Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Everglide Aqua King and the KTT Phalaenopsis are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Aqua King is a linear switch, renowned for its frictionless and smooth feel, which gives the sensation of effortlessly gliding over the keys. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis is a tactile switch that boasts a light actuation force of 37g, making typing effortless and minimizing finger fatigue, especially during long typing sessions. The Phalaenopsis also provides a satisfying tactile bump of 50g, ensuring each keystroke is both delightful and discernible. Both switches have their advantages - the Aqua King for its subdued and creamy feel, and the Phalaenopsis for its bassy and thocky typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King and the KTT Phalaenopsis both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material creates a similar sound profile for both switches, characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant and visually appealing effects.
While both switches share the same material for their top and bottom housings, their different design and construction may lead to variations in their overall performance. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more noticeable, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. The specific design and construction of the Aqua King and Phalaenopsis may result in slight differences in these aspects. On the other hand, the top housing plays a more significant role in determining the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, any variations in the design or construction of the top housing between the Aqua King and Phalaenopsis may lead to subtle differences in key release sound.
Overall, the Aqua King and Phalaenopsis provide similar results due to their shared use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings. Both switches offer a crisp and sharp sound profile, thanks to the stiffness of polycarbonate, enhancing the overall typing experience. Whether it's the Aqua King's polycarbonate top housing or the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate bottom housing, the qualities brought by the material ensure a clear and resonant sound. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the incorporation of RGB lighting, making both switches visually appealing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, some noticeable differences can be observed. The Aqua King has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Phalaenopsis' lighter 37 grams. This means that it would require a bit more pressure to trigger a keystroke on the Aqua King switch. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Aqua King is also heavier at 62 grams compared to the Phalaenopsis' 50 grams. This indicates that the Aqua King switch would provide a more substantial typing experience, requiring a firmer press all the way down. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switch would offer a lighter and potentially more comfortable typing experience, with less force needed for both actuation and bottoming out. Overall, the Aqua King is slightly heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out force, while the Phalaenopsis switch offers a lighter touch. Those who prefer a stronger push feel may opt for the Aqua King, while those seeking a lighter and potentially more fatigue-free typing experience may lean towards the Phalaenopsis switch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch is identical, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, pressing down on a key of either switch would result in an equal sensation and feedback. Both switches provide a consistent key press experience, ensuring accuracy and comfort during typing or gaming activities. Whether you choose the Everglide Aqua King linear switch or the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance and overall performance.
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 Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
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 Phalaenopsis tactile switch have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel.
In terms of sound, the Aqua King switch is described as producing a subdued sound when pressed. This means that it creates a dampened sound that is not completely silent, but offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switch is described as offering a bassy sound profile during key presses. This means that it produces a deeper and richer sound characterized by a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the Phalaenopsis switch is also described as thocky, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released.
When it comes to feel, the Aqua King switch is known for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience. This means that it offers a smooth and buttery typing sensation, almost like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The switch minimizes any sense of resistance or friction, providing a fluid and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switch is described as stepped. This means that it offers a tactile feedback that feels like it has two stages, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel in comparison to switches that have a continuous bump throughout the keystroke.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua King switch offers a subdued sound and a range of smooth and frictionless typing experiences, while the Phalaenopsis switch provides a bassy and thocky sound profile with a stepped tactile feel. If you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Aqua King switch would be a good choice. If you enjoy a deeper and richer sound with a discernible tactile bump, the Phalaenopsis switch would be a delightful option. Overall, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience based on personal preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, if you value a smooth and frictionless typing experience, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, these switches offer a medium level of resistance that allows for effortless typing. The Aqua Kings provide a magical sensation, similar to ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink, where your fingers simply glide across the keys. Additionally, the Aqua Kings have a subdued sound profile, offering a more subtle and dampened sound when pressed.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a tactile typing experience with a lighter actuation force, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch would be the ideal option. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches provide a light and effortless feel during typing. The Phalaenopsis switches feature a discernible tactile bump at 50g, ensuring each keystroke is a satisfying and delightful experience. Moreover, they minimize finger fatigue even during prolonged typing sessions. The Phalaenopsis switches offer a bassy and thocky sound profile, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses.
Ultimately, your choice between the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch will depend on your preferences for typing feel, actuation force, and sound profile. For a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a medium resistance, the Aqua Kings are the way to go. On the other hand, if you desire a lighter actuation force and a tactile bump, along with a deeper and richer sound profile, the Phalaenopsis switches would be the perfect fit for you. Consider these factors and select the switch that aligns with your typing preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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