Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offer distinct yet appealing options for different types of users. The Aqua King (V3) stands out for its uniquely frictionless experience, resembling the effortless glide of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. With descriptors like "subdued," "creamy," and "silky," this switch provides a typing sensation that many users find intoxicatingly smooth and satisfying, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize comfort during lengthy typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) caters to those seeking a more robust typing experience; its heavier actuation force, combined with a PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem for a distinct, crisp resonance, offers a sophisticated feedback that is appealing for gamers and fast typists alike. Both switches have their unique characteristics, with the Aqua King (V3) emphasizing a smooth and effortless touch, while the Xinhai (Heavy) focuses on precision and sound performance. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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 (Heavy) utilize distinct housing materials that significantly influence the overall sound profile and typing experience. The Aqua King (V3) features polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings, which contributes to a clearer, sharper, and higher-pitched sound. This is largely due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which resonates more clearly, making it ideal for users who prefer a brighter sound, especially when enhanced with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) opts for nylon in both the top and bottom housings, providing a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer characteristics of nylon absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience.
While both switches showcase different materials, the differentiation between their sound profiles is again highlighted in their respective upper and lower housings. With the Aqua King (V3), the polycarbonate materials dominate the auditory experience, producing a crisp sound when keys are released, whereas the nylon housing in the Xinhai (Heavy) lends a thicker acoustic character, altering the sensation and sound of key presses and releases. As users interact with these switches, they will experience the pronounced and clear sound from the Aqua King (V3) when a key is lifted, in stark contrast to the fuller, more muted sounds that characterize the Xinhai (Heavy). This division demonstrates how effective the choice of material is in shaping both the auditory and tactile sensations of a switch.
Ultimately, if both switches were made with the same material, users would likely experience similar auditory qualities throughout their typing sessions. However, with the differing materials in the Aqua King (V3) and Xinhai (Heavy), users will notice how each element—top and bottom housing—contributes to the sound and feel. The impact of the housing materials can be felt distinctly, with the top housing influencing the release sound and the bottom housing predominantly affecting the bottom-out experience. Each switch’s unique blend of materials facilitates a tailored typing experience, catering to different preferences among users who prioritize specific sound profiles or tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation forces. The Aqua King (V3) requires a lighter actuation force of 46 grams, making it more suited for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) necessitates a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel during typing. Both switches have similar bottom out forces, with the Aqua King (V3) at 62 grams and the Xinhai (Heavy) at 62.5 grams, indicating that users will experience a comparable tactile feedback when fully depressing the keys. Hence, while both switches offer medium bottom out forces, the Aqua King (V3) is lighter overall, making it the preferable option for those seeking less resistance with prolonged use, while the Xinhai (Heavy) caters to those who favor a firmer touch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch is 4 mm, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Aqua King provides a more traditional depth, which some users may find more satisfying, particularly if they prefer a deeper feel while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Xinhai's shorter travel distance caters to those who favor quicker response times, often preferred by gamers who seek a more rapid actuation of the switch. Therefore, for users who enjoy a sense of depth in their keystrokes, the Aqua King (V3) would likely be the better choice, while the Xinhai (Heavy) would appeal to those who prioritize speed. In summary, the Aqua King (V3) offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the 3.4 mm of the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), making it the more traditional option for those who appreciate a hearty keystroke.
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 (Heavy) 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 (Heavy) 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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) provides a subdued auditory profile, producing a dampened sound when pressed. This subtle sound signature enables a quieter typing experience, allowing for focus without the disturbance of loud keystrokes. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch does not have a specific characterization available, making it unclear how its sound compares with the Aqua King. However, the sound produced by any switch can also depend on the keyboard's design and the keycap materials used, which should be considered when evaluating overall sound quality.
Regarding the feel of these switches, the Aqua King (V3) excels with its creamy, frictionless typing experience, reminiscent of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. The smooth and buttery sensation offers minimal resistance, making each keystroke feel effortless and fluid. This is further enhanced by the switch's polished finish, contributing to a silky and refined typing quality. Conversely, there is no detailed description available for the feel of the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch, leaving a gap in direct comparison. Without specific attributes outlined, one cannot ascertain how the Xinhai's tactile feedback compares to the Aqua King’s effortless glide.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) stands out for its subdued sound and remarkably smooth, frictionless feel, making it a delightful choice for anyone seeking a seamless typing experience. The HMX Xinhai (Heavy) may offer its own strengths, particularly in sound characteristics and tactile feedback, but without more information, it is challenging to evaluate its qualities against the Aqua King. The choice ultimately boils down to personal preference and the specific typing experience one is looking to achieve, with the Aqua King promising an elegant and fluid interaction with every keystroke.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches, the decision largely revolves around your personal typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you crave a typing experience that feels almost frictionless and extraordinarily smooth, reminiscent of gliding effortlessly over a polished surface, the Aqua King (V3) is your go-to switch. Its creamy, silky feel and subdued sound profile make it an excellent choice for those who favor a less distracting yet highly enjoyable typing experience, perfect for long typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier touch with crisp acoustics and value a balance between sophistication and performance, the Xinhai (Heavy) would be more suitable for you. This switch not only offers a unique sound profile and feel but also embodies a slight increase in resistance that may enhance your precision during typing or gaming. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize smoothness and subtlety with the Aqua King or a more pronounced tactile engagement with the Xinhai.
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