Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko V3 Piano Pro both offer unique and enticing qualities. The Aqua King (V3) is celebrated for its frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding effortlessly on ice. Its typing experience is described as subdued, creamy, silky, and polished. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro showcases a snappy sound signature that adds a lively and crisp quality to keystrokes. These switches offer a bouncy and clacky feel, along with a creamy, polished, resonant, and silky texture. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that make them appealing choices for different 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, it is evident that both switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Aqua King (V3) utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro features nylon for its top and bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. Despite the different materials used, both switches prioritize sound quality in their design.
While the Aqua King (V3) and the V3 Piano Pro have different housing materials, they both prioritize providing a clear and resonant sound profile for users. The polycarbonate top and bottom housings of the Aqua King (V3) create a consistent sound experience with a focus on sharpness and clarity. In comparison, the nylon top and bottom housings of the V3 Piano Pro prioritize a deeper and fuller sound profile with a softer feel. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
In terms of aesthetics, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko V3 Piano Pro showcase different approaches with their housing materials. The Aqua King (V3) showcases a translucent polycarbonate top housing, allowing users to fully appreciate RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro opts for a classic look with its nylon top housing, offering a more traditional appearance. Despite the differences in material and appearance, both switches deliver a unique sound experience that caters to the preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch with an actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aqua King requires 62 grams, which is heavier than the Akko V3 Piano Pro requiring 55 grams to bottom out. This means that the Aqua King provides a slightly more substantial typing experience with a firmer push feel, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro offers a lighter touch for a smoother typing experience. Both switches fall into the medium category for actuation force, but the Aqua King is on the heavier side while the Akko V3 Piano Pro is on the lighter side. Depending on personal preference, one may prefer the Aqua King for a more tactile typing experience, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming due to its lighter touch.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is clear that the Aqua King has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Piano Pro's 3.5 mm. The Aqua King offers a more traditional travel distance while the Piano Pro's distance is considered shallower. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Piano Pro for faster response times, while those who enjoy a more robust keypress may opt for the Aqua King. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key feel and 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 Akko V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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) features a subdued sound profile, offering a quieter and more subtle typing experience compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro is known for its clacky and resonant sound signature, providing a sharper and more pronounced auditory feedback with each keystroke. Depending on personal preference, users may prefer the subdued sound of the Aqua King or the livelier sound of the V3 Piano Pro, with the latter adding a distinct crisp quality to typing sessions.
When it comes to the typing feel, the Aqua King (V3) is praised for its creamy and frictionless experience, creating a sensation akin to effortlessly gliding over the keys with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro offers a bouncy and polished typing feel, providing a spring-like feedback and smooth key travel. Whether users prefer the smooth and buttery feel of the Aqua King or the lively bounce of the V3 Piano Pro will depend on their typing preferences and desired tactile feedback.
Overall, both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko V3 Piano Pro offer unique qualities in terms of sound and typing feel. Users looking for a quieter and smoother typing experience may lean towards the Aqua King, while those who enjoy a more pronounced sound and responsive key feedback may prefer the V3 Piano Pro. Ultimately, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience, and users can expect reliable performance and durability from either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a frictionless, almost magical typing feel akin to gliding on ice, then the Aqua King (V3) switch may be the best choice for you. However, if you prefer a snappy sound signature with a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke, along with a smooth tactile experience, then the V3 Piano Pro switch could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a creamy, frictionless typing experience or a snappy, lively sound signature when selecting between these two linear switches.
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