Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Outemu Tom 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 Tom offer distinct typing experiences for users. The Aqua King (V3) stands out as a linear switch known for its smooth and frictionless feel, making typing akin to gliding on ice. Its characteristics include being 'Subdued', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Silky', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom is a tactile switch that lacks specific standout features. Choosing between these switches depends on individual preferences - whether you prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience with the Aqua King (V3) or desire the tactile feedback provided by the Outemu Tom. 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
3.30 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
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Outemu Tom both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Tom's nylon bottom housing offers a different sound experience, eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This contrast in housing materials allows for a varied typing experience, with the top housing affecting the sound upon key release and the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel.
While both the Aqua King (V3) and the Tom utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, they differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Aqua King (V3) continues with a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining the sharper, crisper sound profile associated with this material. In contrast, the Tom's nylon bottom housing adds a deeper and fuller sound to the switch, thanks to nylon's ability to absorb more sound than polycarbonate. This difference in bottom housing material further distinguishes the typing experience between these two switches, offering users the opportunity to choose based on their preferred sound and feel preferences.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Outemu Tom plays a significant role in the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound, they diverge in their bottom housing material - with the Aqua King (V3) maintaining the crispness of polycarbonate throughout and the Tom introducing a deeper sound with its nylon bottom housing. Whether you prioritize a more resonant sound or a fuller typing experience, these housing material differences offer users a chance to customize their typing experience based on personal preferences.
Weight
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Outemu Tom tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Aqua King (V3) requires 62 grams, while the Tom's bottom out force is unknown. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to the variance in actuation and bottom out forces. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Aqua King (V3) for longer typing sessions or gaming, while individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Outemu Tom tactile switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Tom tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Tom switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Aqua King switch. The Aqua King switch provides a slightly longer distance for keystrokes, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper key press. On the other hand, the Tom switch offers a shorter travel distance, appealing to individuals looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. Both switches have their own advantages based on personal preference, with the Aqua King providing a longer travel distance and the Tom offering a shorter travel distance for different user experiences.
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 Tom 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 renowned for its smooth and frictionless typing experience, akin to gliding effortlessly on freshly resurfaced ice. It offers a subdued sound profile, producing a dampened noise when pressed, creating a more subtle auditory experience compared to most switches. Additionally, the Aqua King (V3) is described as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished, providing a silky sensation and reducing resistance during keystrokes.
On the other hand, information on the Outemu Tom tactile switch is not available, making a direct comparison on sound and feel challenging. However, based on the characteristics of the Aqua King (V3) switch, it is likely that the Tom tactile switch may offer a different typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Overall, if you are looking for a linear switch that provides a smooth, almost frictionless typing experience with a subdued sound profile, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) switch would be an excellent choice. However, without information on the Outemu Tom tactile switch, it is recommended to try both switches to determine which one best suits your preferences in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a frictionless and smooth typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Aqua King (V3) may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile response without a defined bottom out force, the Tom switch could be more suitable. Consider factors such as sound, feel, and typing sensation to make an informed decision on which switch aligns best with your typing preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you as you type away on your mechanical keyboard.
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