Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko V3 Silver Pro mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences and needs. The Aqua King (V3) is lauded for its frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. Its subdued, creamy, and silky typing experience sets it apart. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is tailored for gamers, offering effortless keystrokes with a bassy sound, light actuation force, and shortened travel distance for speedy responses. While the Aqua King (V3) provides a polished and frictionless typing experience, the Akko V3 Silver Pro excels in gaming scenarios where quick responses are crucial. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko V3 Silver Pro use polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The clear nature of polycarbonate is ideal for RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for keyboards that prioritize aesthetics. In contrast, while the Aqua King (V3) also employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing, the Akko V3 Silver Pro features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon tends to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the stiffer polycarbonate, as it absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound.
The utilization of different materials for the bottom housing of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko V3 Silver Pro results in distinct typing experiences. The Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a clear and resonant sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Silver Pro elicits a fuller sound with a softer touch. The tactile feedback and sound profile when pressing down on the keys will be influenced by the material used in the bottom housing, highlighting the importance of this component in overall typing feel.
While the top housing of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Akko V3 Silver Pro is similar in their use of polycarbonate, the differences in the bottom housing showcase how varying materials can impact the overall typing experience. Both switches leverage the benefits of polycarbonate for a sharper and crisper sound profile, but the choice of nylon in the Silver Pro's bottom housing offers a unique typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound. Whether you prefer the stiffer, clear sound of polycarbonate or the softer, more absorbent nature of nylon, both switches provide options for different typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Aqua King has a heavier actuation force of 46 grams, while the Silver Pro has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. Similarly, the Aqua King has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is heavier compared to the Silver Pro's 45 grams. The Aqua King offers a more substantial typing experience with its medium actuation and bottom out forces, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Silver Pro provides a lighter touch, which is suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing them to type for longer periods without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Aqua King being the heavier option and the Silver Pro being the lighter alternative.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, we can see that the Aqua King has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the V3 Silver Pro has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the V3 Silver Pro the shorter option, with the Aqua King being slightly longer. A 4.0mm travel distance is more traditional and offers a more hearty depth when typing, while a 3.3mm travel distance provides faster response times preferred by gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
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 V3 Silver Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Silver Pro for $3.10.
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, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) offers a subdued sound profile, creating a dampened and subtle typing experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro produces a high-pitched and sharp sound with each keystroke, providing a more pronounced sound signature that can be enjoyable for gamers. The choice of sound between the two switches would come down to personal preference, with the Aqua King offering a quieter typing experience while the V3 Silver Pro delivers a more auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King (V3) is known for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience, allowing for a smooth and effortless keystroke with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is recognized for its easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky feel, providing a light actuation force and low-impact typing experience that is ideal for prolonged gaming sessions. Both switches excel in offering a comfortable and responsive typing feel, but the Aqua King leans towards a smoother and buttery feel, while the V3 Silver Pro emphasizes a light and gentle typing experience.
Overall, when comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, both options showcase unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Aqua King emphasizes a quieter and frictionless typing experience, akin to ice skating on a smooth surface, while the V3 Silver Pro focuses on a light actuation force and enhanced responsiveness for gamers seeking quick keystrokes. Whether you prefer a subdued sound and creamy feel or a high-pitched sound and easy-to-press sensation, both switches offer quality performance in their respective attributes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and needs. If you are looking for a medium bottom out force switch that offers a creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience with a subdued sound, the Aqua King (V3) may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force switch designed for gaming, with an easy-to-press, feathery, and creamy typing feel accompanied by a high-pitched sound, then the V3 Silver Pro might be more suitable. Consider your typing style, preferences, and primary use case when making your decision between these two switches.
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