Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Twilight 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 HMX Twilight both offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences. The Aqua King (V3) is renowned for its frictionless feel, akin to ice skating on a pristine rink, fostering a smooth and effortless typing experience with its subdued, creamy, and polished characteristics. This makes it an ideal choice for typists seeking a serene and fluid touch, allowing for prolonged sessions without discomfort. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight stands out with its extended 3.85mm travel distance, which provides a slightly quieter typing experience without sacrificing the characteristic clack that HMX switches are known for. For those who enjoy tactile feedback coupled with a subtle auditory experience, the Twilight presents a compelling option. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
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
3.85 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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Twilight employ distinctly different materials for their switch housings, resulting in contrasting sound profiles and overall tactile experiences. The Aqua King (V3) features polycarbonate in both its top and bottom housings, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its rigidity. This quality allows for a clear and resonant feedback when typing, making it particularly appealing for users who enjoy a more precise auditory response. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound, creating a rounder auditory experience that may be more soothing and less intrusive during typing sessions.
When focusing on the top housings, the differences become even more pronounced. The polycarbonate top housing of the Aqua King (V3) enhances the switch's RGB lighting capabilities thanks to its translucency, allowing light to shine through in a vibrant display. This not only contributes to the overall aesthetic appeal but also complements the switch's crisp sound profile. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the HMX Twilight lacks this same level of translucency, which may slightly hinder the visual impact of RGB lighting. However, the nylon's sound-absorbing properties still ensure enjoyable typing acoustics, but with a noticeably different tonal character that may appeal to users seeking a warmer ambiance in their keystrokes.
The interaction between the top and bottom housings greatly impacts the overall typing experience in both switches. In the Aqua King (V3), both the top and bottom housing contribute to the sharpness and clarity of the sound, which is felt predominantly in the bottom-out action. Conversely, the Twilight's nylon materials create a more blended sound profile, with the bottom housing's impact being felt in the deeper tone and the top housing softening the sound upon release. Although the Aqua King (V3) and Twilight use different materials, users may achieve satisfying auditory feedback through careful consideration of each switch's unique characteristics, leading to an enjoyable typing experience irrespective of material choice.
Weight
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) switch and the HMX Twilight switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying preferences among users. The Aqua King (V3) features an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, which positions it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the HMX Twilight offers a lighter touch with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Consequently, the Aqua King (V3) is the heavier option, providing a more substantial typing experience, which might appeal to those who favor a firmer push feel. Meanwhile, the Twilight's lighter weight facilitates extended typing sessions and gaming, making it suitable for users seeking comfort and ease of use. Overall, choosing between these switches will largely depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces, as well as the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, we see a distinction in their measurements. The Aqua King (V3) features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered the most traditional depth, allowing for a more pronounced tactile experience. In contrast, the HMX Twilight has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.85 mm, appealing to those who favor quicker response times typical of shorter switches. The difference of 0.15 mm, while small, may influence user preference; those who enjoy a hearty depth will likely gravitate towards the Aqua King (V3) for its deeper travel. On the other hand, the Twilight may cater to gamers or individuals who prefer a more responsive feel without the abruptness sometimes associated with even shorter switches. Overall, if you crave a more traditional and deeper keypress, the Aqua King (V3) is the better choice, while the Twilight offers a more streamlined response for fast-paced use.
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 Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight 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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) produces a subdued auditory sensation when pressed, characterized by a dampened, yet not entirely silent, sound profile. This more subtle sound signature distinguishes it from many traditional switches and makes it suitable for environments where quietness is valued. The HMX Twilight, with its extended 3.85mm travel distance, is designed to be slightly quieter while maintaining the clacky characteristics typical of HMX switches. Although the sound characteristics might differ slightly due to their unique designs, users can expect a level of quietness that makes both switches suitable for discreet environments.
When it comes to feel, the Aqua King (V3) stands out with a wonderfully creamy and frictionless typing experience. The smooth and buttery sensation, reminiscent of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink, allows fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. This switch excels in providing a silky touch, thanks to its polished design, ensuring a refined and fluid typing journey. Unfortunately, there is no additional direct information on the feel of the HMX Twilight to make a specific comparison. However, the Aqua King’s advanced characteristics suggest a highly tactile and enjoyable typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Twilight linear switch offer unique and pleasurable typing experiences, albeit with different sound and feel qualities. The subdued sound of the Aqua King provides a more muted auditory experience, while the Twilight balances quietness with its signature clacky feedback. The Aqua King’s creamy and frictionless aesthetic creates an unmatched typing smoothness, whereas the specifics of the Twilight’s feel remain unknown. Depending on individual preferences, users may find that both switches can cater to a variety of typing environments and styles, ensuring a satisfying experience regardless of choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you favor a typing experience that feels almost frictionless—akin to gliding on freshly resurfaced ice—the Aqua King (V3) is an excellent choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams provides a satisfying resistance that many find conducive to both typing and gaming. Moreover, the creamy and polished feel enhances your overall typing experience, offering a smooth and luxurious touch with each keystroke, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or for casual use where comfort is paramount. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter and slightly quieter typing experience, the HMX Twilight with its 50-gram bottom-out force might be more to your liking. Its extended travel distance allows for a unique feel that caters to those who enjoy a tactile experience while still appreciating the subtleness of its sound. If you often type rapidly or require a balance of quiet operation and performance, the Twilight could be a superb fit. In essence, the choice boils down to whether you prioritize a silky, frictionless experience or a lighter, more responsive feel as you engage with your keyboard.
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