Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Everglide Rice Pudding provide two distinct yet appealing options that cater to different typing preferences. The Aqua King (V3) stands out with its remarkably frictionless feel, reminiscent of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink, making each keystroke feel effortless and smooth. This linear switch is celebrated for its subdued and creamy texture, perfect for users who prioritize a silky typing experience without tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch offers a unique balance of smooth operation and deep sound, creating a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists find enhances their overall experience. With its compatibility with Wooting’s innovative keyboards, the Rice Pudding is an attractive choice for enthusiasts looking for versatility in performance. Ultimately, both switches present compelling advantages based on individual preferences—whether one seeks frictionless gliding or an engaging acoustic experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Everglide Rice Pudding both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, leading to several shared qualities between the two models. The polycarbonate's inherent stiffness contributes to a crisper and higher-pitched sound profile, which enhances the overall auditory experience when typing. The translucency of the polycarbonate top housing also makes it an excellent choice for showcasing RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant illumination to shine through. Users can expect a similar clarity in sound when pressing these switches due to their identical top housing materials, creating an engaging and visually appealing experience for those who utilize RGB setups.
In stark contrast, the bottom housings of the two switches differ significantly, as the Aqua King (V3) continues with polycarbonate, while the Rice Pudding adopts a nylon construction. The polycarbonate bottom housing retains the sharper and higher-pitched sound profile characteristic of the material, contributing to a more resonant and clear bottom-out experience. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Rice Pudding offers a fuller and deeper sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs sound more effectively and yields a rounder acoustic output. This divergence in materials means that users will experience different auditory sensations when striking the switches, as the bottom housing plays a crucial role in determining the bottom-out feel and sound.
Ultimately, the varying bottom housing materials of the Aqua King (V3) and the Rice Pudding deliver distinctive auditory experiences, while the top housing keeps them aligned in terms of brightness and clarity. Since the top housing is responsible for the sound produced when releasing the key, both switches will likely feel quite similar during that moment. However, the impact of the nylon bottom housing in the Rice Pudding could appeal to users seeking a deeper sound profile, while those favoring a sharper clarity might prefer the Aqua King (V3). Thus, consumers can select a switch based on their desired sound characteristics, appreciating how the combination of materials shapes their typing experience.
Weight
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch present a fascinating contrast in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Aqua King (V3) requires a heavier actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, appealing to users who favor a softer touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. Consequently, the Aqua King (V3) is the heavier option, while the Rice Pudding switch is the lighter one. Those who appreciate a more tactile typing feel may gravitate towards the Aqua King (V3), whereas those seeking comfort over longer periods may find the Rice Pudding's lighter forces more suitable. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between these two switches highlight the varied preferences users have regarding typing experience and fatigue.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option between the two. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference in travel distances highlights a fundamental choice for users: those who favor the deeper, more substantial feel of the Aqua King may enjoy a more pronounced key press, while those preferring the quicker and more responsive feel of the Rice Pudding will benefit from its shorter travel, catering especially to gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, while the Aqua King offers a more traditional experience, the Rice Pudding aligns with the modern trend of shorter travel distances.
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 Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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 it comes to sound quality, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) presents a subdued auditory experience; it produces a dampened sound that is less intrusive than many switches, making it suitable for quieter environments or prolonged typing sessions. The subtlety of the Aqua Kings allows for a typing experience that won’t disrupt your surroundings, offering a more understated presence. In contrast, while specific information about the sound profile of the Rice Pudding switch is unknown, it is generally known for delivering a deep sound, which suggests a richer auditory experience that may have a more pronounced character compared to the subdued nature of the Aqua Kings.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King (V3) excels with its unique combination of creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished qualities, allowing for a typing sensation that feels incredibly smooth and effortless. The experience is akin to gliding fingers over a perfect surface, making every keystroke feel light and responsive. This high level of smoothness is attributed to either the materials used or the factory lubricant, enhancing the overall comfort and reducing resistance during typing. On the other hand, information about the tactile feel of the Rice Pudding switch is not provided, which leaves an element of uncertainty; however, it is known for delivering a satisfying and precise typing experience, which could mean it is engineered for a comfortable, yet perhaps not as frictionless, typing sensation.
In conclusion, if you seek a switch that offers an exceptionally smooth and fluid typing experience, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) stands out with its subdued sound profile and creamy feel. Conversely, the Rice Pudding may provide a deeper sound and a balanced typing experience, but without detailed descriptions of its feel, it remains less certain. Ultimately, both switches cater to specific preferences, and while the Aqua King is suitable for a quieter setting with an effortless typing experience, the Rice Pudding may appeal more to those who prioritize sound depth and a well-rounded performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately boils down to your typing preferences and the context in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you love a smooth, effortless typing experience akin to gliding on ice, and you prefer a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, the Aqua King (V3) is an excellent fit. It offers a creamy and frictionless feel, making it ideal for long typing sessions where comfort and fluidity are paramount. However, if you prefer a lighter touch with a 48-gram bottom-out force, and you appreciate a deeper sound profile that balances satisfaction with precision, then the Rice Pudding switch may be your best option. This switch not only provides versatility with its compatibility with innovative keyboards like those from Wooting but also enhances your overall typing experience with its rewarding auditory feedback. Therefore, evaluate whether you value a heavier, smoother action or a lighter, more resonant experience, and choose accordingly to maximize your keyboard enjoyment.
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