Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are countless options to choose from, each offering a unique typing experience. Two switches that stand out are the Everglide Aqua King and the Kailh Plum. The Aqua King is a linear switch that is best known for its frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding on a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink. With a typing experience that can only be described as magical, this switch is perfect for those looking for a smooth and effortless keystroke. On the other hand, the Plum is a tactile switch that offers a hefty feel without a pronounced tactile bump, making it incredibly unique. Unlike many other tactile switches, the Plum provides a neutral and enjoyable sound profile. While these general pointers may help guide you towards the switch that suits your preferences, 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King and the Kailh Plum both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a similar sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, making it ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, its translucency makes it perfect for users who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant and eye-catching effects. In terms of aesthetics and sound, both switches offer a comparable experience due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Aqua King and Plum take different paths. The Aqua King continues to use polycarbonate, which adds to the overall sound profile of the switch. On the other hand, the Plum switches incorporate nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, offering a duller and rounder sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material allows for some variation in the overall sound experience between the Aqua King and Plum switches.
In terms of usage, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the Aqua King, with its polycarbonate top and bottom housing, would offer a consistent sound experience throughout the keypress. On the other hand, the Plum switch's combination of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing might result in a slightly different sound profile, with a crisper sound during key release and a deeper sound during bottom-out. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, allowing users to choose the desired sound characteristics for their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, their actuation and bottom out forces reveal some notable differences. The Aqua King linear switch has an actuation force of 46 grams, while the Plum's actuation force is unavailable. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force of 62 grams for the Aqua King and 70 grams for the Plum, making them quite similar in that regard.
Weight, in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, is an important factor to consider. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may favor the Aqua King, as its actuation force is relatively lower than the Plum. This lighter touch can be beneficial for individuals who need to type for extended periods, whether at work or during lengthy gaming sessions. Conversely, those seeking a more pronounced push feel and a more substantial typing experience might appreciate the heavier option. In this case, the Plum's medium-heavy bottom out force might be more suitable.
Although the exact actuation force for the Plum switch is unknown, it is still safe to say that the Aqua King provides a lighter typing experience compared to the Plum due to its specified actuation force of 46 grams. Both switches, however, share a medium bottom out force, ensuring a certain level of consistency in terms of the overall typing feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, we find that the Aqua King has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Plum has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Aqua King's 4 mm travel distance falls within the range of the traditional distance, providing a satisfying depth for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Plum's 3.6 mm travel distance offers a slightly shallower experience, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. While both travel distances are relatively close, the slight difference in depth may have a noticeable impact on the overall feel and tactile experience of the switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference, with those seeking a more responsive feel opting for the Plum's shorter travel distance, while those desiring a more substantial touch may favor the Aqua King's longer travel distance.
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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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 sound profile of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch can be described as subdued. It produces a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum tactile switch has a neutral sound profile. It falls in the middle-ground zone, neither too loud nor too quiet, making it suitable for various environments. 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.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is known for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished qualities. These switches offer an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. They minimize any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. The Plum tactile switch, on the other hand, is described as mild and stepped. It offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. While it does have some tactility, it is not as pronounced as in other tactile switches. Stepped switches provide a mild tactile feedback with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel.
To summarize, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch provides a frictionless and magical typing experience with its smooth and effortless feel. It offers a subdued sound profile that is more subtle compared to most switches. The Kailh Plum tactile switch, on the other hand, offers a unique tactile experience without a pronounced tactile bump. It has a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most purposes. While the two switches have different characteristics, they both provide enjoyable typing experiences. If you are looking for a smooth and frictionless feel, similar to the Aqua King, but with a different sound profile, the Plum tactile switch would be a suitable option. Similarly, if you prefer a mild tactile feedback and a neutral sound profile, similar to the Plum, the Aqua King would provide a comparable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a frictionless and magical typing experience, then the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is the way to go. With its medium bottom out force of 62 grams, you can expect your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys, creating a smooth and buttery sensation similar to ice skating on a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink. The Aqua King also offers a subdued sound profile, providing a more subtle and dampened sound when pressed.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a unique combination of weightiness and moderate tactility, the Kailh Plum tactile switch would be a great choice. With its slightly heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, you'll feel a sense of heftiness without a significant tactile bump. The Plum offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use it at home or work.
Ultimately, the decision between the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch will depend on your personal preferences. If you value a frictionless and silky typing experience with a subdued sound, go for the Aqua King. If you want a switch with a unique combination of weightiness and a moderate tactile feel, along with a neutral sound profile, the Plum is a great option. Consider your typing style and preferences, and choose the switch that will enhance your overall typing experience. In the end, both switches offer their own unique qualities, so you can't go wrong with either choice.
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