Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Aqua King and the Outemu Red Panda. While both switches offer unique features and benefits, they provide different typing experiences. The Aqua King is a linear switch, renowned for its frictionless feel that resembles ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. It offers a magical typing experience with its smooth and silky touch. On the other hand, the Red Panda is a tactile switch, providing a light-medium amount of tactility and a distinct bassier bottom-out sound. It also offers a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. Both switches have their merits and offer a different typing experience. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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 housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King and the Outemu Red Panda switches share several similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Thus, both the Aqua King and Red Panda switches provide similar sound qualities and aesthetic appeal through their polycarbonate top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the two switches differ. The Aqua King features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to the overall sound and feel of the switch. The stiffness of polycarbonate still plays a role in creating a sharper sound profile when the key is bottomed out, giving a satisfying impact. Conversely, the Red Panda utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its relatively softer nature. This means that typing on the Red Panda switch will elicit a duller and rounder sound, as the nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics.
In summary, while both the Everglide Aqua King and the Outemu Red Panda switches experience similar sound qualities and aesthetic benefits through their polycarbonate top housing, they differ in the materials used for their bottom housing. The Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper impact sound when bottoming out, while the Red Panda's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Therefore, choosing between the two switches may depend on personal preferences for the desired sound and feel when typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, we can see some similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Aqua King requires 46 grams, while the Red Panda requires slightly more at 50 grams. Both switches fall into the medium force range, providing a balanced typing experience. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aqua King requires 62 grams, while the Red Panda requires 60 grams. This means that the Aqua King has a slightly heavier bottom out force compared to the Red Panda.
Considering the weight of a switch is important, as it impacts the typing experience. Some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for longer periods without fatigue, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. If this is the case, both the Aqua King and the Red Panda can provide similar results, as their actuation forces are relatively close. However, for those seeking a more substantial push and a stronger typing experience, switches with heavier forces should be considered. In this case, the Aqua King with its heavier bottom out force might be the preferred choice. Overall, it ultimately depends on the personal preference of the user and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it is clear that the Aqua King has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Red Panda has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Aqua King's 4 mm travel distance falls within the more traditional range, offering a more familiar typing experience. On the other hand, the Red Panda's 3.3 mm travel distance is on the shallower side, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses, making it advantageous for gaming purposes. However, some individuals may find this shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt. In contrast, the Aqua King's longer travel distance may provide a greater sense of depth and satisfaction when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and whether one values faster response times or a more robust typing 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 Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40 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
When comparing the sound of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, the Aqua King is described as having a subdued sound. This means that it produces a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Red Panda is described as thocky, which means it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. Think of a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King is known for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience. These switches offer a smooth and buttery sensation, like gliding your fingers across the keys effortlessly. The switch minimizes any sense of resistance or friction, resulting in a fluid and refined typing experience. This can be attributed to lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used in the switch. On the other hand, the Red Panda is described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. While the exact feel may not be explicitly described, it can be inferred that the Red Panda provides a comfortable and approachable typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone.
Taking all the available information into account, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Aqua King provides a frictionless and highly smooth typing experience, akin to ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. It has a subdued sound that is not completely silent but offers a more subtle sound compared to most switches. In contrast, the Red Panda offers a mild and gentle typing experience, with a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound that can be described as thocky. While the specific feel of the Red Panda is not detailed, it falls within a safe and approachable middle ground. Both switches have their unique qualities, allowing the user to choose based on their preference for either a smooth and polished typing feel or a mild and satisfying typing experience. Regardless of the choice, users can expect high-quality performance and an enjoyable typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a keyboard switch that provides a frictionless and magical typing experience, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is a great choice. With its medium bottom out force of 62 grams, you can expect your fingers to simply glide across the keys, reminiscent of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. The Aqua King also offers a subdued sound, producing a dampened and more subtle sound signature when pressed. Additionally, the Aqua King is described as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a keyboard switch with a light-medium amount of tactility and unique sound characteristics, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is worth considering. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, these switches provide a satisfying typing feel accompanied by a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. The Red Panda is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that will appeal to most users.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch boils down to your personal preferences. If you prioritize a frictionless and magical typing experience with a subdued sound, the Aqua King is the way to go. However, if you enjoy a light-medium amount of tactility and unique sound characteristics, the Red Panda is a suitable option. Consider what you value most in a keyboard switch and make your decision accordingly.
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