Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Poro each offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Aqua King (V3) is renowned for its frictionless feel, resembling the gliding sensation of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink, making it an appealing choice for users who prioritize a smooth and creamy typing experience. Its subdued characteristics lend themselves to quiet yet comfortable typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Poro provides a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile, amplified by its meticulously lubricated construction, which ensures an effortless glide with every keystroke. This switch is ideal for users who appreciate tactile feedback and sound in their typing experience. Both switches cater to enthusiasts looking for high-quality performance, yet they serve distinct tastes and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
45g
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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
Ly
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and HMX Poro switches each employ distinct housing materials that influence their respective acoustical characteristics. The Aqua King (V3) features 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 rigidity, allowing it to resonate sound more clearly. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of these switches, particularly when RGB lighting is utilized, ensuring vibrant illumination that can enhance the overall keyboard experience.
In contrast, the HMX Poro utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which offers a notably different sound profile. Nylon is recognized for its softer composition, which absorbs sound rather than amplifying it, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound that feels rounder and more muted. This characteristic of nylon lends a warm tone to typing, creating a more cushioned auditory experience. While both the Aqua King (V3) and Poro switches differ fundamentally in materials, their diversity creates a distinctly varied keyboard experience, appealing to users with different auditory preferences.
When considering how these materials impact the overall typing experience, it's essential to recognize that each switch's sound profile is influenced both by the housing materials and by the pressure exerted on the keys. In the Aqua King (V3), the combination of two polycarbonate housings delivers a consistent high-pitched sound that remains prominent both when pressing down and releasing keys. Conversely, the HMX Poro employs nylon's sound-absorbing qualities, enhancing the softer sound that is felt more keenly when pressing down on the switches. This divergence ensures that even though both switches excel in their design, they cater to different preferences, allowing keyboard enthusiasts to choose a switch tailored to their desired typing feedback and auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch to the HMX Poro linear switch, notable differences arise in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aqua King (V3) features an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium-weight option. In contrast, the HMX Poro has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a notably lower bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. The lighter actuation force of the Poro can provide a more effortless typing experience, making it suitable for extended use during work or gaming sessions. However, the heavier bottom out force of the Aqua King may offer a more substantial feel for those who prefer a more tactile feedback when typing. Overall, the Aqua King (V3) is the heavier switch, while the HMX Poro is the lighter, providing users with distinct options based on their preferences for typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, it is clear that the Aqua King (V3) features a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Poro has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This results in a difference that may appeal to different user preferences; those who enjoy a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing keys might prefer the Aqua King (V3) due to its more traditional travel distance. Conversely, the HMX Poro, with its shorter travel distance, may provide a more responsive experience, making it ideal for gamers who prioritize quick key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches can greatly influence the typing experience, depending on whether one values depth or 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 Poro has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poro 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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch is characterized by a subdued auditory profile. This means that while it does not produce an entirely silent experience, the sound is noticeably dampened compared to many other switches, resulting in a more subtle acoustic signature. The HMX Poro linear switch, on the other hand, features a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile, enhanced by its ultra-light actuation force. This contrast suggests that the Aqua King offers a quieter typing experience, suitable for those who prefer to avoid disruptive noise, while the Poro might appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced audio feedback with their keystrokes.
Regarding feel, the Aqua King (V3) is exceptionally smooth and frictionless, providing a typing experience that closely resembles gliding over a polished surface. Terms like creamy, silky, and polished encapsulate the luxurious tactile sensation it delivers, making each keystroke feel effortless and fluid. The specific lubricated nature of the Aqua King enhances this experience, resulting in key travel that minimizes resistance. The feel of the HMX Poro linear switch, however, remains unspecified, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. Without details regarding its tactile characteristics, we can only infer that while it may also aim for a smooth typing experience, the lack of information means its expressiveness in this area cannot be fully assessed.
When considering the overall qualities of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Poro linear switch, it becomes clear that each switch targets different preferences. The Aqua King shines with its refined, muted sound and an exceptionally smooth feel, ideal for users looking for a luxurious typing experience without excessive noise. Conversely, while the specific details for the Poro's feel are unknown, its lively sound profile may cater to those who enjoy more auditory feedback during typing. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual priorities, whether one seeks a quieter typing experience or a more pronounced auditory sensation.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Poro linear switch, your decision should stem from the type of typing experience you prefer and your individual needs. If you enjoy a medium actuation force that provides a luxurious, frictionless glide akin to ice skating, the Aqua King (V3) is an excellent choice. Its subdued, creamy feel allows for a smooth and effortless typing experience, making it particularly suitable for long typing sessions or for tasks requiring precision and comfort. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch and desire a switch that feels exceptionally smooth while delivering a more satisfying, poppy sound profile, the HMX Poro linear switch could be your go-to. With its lighter bottom-out force, the Poro is great for fast-paced typing or gaming, enhancing your overall speed and responsiveness. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences for weight, sound, and tactile feedback to ensure the most enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
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