Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Aqua King and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The Aqua King is a linear switch that is best known for its frictionless feel. Typing on an Aqua King switch is akin to skating on a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink, as your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor is a tactile switch that offers a unique thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of character to your typing experience. These switches strike a perfect balance between providing satisfying feedback and avoiding an overwhelming level of tactility. While these general descriptions may be helpful in narrowing down your choice, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King and the Haimu Viola Tricolor both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced aesthetics, particularly when paired with RGB lighting. While the top housings are the same, the contrasting factor lies in the bottom housings. The Aqua King features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to the sound and feel when bottoming out a key. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor incorporates a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. As a result, typing on the Viola Tricolor may elicit a duller and rounder sound compared to the Aqua King.
While the material choices for the top housings of the Everglide Aqua King and the Haimu Viola Tricolor are the same, leading to similar sharp and crisp sound profiles, their bottom housings provide distinct characteristics. The Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing complements the top housing by contributing to the overall sound and feel when bottoming out a key. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature. This contrast in bottom housing materials results in a difference in sound profiles between the two switches. While the Aqua King may offer a more balanced and resonant sound, the Viola Tricolor may provide a softer and more muffled typing experience.
In terms of sound, the top and bottom housings of the Everglide Aqua King and the Haimu Viola Tricolor have different effects on the overall typing experience. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing come into play, dictating the bottom-out sound and feel. As both switches have different bottom housings, the Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing would yield a sharper and crisper bottom-out sound compared to the Viola Tricolor's nylon bottom housing, which would create a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound. Conversely, the impact of the top housing is more evident when letting go of a key, affecting the sound profile during key release. With polycarbonate as the top housing material for both switches, a similar sharp and crisp sound can be expected when releasing keys, contributing to a consistent sound experience across the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in their performance. The Aqua King has an actuation force of 46 grams, which is moderately light, whereas the Viola Tricolor's actuation force is unknown. However, the Aqua King's bottom out force of 62 grams indicates a medium level of resistance when pressing the key all the way down. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it slightly heavier.
Considering weight, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Aqua King switch. Its lower actuation force allows for a smoother and more effortless keystroke, perfect for typing for extended periods or engaging in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Viola Tricolor switch. With its slightly heavier bottom out force, users can expect a stronger push feel, providing a more tactile and responsive feedback.
In summary, while the actuation force of the Aqua King is lighter than the Viola Tricolor, their bottom out forces are quite similar, with the Viola Tricolor being slightly heavier. Thus, individuals who prefer a lighter switch may find satisfaction with the Aqua King, while those desiring a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Viola Tricolor for its increased resistance.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a traditional distance. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Viola Tricolor slightly shallower than the Aqua King.
Typically, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers who prioritize faster response times. The shorter distance allows for quicker key presses and is more responsive to rapid movements. If you prefer a more snappy and swift typing or gaming experience, the Viola Tricolor with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice.
However, it is essential to note that some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. They may prefer a more substantial key depth for a more satisfying typing experience. In this case, the Aqua King with its slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience. Both switches offer slightly different travel distances, but they can both provide satisfactory results depending on individual preference.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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
The Aqua King linear switch is best known for its frictionless feel, creating a magical typing experience reminiscent of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor tactile switch is designed to provide a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding character to the typing experience. It offers pronounced tactility without being overly tactile, striking a perfect balance.
In terms of sound, the Aqua King is described as having a subdued sound profile. It produces a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor has a bassy sound profile, characterized by a deeper and richer tone during key presses. It falls into the lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, it is described as low-pitched, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King is described as offering a creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience. These switches are smooth and buttery, providing a silky sensation as your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys. The switch offers minimal resistance or friction, resulting in a fluid and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor is described as accented and invigorating. It provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle, creating an immersive and reactive typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Aqua King and Viola Tricolor switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of both sound and feel. The Aqua King provides a magical and frictionless typing experience, with a subdued sound profile. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile, along with an accented and invigorating feel. Both switches provide unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience, so the choice ultimately depends on personal preference. However, if you prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience, both switches will yield similar frictionless results.
Conclusion
To sum up, in terms of force requirements, both the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, with the Aqua King requiring 62 grams of force and the Viola Tricolor requiring 63.5 grams.
If you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience, with a frictionless and gliding sensation, the Aqua King is the way to go. It offers a creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished feel, reminiscent of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced ice rink. Additionally, it has a subdued sound profile, providing a more subtle and dampened sound compared to other switches.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile typing experience with a touch of character, the Viola Tricolor is the better choice. It offers a pronounced tactility without being overly tactile, striking a perfect balance. These switches deliver a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding personality to your typing experience. The Viola Tricolor switches are described as accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. They offer an invigorating feel, with moderate to firm actuation force and reactive feedback.
Ultimately, the decision between the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch boils down to your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a smooth and frictionless feel with subdued sound, go for the Aqua King. If you prefer a tactile and character-filled typing experience with a punchy sound, choose the Viola Tricolor. Consider your desired typing experience and select the switch that aligns with your preferences.
Mentioned in this article
