Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Aqua King and the KTT Purple Click. The Aqua King is a linear switch that is best known for its subdued, creamy, and frictionless typing experience. It feels as if your fingers are effortlessly gliding across the keys, creating a truly magical sensation akin to ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. On the other hand, the Purple Click is a clicky switch that is renowned for its high-pitched and satisfying click. While the keystrokes are light, they still offer a pronounced tactility without being overwhelming. It strikes the perfect balance between invigorating and resonant. Both switches have their merits, offering unique characteristics and preferences for different users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
40g
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
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King and the KTT Purple Click, namely their polycarbonate top housing, share similar qualities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it particularly useful for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either the Aqua King or Purple Click.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Aqua King and Purple Click differ in their material choices. The Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing provides the same sharper and crisper sound profile as its top housing. The choice of using polycarbonate in the bottom housing allows for a more clear and resonant bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the Purple Click utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its relatively softer plastic absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound experience. Therefore, users can expect a subtle difference in the overall sound and feel when using the Aqua King versus the Purple Click.
In summary, while both the Everglide Aqua King and the KTT Purple Click feature polycarbonate top housings that offer sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profiles, their bottom housings distinguish them. The Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing ensures a clear and resonant bottom-out sound and feel, similar to its top housing. In contrast, the Purple Click's nylon bottom housing gives a deeper and fuller sound profile with a duller and rounder sound experience. So, while both switches provide quality sound and performance, the choice between them will depend on the user's preference for a sharper or fuller sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, there are noticeable differences. The Aqua King has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, which falls in the medium range. In contrast, the Purple Click has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a slightly lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, placing it in the medium-light category.
Considering weight, some users may prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it allows for less fatigue. In this case, the Purple Click would be the lighter option, providing a potentially more comfortable experience for those who prefer a lighter and more effortless keystroke. On the other hand, some individuals enjoy a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. For these users, the Aqua King would be a suitable choice as it offers slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
While the Aqua King and Purple Click have different force specifications, it is important to note that both switches fall within the medium category in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. This similarity ensures that users can expect a similar tactile experience despite slight variations in force requirements. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and desired typing experiences.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar experience when it comes to feeling the distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Whether you choose the Aqua King or the Purple Click, you can expect a consistent and satisfying key press with a travel distance of 4 mm. Neither switch is shorter or longer than the other in terms of travel distance, ensuring that both offer a comfortable typing or gaming experience.
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 Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 is best known for its extremely smooth and frictionless feel. Typing on these switches is akin to ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink, as your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys, resulting in a magical typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch is renowned for its satisfying high-pitched click. The keystrokes are light, providing a pronounced tactile feel without overwhelming the user. This creates a perfect equilibrium between the clicky feedback and smooth actuation.
When it comes to sound, the Aqua King switch produces a more subdued sound when pressed. It is not completely silent, but it offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch is described as crunchy and resonant. This means that when typing on these switches, you can expect a higher-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King switch is often described as creamy, frictionless, silky, or polished. These switches provide a smooth and buttery typing experience, resulting in a sensation similar to effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys. The Purple Click switch, on the other hand, is described as invigorating and stepped. An invigorating switch offers pronounced feedback with a moderate to firm actuation force, creating an immersive typing sensation. Stepped switches, specifically in tactile switches, provide a mild two-stage feel with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Aqua King provides an unparalleled smooth and frictionless typing experience, while the Purple Click offers a satisfying click with a pronounced tactile feel. The Aqua King has a more subdued sound profile, while the Purple Click produces a crunchy and resonant sound. Each switch has its own unique feel, with the Aqua King being described as creamy, frictionless, silky, or polished, and the Purple Click described as invigorating and stepped. Depending on personal preference, either switch can provide a superior typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience, with a medium bottom out force, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a frictionless, creamy, silky, and polished feel, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. The Aqua King is also described as having a subdued sound, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches.
On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a medium-light bottom out force, the KTT Purple Click switch is a great option. These switches provide a satisfying high-pitched click, while still maintaining a light and tactile feel. Described as invigorating and stepped, these switches offer pronounced feedback and a reactive typing sensation. The Purple Click also produces a crunchy and resonant sound, which can add to the overall immersive typing experience.
Ultimately, your decision between the Everglide Aqua King and the KTT Purple Click will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. Consider whether you prioritize a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a more subdued sound, or if you prefer a clicky switch that offers pronounced feedback and a crunchy, resonant sound. By understanding the unique attributes of each switch, you can make an informed decision that suits your typing style and preferences.
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