Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two notable options in the linear category are the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Perky. The Aqua King (V3) is renowned for its extremely smooth and frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding over freshly resurfaced ice, which contributes to a sublime and effortless typing experience. This switch is ideal for those who prioritize a subtle, creamy feel with each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Perky offers a unique typing experience characterized by its softer, glittery nylon housing that provides a neutral yet deeply satisfying touch. With a shorter travel distance, the Perky switches deliver a more condensed keystroke, appealing to users who appreciate quick and responsive typing. Although both switches cater to linear enthusiasts with their distinct attributes, they present different experiences suited to varying preferences. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
T2
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Perky switches exemplify distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences due to their different housing materials. The Aqua King (V3) employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, allowing the switch to produce clearer and more resonant sounds. Additionally, the use of clear polycarbonate enhances aesthetic appeal, particularly for setups featuring RGB lighting, as it enables the light to pass through more efficiently. Users seeking precision in sound articulation may find the Aqua King (V3) particularly appealing due to this combination of material properties.
In contrast, the HMX Perky utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon is regarded as a classic switch material, providing a sound profile that is deeper and fuller compared to polycarbonate. This softness allows nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder audio experience. While the Perky may not offer the same clarity as the Aqua King (V3), it compensates with a rich sensorial experience that many users prefer for its warmth and rounded tones. Consequently, those who prioritize a smooth and full sound may gravitate towards the HMX Perky, finding it a suitable choice for prolonged typing sessions or gaming.
Though their housing materials differ considerably, the Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Perky can produce satisfying experiences tailored to their respective sound profiles. The dual polycarbonate housings of the Aqua King (V3) deliver a clearer sound when keys are released, whereas the nylon components of the Perky create a fuller sound when the keys bottom out. In practice, users may achieve a well-rounded performance from either switch, depending on whether they favor bright articulation or rich depth. If one can appreciate both elements, exploring both options may lead to satisfying results, albeit driven by different material attributes. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches boils down to personal preference regarding sound clarity versus sound depth.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Aqua King (V3) features an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium force switch. In contrast, the HMX Perky switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those seeking less resistance during typing or gaming. This lighter design of the Perky allows users to type for longer periods with less effort, while the heavier Aqua King (V3) may cater to those who enjoy a more substantial feel with a stronger push. Both switches offer distinct tactile experiences, with the Aqua King (V3) providing a firmer action, while the Perky appeals to those who prefer a more gentle touch. Overall, users looking for a lighter option for extended use may find the HMX Perky more suited to their needs, while the Aqua King (V3) will be attractive to those who appreciate a higher actuation and bottom out force for a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Aqua King (V3) features a travel distance of 4 mm, whereas the HMX Perky has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Aqua King, with its traditional 4 mm distance, provides a deeper press that some users might find more satisfying, especially those who prefer a more tactile experience while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Perky's 3.4 mm travel distance offers a quicker response, appealing to gamers who desire rapid keystrokes and faster actions. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will hinge on personal preference: a longer travel distance may be favored for its familiar depth, while a shorter distance may be ideal for those seeking enhanced responsiveness.
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 HMX Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky for $2.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) is characterized by a subdued auditory profile, producing a dampened sound when pressed. This creates a typing experience that is not entirely silent but has a more subtle sound signature compared to many other switches, which can be particularly appealing in quiet environments. In contrast, the HMX Perky switch's sound characteristics are currently unknown, though it's important to note that the final sound output can be influenced by the choice of keyboard, such as the material of the case or the design of the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King (V3) excels with its exceedingly smooth and frictionless typing experience. Users describe the typing sensation as creamy, silky, and polished, offering a level of effortless gliding that is reminiscent of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. This luxurious tactile feedback stems from an attractive combination of quality materials and possibly factory lubing. The HMX Perky, meanwhile, features softer, glittery nylon housings, providing a more neutral and condensed typing experience due to its shorter travel distance. This difference may appeal to users seeking a different tactile response, especially those prioritizing speed and compact feel while typing.
Overall, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and HMX Perky switches offer distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the Aqua King (V3) provides a subdued sound profile and an exceptionally smooth, frictionless typing experience, the Perky’s softer housing and shorter travel distance deliver a more neutral typing sensation—both can lead to satisfying results depending on personal preference. For newcomers to mechanical keyboards, understanding these differences will help in selecting a switch that aligns with their typing style and aesthetic demands.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Perky linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal typing preferences and what you seek in a mechanical keyboard experience. If you prefer a more robust feel with a bottom-out force of 62 grams, the Aqua King (V3) is the ideal choice. Its frictionless and creamy typing sensation creates an exhilarating gliding experience, making it perfect for long typing sessions where comfort and smoothness are paramount. This switch is particularly suitable for users who enjoy a subtle sound profile, as its subdued sound will not be distracting in quiet environments. Conversely, if you favor a lighter touch and a more condensed typing experience, the HMX Perky switch with its 50 grams of bottom-out force is your go-to option. The Perky's design offers a neutral yet satisfying feel, making it ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming where speed and instant feedback are essential. Its shorter travel distance contributes to a more responsive experience, which is particularly appealing to those who might find lighter switches less tiring over extended use. Ultimately, your final selection should align with your typing habits and personal taste, ensuring that you maximize your enjoyment and productivity with your mechanical keyboard.
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