Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko Rosewood presents two enticing options, each with distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Aqua King (V3), a linear switch, is renowned for its remarkably frictionless feel that gives the sensation of gliding across a polished surface, making every keystroke feel effortlessly smooth and enhancing typing speed and comfort. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood stands out for its deep, satisfying thocky sound, which is complemented by a layer of factory-applied lubricant that adds an auditory pleasure to each keystroke, creating a more tactile and engaging typing experience. While both switches offer a linear feel, the Aqua King (V3) leans towards a silky and subdued typing experience, ideal for those who prioritize smoothness, whereas the Rosewood appeals to users who enjoy a pronounced auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
40g
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
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
Nylon
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko Rosewood switches, the distinct physical properties of polycarbonate and nylon reveal their unique effects on sound profiles and user experience. The Aqua King (V3) features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for clearer resonance. The translucent nature of polycarbonate not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of RGB lighting but also contributes to a more defined auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood's nylon housing, both top and bottom, promotes a deeper, fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer material that absorbs sound more effectively. This results in a warmer, more rounded auditory experience that some users may prefer for its richness.
The differing materials in the two switches create a notable contrast in user experience from a tactile perspective. With the Aqua King (V3) utilizing polycarbonate for both housings, users can expect a consistent sound signature that emphasizes clarity at all stages of keystrokes. When bottoming out, the sound remains consistent, aligning with the switch's design to produce a brighter response. Conversely, the Rosewood's use of a nylon bottom housing alters the feel when bottoming out, creating a duller experience that could be seen as more comfortable for those who favor a softer typing experience. This duality in the response of the switches offers potential users a choice between a sharper audio output from the Aqua King or the cushioned, fuller soundscape presented by the Rosewood.
Despite their differences, both the Aqua King (V3) and the Akko Rosewood can effectively satisfy the diverse preferences of typists by creating evocative sound profiles. For users who desire a more vibrant typing experience, the Aqua King’s polycarbonate components excel in delivering a crisper, more resonant sound, especially with RGB effects. Conversely, those who prioritize comfort and warmth in sound will find the Akko Rosewood’s nylon housing provides a satisfying depth, absorbing impact noise during keystrokes. Thus, while the materials differ significantly, switching between these types can yield similar enjoyable results in terms of personal typing preferences and aesthetics, allowing each user to select a switch that best aligns with their desired auditory and tactile sensations.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch to the Akko Rosewood linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Aqua King (V3) requires an actuation force of 46 grams and has a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Rosewood is lighter, with an actuation force of only 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Aqua King offers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces, which some users may prefer for a pronounced tactile feedback. In contrast, the lighter Rosewood switch can provide a more effortless typing experience, making it suitable for long periods of use, such as in work or gaming settings. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will largely depend on personal preference regarding the balance of typing effort and tactile feel.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that users will experience the same key press depth when engaging either switch. Consequently, when it comes to typing feel and response, both switches deliver similar results, providing consistency in travel distance. Therefore, there is no distinction in terms of travel distance between the two, making them equally effective for users seeking a specific tactile 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 Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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) is characterized by a subdued audio profile, meaning it produces a dampened sound upon actuation. This makes it less intrusive in environments where noise levels matter, allowing for a more muted typing experience compared to other, more audible switches. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood linear switch offers a deep and satisfying thocky sound that resonates with a certain richness, likely enhanced by a layer of factory-applied lubricant that adds to the acoustic appeal. Consequently, while the Aqua King (V3) leans towards a quieter performance, the Rosewood boasts a bold auditory signature, providing a more pronounced response.
When it comes to feel, the Aqua King (V3) is renowned for its exceptionally smooth and fluid typing experience. The descriptors such as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished capture the essence of what it's like to type on these switches—they offer an almost effortless engagement. This results in a typing experience that feels luxurious and enhances productivity through minimal resistance. In contrast, the specific tactile characteristics of the Rosewood linear switch are not provided, leaving a gap in the comparison. However, the Aqua King's accounts of frictionless and glossy feedback suggest a typing sensation that's fundamentally different from whatever unique qualities the Rosewood may exhibit.
In conclusion, when considering both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko Rosewood linear switches, distinct differences emerge in their sound profiles and feel. The Aqua King (V3) excels in providing a subdued, smooth, and nearly frictionless typing experience, ideal for those who value quiet operation and effortless keystrokes. In contrast, the Rosewood's deep thocky sound offers a satisfying auditory element that sets it apart. Ultimately, the selecting of either switch will contribute to a unique typing experience, with the Aqua King focusing on a distinctive smoothness and the Rosewood emphasizing a richer sound.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you seek. If you crave a smooth, frictionless typing feel with a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, the Aqua King (V3) is an excellent choice. It offers a creamy and polished sensation akin to gliding effortlessly on ice, making it perfect for extended typing sessions or gaming where speed and fluidity are essential. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a deeper, satisfying thocky sound that enhances your auditory experience while typing, the Rosewood with its 50-gram actuation force will likely suit you better. The Rosewood's factory-applied lubricant also contributes to a pleasant sound profile right out of the box. Thus, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize an ultra-smooth, frictionless feel or a gratifying, auditory response in your typing experience.
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