Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Xinhai both offer unique features to consider. The Aqua King (V3) is praised for its frictionless feel, giving users a smooth typing experience akin to gliding on ice. On the other hand, the Xinhai boasts a unique construction with a PA12 top housing and POM stem for a distinct acoustics profile. While the Aqua King is categorized as 'Subdued', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Silky', and 'Polished', the Xinhai is labeled as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', and 'Creamy'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeals, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Xinhai both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more resonant sound experience, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Xinhai features a nylon bottom housing that offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that is more tactile in typing.
While the top housing of both the Aqua King (V3) and the Xinhai are made of polycarbonate, the difference lies in the bottom housing material. The Aqua King (V3) continues with a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining consistency in sound profile across the switch. Alternatively, the Xinhai uses a nylon bottom housing, providing a contrasting typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound. The impact of the bottom housing is more noticeable during key presses, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the impact of the top housing is more prominent when releasing a key, affecting the overall sound profile.
In summary, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches such as the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Xinhai significantly impacts the sound and feel of typing. Both switches benefit from polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound experience with RGB lighting capabilities. However, the differing bottom housing materials of polycarbonate in the Aqua King (V3) and nylon in the Xinhai offer distinct sound profiles with the Aqua King (V3) maintaining consistency and the Xinhai providing a deeper and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in a switch determines the overall sound profile and feel during typing.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that there are some notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Aqua King (V3) has a higher actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Xinhai's 37 grams, making it a bit heavier to press down on. The bottom out force of the Aqua King (V3) is also higher at 62 grams, while the Xinhai has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Aqua King (V3) provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Xinhai offers a lighter touch, which may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming. Overall, the choice between the two switches would depend on the individual's preference for actuation force and bottom out force - whether they prefer a lighter or heavier feel when typing.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Aqua King has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Xinhai. In terms of preference, some users may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Xinhai for faster response times, especially gamers. On the other hand, those who prefer a more satisfying key press with a deeper feel may opt for the Aqua King with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and 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 HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $3.19.
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) offers a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, creating a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch produces a clacky and sharp sound, characterized by a crisp, bright, and percussive tone. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) provides a typing experience that is described as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished. This means that users can expect a smooth and buttery sensation while typing, with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch is characterized by a bouncy and lively feedback sensation, giving users a sense of rebound when keys are pressed. Additionally, the Xinhai switch also offers a creamy typing experience, similar to the Aqua King (V3).
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Xinhai linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua King (V3) excels in providing a frictionless and polished typing experience with a subdued sound profile, while the Xinhai switch stands out for its bouncy feedback and clacky sound signature. However, both switches offer a creamy typing experience, ensuring that users can expect a smooth and enjoyable typing experience regardless of their choice. By selecting either of these switches, users can achieve similar results in terms of typing comfort and performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, you should consider the characteristics that best fit your typing preferences. If you value a medium bottom out force and a typing experience that feels frictionless, reminiscent of ice skating on a smooth surface, then the Aqua King (V3) may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a switch that offers a unique blend of subtle sophistication and precise performance, along with a softer acoustics profile and a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, then the Xinhai switch might be more suited to your tastes. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a creamy, polished, and frictionless typing feel or a bouncy, creamy, and clacky typing experience. Consider what matters most to you in a switch and choose accordingly for an optimal typing experience.
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