Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3), a linear switch, to the Outemu Silent Grey, a tactile switch, it is clear that each offers a unique typing experience. The Aqua King (V3) is renowned for its frictionless feel, akin to gliding effortlessly on ice. With descriptors like 'Subdued', 'Creamy', and 'Silky', this switch promises a polished typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey provides a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke for a satisfying and silent typing session. Choosing between these switches may come down to whether you prefer a smooth and frictionless typing experience or a tactile and satisfying keypress. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
The housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Outemu Silent Grey switches have some key differences. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile due to the material's stiffness. However, the contrasting material used in the bottom housing sets them apart. The Aqua King (V3) utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, enhancing the bottom-out sound and feel with its clear and resonant characteristics. In contrast, the Silent Grey employs a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics.
While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing, their respective bottom housing materials significantly impact the overall typing experience. The Aqua King (V3) with its polycarbonate bottom housing offers a more clear and resonant sound upon bottoming out a key, providing a satisfying typing experience. In comparison, the Silent Grey's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a different tactile sensation when typing. These differences show how the choice of housing material can influence the overall sound and feel of a switch, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Overall, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Outemu Silent Grey both showcase how housing materials play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch. While the Aqua King (V3) utilizes polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings, providing a clear and resonant typing experience, the Silent Grey combines a polycarbonate top housing with a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to various preferences, highlighting the importance of housing materials in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch with 50 grams. Both switches have a medium range actuation force, making them suitable for general typing tasks. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aqua King requires 62 grams compared to the Silent Grey's heavier 65 grams. This difference means that the Silent Grey switch will offer a more substantial typing experience, which some users may prefer for improved feedback and accuracy. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance between these two switches ensures that users will get consistent results in terms of key press feel and overall typing experience. So, whether you choose the Aqua King (V3) or the Silent Grey switch, you can expect a similar travel distance when typing.
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 Silent Grey 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) is more subdued compared to the Outemu Silent Grey. The Aqua King produces a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the Silent Grey is known for being quiet, perfect for those seeking a silent typing experience. However, 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.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) is revered for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience. The switch offers a smooth and buttery sensation, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The typing experience is described as fluid and enjoyable, with minimal resistance or friction. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is known for its highly tactile feel with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy a satisfying typing experience while maintaining quietness.
Taking all the available information into consideration, it is clear that the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Outemu Silent Grey switches offer distinct typing experiences. The Aqua King provides a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a subdued sound, while the Silent Grey offers a tactile and quiet typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and sound output. It is important for newcomers to try out different switches to find the one that best suits their typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you are seeking a smooth, frictionless typing experience reminiscent of gliding on ice, then the Aqua King (V3) would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump, the Outemu Silent Grey switch would suit your needs better. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so choose the one that aligns most with your desired typing experience. Ultimately, whether you prefer the fluidity of the Aqua King (V3) or the satisfying tactility of the Silent Grey, you can't go wrong with either choice.
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