in the Milk Tea offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, contrasting with the clear and resonant sound of the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Aqua King (V3). Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing feel, users may find one housing material more appealing than the other.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it is clear that the Aqua King is slightly heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Aqua King has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Milk Tea has an actuation force of 45 grams with an unknown bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Milk Tea may be more suitable due to its slightly lower actuation force. However, for those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience with a firmer push, the Aqua King may be the better choice. Both switches offer unique typing experiences, with the Aqua King providing a medium level of force throughout, while the Milk Tea lacks information on its bottom out force. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference for typing comfort and feel.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressing down on a key. Both switches offer a consistent and tactile feedback to the user, with the same travel distance contributing to their overall typing feel. Whether you choose the Aqua King or the Milk Tea, you can expect a comfortable typing experience with a consistent travel distance that allows for smooth and precise keystrokes.
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 Milk Tea 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 Aqua King (V3) linear switch is known for producing a subdued sound when pressed, offering a more subtle and dampened sound compared to most switches. On the other hand, information about the sound qualities of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch is unavailable. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used.
When it comes to the typing feel, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch is praised for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished qualities, providing an incredibly smooth and effortless typing experience. Typing on these switches feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, as they seamlessly melt into each keystroke. In contrast, information about the typing feel of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch is not provided.
Overall, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness and effortless typing experience, with a subdued sound profile. On the other hand, the subjective qualities of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch remain unknown. If one is looking for a switch that offers a frictionless and polished typing feel with minimal sound, the Aqua King (V3) could be a great choice. Ultimately, the best switch for an individual will depend on personal preference, typing style, and desired sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a smooth and frictionless typing feel, reminiscent of gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, the Aqua King (V3) would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a switch with a unique tactile feedback and potentially no bottom out force, the Milk Tea switch may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a silky and polished typing experience or a tactile and potentially forceless typing sensation.
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