Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch to the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it's important to note the distinct differences in their typing experiences. The Aqua King (V3) is renowned for its smooth and frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding on ice. The switch is categorized as 'Subdued', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Silky', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze offers a clicky feedback without any specific standout features or categorizations. While the Aqua King promises a magical typing experience with its seamless glide, the Spring Breeze provides a satisfying click with each keystroke. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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 Spring Breeze, it is clear that the Aqua King (V3) utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, while the Spring Breeze uses nylon for both. This means that both switches will exhibit similar characteristics in terms of sound profile and feel. The polycarbonate in the Aqua King (V3) creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile with a clear and resonant sound, especially when using RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon in the Spring Breeze produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Despite the similarities in housing materials between the two switches, there are subtle differences in the sound profiles they produce. The polycarbonate top housing of the Aqua King (V3) is likely to create a crisper sound when the key is released, while the nylon top housing of the Spring Breeze may produce a more muffled sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aqua King (V3) may contribute to a clearer bottom-out sound and feel, while the nylon bottom housing of the Spring Breeze could result in a softer and less defined bottom-out experience.
Overall, while both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Outemu Spring Breeze share similar housing materials, their subtle differences in sound profile and feel may appeal to different preferences. The polycarbonate housing in the Aqua King (V3) creates a sharper and more resonant sound, particularly suited for RGB lighting effects, while the nylon housing in the Spring Breeze offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, we can see a difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aqua King (V3) has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Spring Breeze's 40 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. However, the bottom out force of the Aqua King (V3) at 62 grams is also heavier than the Spring Breeze's 55 grams. This means that the Aqua King (V3) will provide a more substantial typing experience overall. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-light range, with the Aqua King (V3) leaning towards the heavier side. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and whether a lighter or heavier force is desired for extended typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting the two switches, their travel distance is not a factor that distinguishes one from the other. Users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the switches travel from the top to the bottom, whether they are using the Aqua King or the Spring Breeze. This means that regardless of which switch is chosen, typists can achieve consistent results in terms of tactile feedback and keypress depth. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches would come down to other factors such as actuation force or sound profile.
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 Spring Breeze 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 its subdued sound, which is dampened and not completely silent, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch's sound qualities are unknown, leaving it up to experimentation to determine the level of noise it produces. When choosing between the two based on sound, if you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Aqua King may be more suitable.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch is known for offering a creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience. These descriptors highlight the smooth and effortless nature of typing on this switch, with reduced friction and a fluid key travel. On the contrary, the feel qualities of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch are unknown. If you are looking for a typing experience that feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, the Aqua King may be the preferred choice.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch stands out for its smooth and frictionless feel, providing a magical typing experience with a subdued sound profile. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch lacks available information on its sound and feel qualities. Ultimately, if you prioritize a smooth and refined typing experience with minimal noise, the Aqua King would likely be the recommended choice. However, without more information on the Spring Breeze, it would be wise to test both switches to determine which best suits your preferences.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, your choice will largely depend on your preferences for typing experience. If you appreciate a smooth and effortless typing feel with a subdued sound, then the Aqua King (V3) switch, with its creamy, frictionless, and polished characteristics, would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a lighter bottom out force, the Spring Breeze may be more suitable, although it lacks specific descriptions of feel and sound. Consider your typing style, preferred sound profile, and tactile preferences when making your decision. Ultimately, the best switch for you will be the one that enhances your overall typing experience and matches your personal preferences.
Mentioned in this article
