Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that deliver unique tactile experiences. On one hand, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) stands out for its remarkably frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. This switch is characterized by a subdued and creamy typing experience that allows fingers to glide effortlessly, creating a sense of flow that many users find enchanting. Conversely, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, offers a different take on linear switches by integrating a carefully curated blend of materials. This switch not only provides a subtle top-out but also delivers a pleasant clackiness thanks to HMX's renowned factory lubrication. Both switches cater to distinct preferences: the Aqua King emphasizes a smooth, polished feel perfect for those seeking a seamless typing experience, while the Sunset Gleam appeals to users who desire a bit more auditory feedback along with its linear action. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Sunset Gleam show both similarities and differences that affect their overall sound profile and user experience. Both switches incorporate polycarbonate for the top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This shared material choice means that both switches are likely to produce a clear and resonant tone, making them suitable for those who appreciate an acute auditory feedback during typing. The translucency of polycarbonate is also beneficial for RGB lighting, as it allows for enhanced illumination effects, giving both switches a vibrant aesthetic that can appeal to gamers and keyboard enthusiasts looking to customize their setups.
In contrast, the Aqua King (V3) uses polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, which influences the bottom-out sound and feel when typing. The choice of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings means that the Aqua King (V3) maintains a coherent sound profile, ensuring a sharp and precise auditory experience throughout all key actions. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam’s bottom housing is made from nylon, a softer plastic that absorbs sound and creates a deeper, fuller sound profile. This contrasting material for the bottom housing leads to a noticeable difference in how each switch feels and sounds when bottomed out. The softer nylon base of the Sunset Gleam tends to produce a more muted and rounded sound, offering a smoother typing experience that some users might find more comfortable.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch leads to distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Aqua King (V3) provides a consistently high-pitched sound character due to its uniform polycarbonate construction, while the Sunset Gleam’s hybrid approach creates a blend of crisp top-end notes from its polycarbonate upper and a rounded, subdued tone from its nylon lower. Users who prefer sharper sound profiles might gravitate towards the Aqua King (V3), whereas those who favor a more softened acoustic experience may prefer the Sunset Gleam. However, both switches maintain clear connections between their individual materials, providing users with diverse experiences based on their housing compositions.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Aqua King requires a higher actuation force of 46 grams, compared to the Sunset Gleam's lighter 42 grams, making the Sunset Gleam more suitable for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience over extended periods. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Aqua King is considerably heavier at 62 grams, whereas the Sunset Gleam caps at 48 grams. This means that not only does the Aqua King require more force to initiate a keystroke, but it also necessitates more effort to fully depress the key. Consequently, for users who appreciate a more substantial typing feel, the Aqua King may be the better choice, while those who favor a lighter touch and faster keystrokes may find the Sunset Gleam more appealing. Overall, the Aqua King is the heavier option, offering a medium typing experience, while the Sunset Gleam is lighter and better suited for prolonged use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, the Aqua King features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sunset Gleam has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Aqua King, with its 4 mm travel, offers a more substantial tactile experience, appealing to users who appreciate a deeper key press and a more traditional typing feel. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam, with its 3.5 mm travel distance, caters to those who prefer quicker response times, often favored by gamers for rapid key presses. Therefore, if responsiveness is your priority, the Sunset Gleam would be the better choice, whereas if you lean towards a more pronounced keypress, the Aqua King would be preferable. In summary, the Aqua King (V3) is the longer switch at 4 mm, while the HMX Sunset Gleam is the shorter switch at 3.5 mm.
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 Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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 known for its subdued audio profile. This means it produces a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle audio feedback compared to many other switches. While it’s not completely silent, the Aqua King’s design lends itself to a quieter typing experience, making it ideal for shared workspaces or settings where sound levels matter. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam switch has an unknown sound profile, leaving its auditory characteristics open to interpretation based on user experience and individual setups.
When examining the feel of these switches, the Aqua King (V3) stands out with descriptors like creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished. It provides an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience, akin to gliding on ice, which can be attributed to both its materials and the factory lubrication applied. Users can expect reduced friction and a refined feel with every keystroke, enhancing overall typing comfort. In contrast, the feel of the Sunset Gleam is not specifically detailed but suggests a unique sensation that may vary based on its construction and material blend.
Overall, while the Everglide Aqua King (V3) offers a clearly defined sound and feel experience, the HMX Sunset Gleam’s attributes remain largely unknown. However, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience in their own ways; the Aqua King offers a refined, subtle audio and luxurious tactile sensation, while the Sunset Gleam could provide an intriguing alternative, depending on its undisclosed characteristics. If you’re looking for a smoother typing experience, the Aqua King certainly excels in that regard, while the Sunset Gleam invites curiosity for those interested in exploring other tactile preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches, consider your preferences in typing feel, force, and sound. If you value a medium bottom-out force that provides a creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience, the Aqua King (V3) will be your go-to choice. Its subdued sound profile and the sensation of gliding effortlessly over the keys create a magical typing experience ideal for prolonged use and those who thrive on smoothness and elegance while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 48 grams and appreciate a more pleasing auditory feedback characteristic of a subtle clack, then the HMX Sunset Gleam might be the better option. It offers an experience that balances excellent factory lubrication with a satisfying sound, making it suitable for typists who enjoy a more tactile indication when they hit the key. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize a refined and smooth typing experience with the Aqua King or a light and engaging overall experience with the Sunset Gleam.
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