Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the KTT Purple Star both offer unique typing experiences. The Aqua King (V3) is praised for its frictionless feel, akin to gliding on ice, while the Purple Star boasts a buttery smooth typing experience with its all-POM construction. The Aqua King is categorized as 'Subdued, Creamy, Frictionless, Silky, Polished', appealing to those who seek a smooth and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Star is categorized as 'Mild, Low-pitched, Easy-to-press', making it an excellent choice for light typists who prioritize ease and comfort. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the KTT Purple Star, we can see that they both utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Aqua King (V3) features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Purple Star's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. On the other hand, both switches have a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile. This means that while the top housing may create a different sound experience, the bottom housing remains consistent in providing a clear and sharp sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) is more likely to feature RGB lighting due to its translucent polycarbonate top housing. This allows for a visually striking effect when the switch is in use. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star's POM top housing may not offer the same level of transparency, resulting in a more subtle appearance. However, both switches prioritize sound quality in their design, with the Aqua King (V3) focusing on a crisper sound profile and the Purple Star emphasizing a unique and pleasing sound experience.
Overall, the choice of housing material in a switch can greatly influence the overall feel and sound of the typing experience. While the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the KTT Purple Star may differ in their top housing materials, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience for users. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a deeper, more muted sound, there is a switch option available to cater to your preferences. Ultimately, the housing materials of a switch play a significant role in shaping the overall sound and feel of typing on a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams compared to the KTT Purple Star linear switch which has an actuation force of 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aqua King requires 62 grams while the Purple Star only needs 50 grams. This makes the Purple Star a lighter option overall, perfect for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. In contrast, the Aqua King provides a bit more resistance, ideal for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. Both switches provide a medium actuation force, resulting in similar typing results in terms of responsiveness, but the difference in bottom out force can significantly impact the overall typing experience based on individual preferences for keypress feedback.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Aqua King being on the longer side and the Purple Star being slightly shorter. Gamers may prefer the Purple Star for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more tactile feel may lean towards the Aqua King for its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired 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 Star comes in at $4.88 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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) has a subdued sound which produces a dampened sound when pressed, while the KTT Purple Star has a low-pitched sound that features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches offer a different auditory experience, with the Aqua King providing a quieter and more subtle sound compared to the Purple Star's deeper and more resonant tone. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) is described as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience that feels like gliding on ice. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star is described as mild and easy-to-press, providing a gentle typing experience with minimal resistance and light actuation force. Both switches offer a different typing sensation, with the Aqua King focusing on smoothness and fluidity, while the Purple Star emphasizes ease and comfort for light typists.
Taking into consideration the subjective qualities of sound and feel, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and KTT Purple Star linear switches offer distinct typing experiences. The Aqua King provides a quieter and smoother typing experience with a frictionless feel, reminiscent of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. In contrast, the Purple Star offers a deeper and more mellow sound with a mild and easy-to-press feel, catering to typists who prefer a light and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on their individual typing preferences and needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams and a typing experience that feels frictionless, like gliding on ice, then the Aqua King (V3) may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams and a buttery smooth typing experience with a low-pitched sound signature, the Purple Star switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them will depend on what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
