Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX SU present two intriguing options for discerning typists and gamers alike, both of which fall into the category of linear switches. The Aqua King (V3) is celebrated for its frictionless, silky-smooth keystrokes, reminiscent of gliding effortlessly across a freshly resurfaced ice rink. Its subdued and creamy typing feel creates a seamless experience, perfect for prolonged typing or intense gaming sessions without any distracting tactile feedback. On the other hand, the HMX SU switch stands out with its robust construction, featuring a full PA12 housing coupled with a T5 stem, producing a rich and relatively deep sound profile that adds an auditory layer to the typing experience. While the Aqua King appeals to those seeking an almost ethereal typing sensation, the HMX SU provides a more traditional auditory feedback that enhances the tactile connection between user and keyboard. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
T5
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
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX SU both utilize different materials for their switch housings, which directly influences their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Aqua King (V3) features a polycarbonate top housing that delivers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This material's translucency not only enhances the visual aspect, making it favorable for RGB lighting applications, but also ensures a resonant quality that accentuates the sound when a key is released. In contrast, the HMX SU uses a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's soft plastic composition serves to absorb sound, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience, particularly through the pearly tactile feedback it offers during typing.
When examining the bottom housing, the differences between these switches continue to manifest. The Aqua King (V3) again employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing, maintaining the flavor of a crisp and clear sound profile with a consistent tonal quality that extends from the top to the bottom. This coherence ensures a seamless auditory experience when bottoming out, as the harder material contributes to an articulate feedback feel. Conversely, the HMX SU's nylon bottom housing echoes the muted properties of its top component, contributing to a fuller and softer sound during keystroke interactions. This mismatch between the sound characteristics of the top and bottom housings creates a unique blend that impacts the overall typing experience, with the nylon housing providing a duller yet richer tone throughout.
While the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and HMX SU differ in their choice of housing materials, they can still yield similar results when considering the total keyboard experience. Users seeking crisper sound profiles might appreciate the Aqua King for its consistent polycarbonate construction, while those leaning towards a softer, more rounded sound will find comfort in the nylon of the HMX SU. Although the sound qualities diverge based on the respective materials, both switches can provide satisfying tactile feedback and auditory cues—the Aqua King's sharper note and the HMX SU's deeper resonance—depending on individual preferences for typing feel and sound experience. Thus, regardless of the material choice, both switches strive to enhance user interactions, albeit through contrasting sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Aqua King (V3) features an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, classifying it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the HMX SU has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the HMX SU requires less pressure to trigger a keystroke and provides a softer landing when bottoming out, appealing to users who favor a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Consequently, while both switches are relatively similar in actuation force, the Aqua King (V3) provides a heftier feel overall, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, for users seeking a lighter switch, the HMX SU would be the better option, while those desiring a stronger push should consider the Aqua King (V3).
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, the Aqua King (V3) features a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX SU has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The difference of 0.4 mm may seem slight, but it can influence the typing experience significantly. The Aqua King’s longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, providing a greater sense of depth. In contrast, the HMX SU's shorter travel distance caters to gamers and users seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation with less travel. Consequently, if you favor speed and efficiency, the HMX SU would likely be the better choice, whereas if you value tactile feedback and a solid keystroke, the Aqua King (V3) may be more suitable.
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 HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU 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) is characterized by a subdued profile that creates a dampened sound when pressed. This results in a relatively quiet typing experience that doesn't draw much attention but still retains a pleasing acoustic quality. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch lacks specific descriptors for its sound, leaving its auditory characteristics unknown. It's worth noting that sound can be influenced by other factors like the choice of keyboard and keycaps, so combining either switch with different components could yield varied auditory results.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King (V3) shines with a unique blend of creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished characteristics. It provides an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience that many users liken to gliding across ice. This fluidity minimizes any sense of resistance, making every keystroke feel natural and satisfying. On the other hand, the HMX SU linear switch does not have detailed information about its feel, making it difficult to directly compare it to the Aqua King (V3). If you appreciate a buttery and frictionless typing experience, the Aqua King is likely the better choice here, though we can't determine how the SU compares without further details.
In summary, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) excels in providing a subdued sound profile and an extraordinary typing feel characterized by smoothness and minimal friction. Without ample detail on the sound and feel of the HMX SU linear switch, it's challenging to make a comprehensive comparison. However, the Aqua King's reputation for a magical typing experience gives it a distinct edge in subjective qualities, making it a compelling option for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX SU linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for force feedback, typing feel, and sound profile. If you enjoy a medium bottom-out force and desire a typing experience that feels frictionless, creamy, and luxurious—where your fingers glide effortlessly across the keys—the Aqua King (V3) is ideal for you. It excels in providing a smooth, polished, and silky feel that enhances comfort during long typing sessions, making it perfect for both gaming and productivity. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and appreciate a more subtle sound profile, the HMX SU switch is likely the better choice. It offers a lighter bottom-out force at 50 grams and will cater well to those who favor a quick, responsive feel while typing or gaming. Ultimately, understanding these nuances will help you select the switch that aligns best with your typing style and acoustical preferences, ensuring a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience tailored to your needs.
Mentioned in this article
