Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. KTT Peach
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the KTT Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that come to mind are the Everglide Aqua King and the KTT Peach linear switches. At first glance, these switches may seem similar, but upon closer inspection, they offer distinct advantages that cater to different preferences. The Aqua King is renowned for its frictionless feel, offering a typing experience reminiscent of gliding on a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink. With its subdued, creamy, and silky touch, this switch promises a magical typing experience. On the other hand, the Peach switch boasts multiple prized characteristics of a linear switch. It excels in providing a syrupy smooth typing experience accompanied by a deep, thocky sound profile. Categorized as low-pitched, neutral, and mild, the Peach switch offers a more tempered typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King and the KTT Peach both have a polycarbonate top housing. This material offers several benefits, including a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. This means that both the Aqua King and the Peach will provide similar sound profiles and aesthetic appeal when it comes to their top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Aqua King and the Peach differ. The Aqua King features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Peach utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Typing on the Aqua King with its polycarbonate bottom housing will result in a sharper and crisper sound, similar to its top housing. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Peach will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the choice between the Aqua King and the Peach will depend on the desired sound profile and typing experience.
In terms of functionality, the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. This means that the Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing will provide a distinct and crisp bottom-out experience, while the Peach's nylon bottom housing will offer a softer and more rounded sensation. On the other hand, the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Both the Aqua King and the Peach, with their polycarbonate top housings, will provide similar results in terms of the sound produced when letting go of a key. Therefore, the choice between the two switches will ultimately depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King and the KTT Peach linear switches, there are notable differences. The Aqua King has an actuation force of 46 grams, while the Peach has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Aqua King requires 62 grams of force, whereas the Peach only requires 53 grams. These variances result in a slightly heavier typing experience with the Aqua King, while the Peach offers a lighter touch.
The weight of a switch is an important factor to consider for various reasons. A lighter switch, such as the Peach, enables users to type for longer periods without experiencing fatigue, making it suitable for extended work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial and pronounced typing experience may opt for a switch with a heavier actuation and bottom out force, like the Aqua King.
While the actuation forces of the Aqua King and the Peach are similar and fall within the medium range, the differences in their bottom out forces provide distinct tactile feedback. The Aqua King requires a greater force to fully press down compared to the Peach, resulting in a more solid and deliberate keystroke sensation. However, both switches provide a satisfactory typing experience, with the Aqua King leaning towards a heavier touch and the Peach offering a slightly lighter touch.
In conclusion, the actuation and bottom out forces of the Everglide Aqua King and KTT Peach linear switches differ in terms of weight. The Aqua King is a slightly heavier switch, requiring more force for both actuation and bottoming out. On the other hand, the Peach is relatively lighter, offering a gentler typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the KTT Peach linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will experience a similar distance in travel. Both switches provide a consistent 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 KTT Peach comes in at $2.91 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 linear switch and the KTT Peach linear switch have distinct subjective qualities when it comes to sound and feel. Starting with sound, the Aqua King switch is known for its subdued profile. This means that it produces a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle and quiet typing experience compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Peach switch is described as low-pitched, featuring a bass-heavy and mellow tone. It offers a deep "thocky" sound profile, which many enthusiasts find pleasing. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Aqua King switch is praised for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished attributes. These qualities contribute to an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. The switch offers a fluid travel, with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. It feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, resulting in a magical typing sensation akin to ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink.
In contrast, the Peach switch is described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience. While the specific details of its feel are not provided, these switches are designed to provide a safe and approachable middle-ground for most users. It is likely that they offer a smooth and comfortable typing experience without any extreme characteristics.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King and KTT Peach linear switches offer different sound and feel experiences. The Aqua Kings provide a subdued sound and an incredibly smooth, frictionless feel. They are like gliding on ice while typing. On the other hand, the Peach switches have a low-pitched sound profile and a mild feel that caters to a wider range of users. Both switches aim to provide a pleasing typing experience, but they achieve it through different subjective qualities. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, either switch can offer a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the KTT Peach linear switch, it ultimately depends on your preference for bottom out force, sound, and feel. The Aqua King has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is medium, while the Peach has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is medium-light. If you prefer a lighter typing experience, the Peach switch may be more suitable for you.
In terms of sound, the Aqua King is described as offering a subdued sound, with a more dampened and subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the Peach switch has a low-pitched sound profile, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. If you prioritize a quieter typing experience, the Aqua King may be the better choice, while the Peach switch offers a deeper and thocky sound.
When it comes to feel, the Aqua King is known for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished characteristics. These switches offer an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, with a fluid key travel. On the other hand, the Peach switch is described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground. If you value a silky and refined typing experience, the Aqua King may be the way to go, while the Peach switch provides a more approachable feel.
Ultimately, both switches have their own unique qualities and it boils down to your personal preferences. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel to make your decision. Whether you opt for the Aqua King or the Peach, both switches offer their own delights in terms of a smooth and enjoyable typing experience.
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