Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately boils down to personal preference. The Aqua King (V3) offers a frictionless typing experience that feels like gliding on ice, with its subdued and silky feel. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch provides a smooth and creamy typing experience with a unique high-pitched and clacky sound signature, thanks to the innovative use of POK material. Both switches offer their own set of characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, providing a consistent sound profile that is sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper. This material choice results in a clear and resonant sound profile, making it ideal for users who prioritize sound quality in their keyboard switches. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream features a proprietary blend for its top housing, which offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While the Aqua King (V3) focuses on utilizing a single material for both housings for a cohesive sound experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream opts for a unique blend that may offer a different auditory experience for users.
In terms of aesthetics, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) benefits from the translucency of polycarbonate in its top housing, allowing for enhanced RGB lighting effects to be showcased through the switch. This can be a visually appealing feature for users looking to customize their keyboard with colorful lighting. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary KTT blend top housing may not offer the same level of translucency and RGB compatibility, potentially limiting the visual customization options for users who prefer illuminated keyboards. While both switches prioritize sound quality, their choice of housing materials also impacts the overall look and feel of the keyboard setup.
Additionally, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream differ in their choice of bottom housing materials. The Aqua King (V3) utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, maintaining consistency with its top housing material for a unified sound experience. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream features a POK bottom housing material, known for its smoothness, durability, and shock resistance. This difference in bottom housing material may result in a variation in the feel and sound of the switches when pressed, adding another layer of diversity to the overall typing experience between the two switches. Ultimately, while both switches prioritize quality housing materials for optimal performance, the specific choices made by Everglide and KTT contribute unique characteristics to their respective products.
Weight
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aqua King has a medium actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is lighter in comparison to the Aqua King. For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream would be the better option, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Aqua King provides a more substantial typing experience with its slightly heavier forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would be dependent on personal preference and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a favorable choice for gamers looking for speed. On the other hand, the Aqua King switch provides a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distance, so the choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth in key press feel.
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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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) linear switch offers a subdued and dampened sound when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch provides a high-pitched and clacky sound signature that sets it apart from other switches. If you prefer a more subtle and muted sound, the Aqua King (V3) might be the better choice for you. However, if you enjoy a sharper and more distinct sound while typing, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be more suitable.
In terms of feel, both the Aqua King (V3) and the Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience. The Aqua King (V3) is described as feeling frictionless, reminiscent of gliding effortlessly on ice, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is compared to having a remarkably smooth and creamy feel. Both switches provide a silky sensation, with the Aqua King (V3) being likened to ice skating and the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offering a seamless and uniform typing experience.
In conclusion, while both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches offer a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, they differ in sound profile. The Aqua King (V3) provides a more subdued sound, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch delivers a higher-pitched and clacky sound. Depending on your preference for sound, you can choose between the two switches to achieve a similar smooth and buttery typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, typing feel, sound, and overall typing experience. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 62 grams and a typing experience described as frictionless and polished, the Aqua King (V3) may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams and a typing experience that is smooth, creamy, and buttery, with a high-pitched and marbly sound profile, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences for typing feel and sound, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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