Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Outemu Purple 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 Purple offer unique typing experiences. The Aqua King (V3) is a linear switch that is best known for its smooth and frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding on ice. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple is a tactile switch without any specific standout features mentioned. If you are looking for a switch that provides a silky and polished typing experience, the Aqua King (V3) may be the way to go. 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
50g
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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Outemu Purple, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice allows for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for users who appreciate a clear and resonant typing experience. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it suitable for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the overall design. While both switches share this commonality in their top housing, they differ in the material used for the bottom housing.
The Aqua King (V3) features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which complements the top housing in creating a consistent sound profile throughout the typing experience. The stiffness of polycarbonate in the bottom housing contributes to a clear and sharp bottom-out sound, enhancing the overall feel of each key press. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound upon key press, offering a different tactile feedback compared to the Aqua King (V3).
While the top housings of both the Aqua King (V3) and the Outemu Purple share similar qualities due to their use of polycarbonate, the bottom housings provide a unique sound and feel to each switch. The impact of the bottom housing is more pronounced during a key press, influencing the bottom-out sound and overall typing experience. Conversely, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key, adding another layer of auditory feedback for the user. By understanding the properties of each housing material, users can choose a switch that best aligns with their preferences for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, the Aqua King has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Purple's 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aqua King requires a heavier force of 62 grams, while the Purple's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Aqua King provides a lighter initial typing feel but requires a heavier press to fully activate the keystroke, whereas the Purple's typing experience may be more uniform throughout. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods may lean towards the Aqua King, while those who prefer a more substantial feel may prefer the Purple.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting their travel distance, it is evident that both switches offer a consistent and uniform typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that whether you choose the Aqua King or the Purple switch, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance when pressing down on a key. Overall, the travel distance of these switches provides a satisfying tactile feedback for users looking for a reliable and comfortable 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 Purple 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 Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch offers a subdued sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. This creates a quieter typing experience that may be preferred in shared spaces or for those looking for a more discreet sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch's sound profile is unknown. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch is highly praised for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience. This means that users can expect a smooth and effortless typing session with minimal resistance or friction, akin to gliding their fingers across the keys with ease. In contrast, there is no specific information available about the tactile feel of the Outemu Purple switch. This lack of details may make it harder for users to gauge the tactile feedback and overall typing experience offered by this switch.
Considering the available information, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch excels in providing a smooth, quiet, and premium typing experience with its frictionless and creamy feel. The subdued sound profile further enhances the overall typing experience for users who prefer a quieter switch. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch lacks specific details on its sound and feel characteristics, making it challenging to compare directly with the Aqua King (V3). In cases where specific qualities are not mentioned, it is likely that users may not achieve the same level of satisfaction as they would with a well-documented switch like the Everglide Aqua King (V3).
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, you should choose the Aqua King if you are looking for a switch that offers a frictionless and smooth typing experience. The Aqua King's medium 62-gram bottom out force provides a perfect balance of tactile feedback and ease of use. The sound of the Aqua King is subdued, offering a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a specific typing feel, the Purple switch may not be the best choice as the information is unavailable. Ultimately, the Aqua King (V3) may be the ideal choice for you if you value smoothness and effortless typing.
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