Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Swift mechanical keyboard switches, both offer a unique typing experience that sets them apart from traditional switches. The Aqua King (V3) is known for its frictionless feel, akin to skating on smooth ice, making typing a magical and effortless experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift stands out for its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, complemented by a light actuation force. While the Aqua King offers a subdued and creamy typing experience, the Swift provides a clacky and bouncy feel. 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
42g
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
3.90 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
Overall, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and clear sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, which produces a resonant sound that is ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the HMX Swift utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a deep, fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate. The differences in housing materials highlight the unique sound characteristics that each switch offers.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate housing of the Aqua King (V3) allows for translucency, making it a popular choice for switches with RGB lighting. The clear housing enhances the visual appeal of the switch, especially when paired with vibrant lighting effects. Meanwhile, the nylon housing of the Swift may not offer the same level of transparency, but it provides a classic look that is timeless and versatile. The choice between polycarbonate and nylon housings ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired aesthetic for the keyboard.
While the top and bottom housings play a significant role in determining the sound profile of a switch, they also impact the overall typing experience. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings results in a nuanced typing experience that is unique to each switch. Whether you prefer the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper and fuller sound of nylon, both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Swift offer high-quality housing materials that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, there are some notable differences. The Aqua King has a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Swift's 42 grams, making it slightly heavier. Additionally, the Aqua King has a higher bottom out force of 62 grams compared to the Swift's 50 grams, indicating that it requires more force to fully press the key down. These differences in force make the Aqua King better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a bit more resistance, while the Swift is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches provide distinct typing experiences, with the Aqua King offering a medium feel and the Swift being on the lighter side. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both of these switches have relatively short travel distances compared to traditional switches. The Aqua King offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more tactile and deliberate typing experience for some users. On the other hand, the Swift's shorter travel distance may appeal to those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. Overall, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing feel and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
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 Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift 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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) switch is described as subdued, offering a dampened and more subtle sound when compared to most switches. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch is characterized as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. Depending on your choice of board and keycaps, the sound profile of each switch can be further influenced.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) switch is known for providing a frictionless and creamy typing experience. The switch offers smooth and effortless key presses, akin to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. The HMX Swift switch, on the other hand, is described as easy-to-press and feathery, requiring minimal exertion from your fingers and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and responsive typing feel, with the Aqua King emphasizing a smoother and polished experience while the Swift offers a light and bouncy sensation.
Considering the subjective qualities of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is evident that they offer distinct typing experiences. The Aqua King excels in providing a smooth and frictionless feel, combined with a subdued sound profile, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift stands out with its easy-to-press and feathery feel, accompanied by a clacky sound signature that adds a touch of liveliness to each key press. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for typing feel and sound characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a smooth and frictionless typing feel reminiscent of gliding on ice, the Aqua King (V3) with its creamy and polished properties might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter key press with a silky and feathery touch, the HMX Swift switch with its easy-to-press and bouncy characteristics might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and overall typing experience. Choose the switch that best aligns with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall keyboarding experience.
Mentioned in this article
