Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Outemu Red 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 Red both offer a linear typing experience. The Aqua King (V3) is renowned for its smooth and frictionless feel, reminiscent of effortlessly gliding on ice. Described as 'subdued', 'creamy', and 'polished', this switch provides a magical typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Red is a linear switch that offers a standard typing experience without any specific standout features. While the Aqua King (V3) excels in providing a unique and smooth typing experience, the Outemu Red is a reliable choice for those looking for a more traditional linear switch. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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 Red, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to clear and resonant sound production, making it an ideal material for switches aiming to use RGB lighting. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Aqua King (V3) continues to use polycarbonate, while the Outemu Red opts for nylon. The nylon bottom housing of the Red provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate, due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound.
Despite both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Outemu Red featuring polycarbonate top housing, they differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The split in housing materials impacts the overall sound and feel of each switch - the bottom housing playing a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound produced when a key is released. This distinction results in a slightly varied typing experience between the two switches, with the Aqua King (V3) emphasizing a crisper and clearer sound due to its consistent use of polycarbonate, while the Outemu Red offers a fuller and deeper sound profile with its nylon bottom housing.
In terms of sound production and aesthetics, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Outemu Red share similar qualities with their polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharp and resonant sound profile ideal for RGB lighting setups. However, the diverging choice of housing material for the bottom housing between the Aqua King (V3) and the Outemu Red leads to distinct typing experiences. While the Aqua King (V3) maintains a consistent sharp sound throughout due to its polycarbonate bottom housing, the Outemu Red's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller overall sound. Ultimately, the selection of housing materials plays a crucial role in shaping the auditory and tactile experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, it is evident that both have the same actuation force of 46 grams and bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke and press all the way down. In terms of weight, both switches fall into the medium category, which is ideal for those looking for a balance between lighter switches that allow for longer typing sessions and heavier switches that provide a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and Outemu Red switches will come down to personal preference in terms of weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distance, both switches offer the same tactile feedback and actuation point, resulting in a similar typing experience. This means that whether you choose the Aqua King or the Red switch, you can expect a consistent travel distance and feel when typing. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide a similar typing experience for users.
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 Red 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 is known for producing a subdued sound when pressed. This means that it offers a dampened sound compared to most switches, providing a more subtle sound signature. On the other hand, there is no specific information available regarding the sound of the Outemu Red linear switch. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch is renowned for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience. These switches offer a smooth and buttery feel, akin to ice skating on freshly resurfaced ice. The typing sensation is described as effortless, with fingers gliding across the keys with minimal resistance. In contrast, there is no specific information provided about the typing feel of the Outemu Red linear switch.
Overall, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch seems to excel in both sound and feel aspects, offering a unique and premium typing experience characterized by its smoothness and frictionless operation. On the other hand, as there is no detailed information available for the Outemu Red linear switch, it is difficult to provide a direct comparison. However, based on the qualities of the Aqua King (V3), it is possible that the Outemu Red linear switch may also provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience desired by the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch or the Outemu Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a frictionless and silky typing experience with a dampened sound, the Aqua King (V3) would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium bottom out force with a linear feel, the Outemu Red switch may be more suitable. Both switches offer a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, so it ultimately comes down to the specific typing experience you are seeking. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preference for feel and sound when typing.
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