Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Outemu Ocean mechanical keyboard switches, one noticeable difference is their key characteristics. The Aqua King (V3) is a linear switch that is best known for its frictionless feel, likened to gliding on ice. It offers a typing experience that is described as 'subdued', 'creamy', 'frictionless', 'silky', and 'polished'. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean is a tactile switch with no specific standout feature mentioned. This switch does not have any particular characteristics listed. When considering which switch to choose, the Aqua King may be preferred for its smooth and seamless typing experience, while the Ocean may appeal to those looking for a more standard 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
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Outemu Ocean both feature polycarbonate top housings, creating a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetics of the switches. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Aqua King (V3) uses polycarbonate, while the Outemu Ocean utilizes nylon. The nylon bottom housing of the Ocean results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate of the Aqua King.
Furthermore, the difference in bottom housing materials between the Aqua King (V3) and the Outemu Ocean means that the typing experience will vary between the two switches. The impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced more by the nylon bottom housing of the Ocean, while the sharp and resonant sound when releasing a key will be more pronounced in the polycarbonate top housing of the Aqua King (V3). Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller sound.
In conclusion, while both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Outemu Ocean utilize polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound profile, their bottom housings differ in material, resulting in distinct typing experiences. The use of nylon in the Ocean's bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aqua King (V3) maintains consistency with its top housing for a more uniform sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
In comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, it is clear that the Aqua King is the lighter option with an actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Ocean's 55 grams. However, the Aqua King also has a higher bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Ocean's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Aqua King provides a lighter initial press but requires more force to fully press the key, offering a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the Ocean may have a slightly heavier feel overall, but without the specific bottom out force, it's hard to determine how they directly compare in terms of typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference for typing feel and whether one prefers a lighter or heavier key press.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users can expect a similar feel and experience when typing on a keyboard equipped with either of these switches. The travel distance of 4 mm provides a good balance between responsiveness and comfort, allowing for efficient typing without causing excessive fatigue. Overall, whether you prefer the linear feel of the Aqua King or the tactile feedback of the Ocean, both switches offer a consistent travel distance that ensures a smooth 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 Ocean 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 known for its frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding effortlessly on freshly resurfaced ice. This unique typing experience sets it apart from other switches, offering a smooth and fluid sensation with each keystroke. In terms of sound, the Aqua King (V3) produces a subdued sound when pressed, creating a dampened and subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch lacks specific information regarding its feel and sound qualities.
Overall, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness and frictionless typing experience, making it a popular choice among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the specific qualities of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch remain unknown, users can expect a similar level of satisfaction in terms of typing feel and sound by choosing a switch with characteristics such as creaminess, silky smoothness, and polished key travel. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, allowing newcomers to explore and discover their preferred typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a smooth, frictionless typing sensation akin to gliding across keys effortlessly, then the Aqua King (V3) may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a tactile feedback that provides a more pronounced physical response when typing, the Outemu Ocean switch could be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound.
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