Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Vintage Citrus offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Aqua King (V3) is celebrated for its frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding on a freshly resurfaced ice rink, making it an alluring choice for typists who appreciate a polished, smooth typing experience. This switch embodies a subdued and creamy texture, suitable for long typing sessions where comfort takes precedence. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switch caters specifically to gamers, boasting an impressively low actuation force of just 1mm, allowing for rapid and precise key presses essential for competitive gameplay. Its bright, clacky sound profile adds a lively auditory dimension that many gamers find exhilarating. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
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-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Vintage Citrus, a noticeable contrast emerges between the polycarbonate and nylon compositions used in their constructions. The Aqua King (V3) utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a sound profile characterized by sharpness and clarity. This stiffer material not only aids in providing a high-pitched and crisp auditory experience but also enhances the visibility of RGB lighting, given its translucent properties. In stark contrast, the Vintage Citrus opts for nylon in both the top and bottom housings, which lends itself to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound, producing a duller and rounder acoustic experience, which is often preferred by those seeking a more muted typing experience.
Both switches demonstrate the significance of the material composition in shaping sound profiles, but the fundamental differences in housing materials lead to distinct auditory experiences. The polycarbonate of the Aqua King (V3) implies a typing experience that delivers a fuller range of high-frequency sounds, resulting in articulately pronounced keystrokes. Conversely, the nylon of the Vintage Citrus is designed to create a more subdued atmosphere, allowing for a soft and less intrusive typing feel. While the Aqua King (V3) benefits from the clarity and detail offered by polycarbonate, those utilizing the Vintage Citrus can relish the comforting fullness that nylon provides, showcasing varied approaches to user preference in sound experience.
In terms of overall performance, the choice of materials influences how the typing experience is perceived, but both switches can still offer satisfying results despite their differences. For instance, the Aqua King (V3) provides a vivacious keystroke experience thanks to its entirely polycarbonate housing, while the Vintage Citrus, with its nylon components, delivers a more reserved sensation. If a user desires a balance in auditory feedback, they could achieve similar results by considering stabilizing factors like typing technique, force applied, or even personal modifications to the switches. Ultimately, while both designs reflect brand philosophies and preferences, they serve the same purpose of enhancing user engagement, with the distinct materials allowing for a diverse range of tactile and auditory outcomes.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch to the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, notable differences arise in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Aqua King (V3) has an actuation force of 46 grams, which is slightly lighter than the Vintage Citrus's actuation force of 48 grams. This makes the Aqua King (V3) more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. However, the bottom out forces diverge as well; the Aqua King (V3) has a higher bottom out force of 62 grams compared to the Vintage Citrus's 53 grams. This means that while the Aqua King (V3) may be easier to trigger, it provides a more substantial feel when bottoming out, appealing to users who appreciate a firmer push at the end of the keystroke. In summary, the Aqua King (V3) is the lighter switch in actuation force but heavier in bottom out force, making it ideal for users who want a lighter actuation feel combined with a more substantial bottoming experience, while the Vintage Citrus caters to those seeking a balanced, medium-light typing experience overall.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches, a notable difference emerges. The Aqua King (V3) features a traditional travel distance of 4 mm, while the Vintage Citrus offers a shallower travel distance of 3 mm. This means that the Aqua King provides a deeper and more pronounced keystroke, which some users might find preferable for a tactile typing experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus’s shorter 3 mm travel distance can lead to quicker response times, making it an appealing choice for gamers who favor rapid key presses. Ultimately, individuals who appreciate a more robust feel may gravitate towards the Aqua King, whereas those seeking enhanced responsiveness might prefer the Vintage Citrus.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 profile, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) presents a subdued acoustic signature. This means that while the keystrokes produce a noticeable sound, it is dampened and less intrusive compared to many other switches, creating a more subtle typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is noted for its bright, clacky sound, making it engaging and ideal for gamers who appreciate auditory feedback, particularly during rapid inputs. The variance in sound quality between these two switches will predominantly depend on factors like the keyboard type and keycaps used, but in general, users can expect a more reserved auditory experience with the Aqua Kings compared to the lively tonal character of the Vintage Citrus.
When analyzing the typing feel, the Aqua King (V3) excels with its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished attributes. These qualities together craft an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience that allows fingers to glide seamlessly across the key surface. The tactile journey is akin to skating on freshly resurfaced ice, offering minimal resistance and an inviting sensation with each keystroke. On the other hand, the feel of the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is less defined at this time. It is optimally designed for rapid-fire inputs, thanks to an exceptionally low actuation force, making it an appealing choice for gamers, but specific descriptions of its tactile characteristics are currently unknown.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) presents a subdued sound profile with a luxurious, frictionless feel that many will find appealing for both typing and gaming scenarios. Meanwhile, the Vintage Citrus switch is characterized by its clacky sound and low actuation force, making it a strong contender for fast-paced gaming but lacking detailed feedback on its tactile sensations. Both switches cater to different preferences, whether you prioritize a smooth experience with muted sound or a lively auditory feedback that supports quick actions. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on what aspect of the typing experience you value most.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preference and usage scenario. If you're someone who enjoys a smooth, creamy, and virtually frictionless typing experience, the Aqua King (V3) is an excellent choice for both typing and casual gaming. Its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams strikes a balance between control and comfort, making it suitable for lengthy typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. The subdued sound profile also means it won't disturb your surroundings, providing a more pleasant typing ambiance. On the other hand, if you're a gamer looking for a switch that facilitates rapid inputs and can handle intense gaming sessions, the Vintage Citrus may be more aligned with your needs. With a lighter bottom-out force of 53 grams and an exceptionally low actuation point of just 1mm, this switch caters to fast-paced gameplay, where quick reactions are key. Additionally, the bright, clacky sound profile adds to the energizing gaming experience. In summary, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a buttery smooth experience for versatile typing or a snappy, engaging switch for gaming thrills.
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