Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Huano Strawberry Latte both stand out as exceptional linear options, each offering unique benefits tailored to different typing experiences. The Aqua King (V3) is celebrated for its frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding effortlessly across a freshly resurfaced ice rink, making each keystroke a silky and polished encounter. Its subdued and creamy characteristics provide a typing sensation that many users find delightfully smooth and intuitive. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte shines with its super smooth action and balanced sound profile, striking an ideal chord that isn't too quiet but avoids excessive resonance, which can enhance both typing comfort and auditory satisfaction. Given these attributes, those who prefer an almost ethereal typing experience may gravitate toward the Aqua King (V3), while those seeking a more balanced acoustic experience might lean towards the Strawberry Latte. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Huano Strawberry Latte, significant differences arise in their top housings. The Aqua King (V3) features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer design that contributes to a high-pitched, crisp sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances its acoustic qualities but also makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting, as it allows light to pass through effectively. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte utilizes POK material for its top housing, which is celebrated for its smoothness and durability. While it produces a clackier sound, it does not have the same level of clarity as the sharper polycarbonate. Therefore, while both materials contribute to unique audio experiences, the Aqua King (V3) offers a more pronounced and resonant sound, whereas the Strawberry Latte leans towards a smoother sound profile.
The contrast continues with the bottom housings of both switches, where the Aqua King (V3) again employs polycarbonate, known for its rigidity and acoustic clarity. This combination enhances the overall sound profile, providing a crisp bottom-out experience. The Strawberry Latte, on the other hand, features a nylon bottom housing, which is softer and absorbs more sound, creating a fuller, more rounded audio output. This difference means that when actuating the switches, the compression and feel will differ greatly between the two; the Aqua King will give a sharper, more defined feedback, whereas the Strawberry Latte will provide a deeper, more muted sensation. Consequently, while the top housing materials yield various sound qualities, the nylon bottom of the Strawberry Latte fosters a distinctive auditory experience compared to the consistent profile of the Aqua King's polycarbonate.
Ultimately, while the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Huano Strawberry Latte utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, you can achieve certain similar performance results depending on the context of usage. For those who prefer a lively RGB aesthetic and a more pronounced sound, the Aqua King seems to cater to these needs with its polycarbonate construction. Conversely, if smoothness and durability are prioritized alongside a softer sound, the POK and nylon combination of the Strawberry Latte shines. While their individual materials influence the switches’ overall acoustic characteristics, the distinct attributes of each allow users to select pieces that best satisfy their tactile and auditory preferences, thus enhancing the enjoyment of using mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge, influencing their suitability for different types of users. The Aqua King (V3) features an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium-weight option that provides a more substantial feel when typing. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte is considerably lighter, with an actuation force of only 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This lighter feel may appeal to users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, such as those who engage in long work sessions or gaming marathons. Ultimately, if you seek a lighter, more nimble switch for quick key presses, the Huano Strawberry Latte would be the better choice; however, if you desire a stronger push feel with more resistance, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) would be more suitable.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Aqua King (V3) has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the Strawberry Latte features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This distinction highlights a key preference for users: those who favor the Aqua King may appreciate the more substantial feedback and depth during key presses, which can feel more satisfying, whereas gamers or those who prioritize speed might lean towards the quicker response of the Strawberry Latte due to its shorter travel. Thus, your experience will vary significantly based on which switch you choose, aligning with your individual preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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) switch produces a subdued audio profile, offering a dampened sound that strikes a balance between being noticeable and discreet. This quality makes it less intrusive in shared or quiet environments while still providing audible feedback. In comparison, the Huano Strawberry Latte's sound profile is described as balanced; it is not overly quiet nor excessively resonant, making it versatile for various settings. However, the specific characteristics of the Strawberry Latte's sound relative to the Aqua King (V3) are not detailed, making direct comparisons somewhat uncertain.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King (V3) is celebrated for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience. Each keypress delivers a smooth, effortless sensation akin to gliding across a polished surface, minimizing resistance and enhancing the overall fluidity of the typing motion. This switch provides a typing experience that feels luxurious and refined. Unfortunately, the feel of the Huano Strawberry Latte is not described in the provided information, leaving an unknown variable regarding its tactile quality.
In conclusion, while the Everglide Aqua King (V3) offers a distinctly smooth and luxurious feel with its creamy and frictionless characteristics, the Huano Strawberry Latte provides a balanced sound profile, making it apt for a variety of environments. The exact tactile experience of the Strawberry Latte remains undetermined, but both switches will appeal to users seeking a smooth linear typing experience with their unique sound and feel. If you prioritize a quieter and more subdued experience, the Aqua King (V3) may be the go-to option, while the Strawberry Latte could be suitable for those who enjoy a more balanced acoustic profile.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, you'll want to consider your typing preferences and the overall experience you're seeking. If you prefer a more substantial key feel and enjoy a typing experience that is not only silky but also has that frictionless quality, the Aqua King (V3) would be an excellent choice for you. Its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams provides a satisfying resistance while typing, making it ideal for those who think they might prefer a bit more feedback with each keystroke. Conversely, if you desire a lighter touch and a balanced sound profile that's not overly loud or quiet, the Huano Strawberry Latte would likely suit you better. With its lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams, this switch is perfect for quick typing sessions, and its smooth key travel can make it a great option for both gaming and extensive typing tasks. In summary, your choice ultimately depends on whether you lean towards a more tactile, heavier experience or a lighter and arguably more agile typing feel, both of which are excellent in their own right.
Mentioned in this article
