Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Outemu Yellow Silver 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 Outemu Yellow Silver. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and advantages that make them appealing choices for different users. The Aqua King is renowned for its frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. This switch offers a typing experience that is smooth and magical, making it a great choice for those who prioritize a creamy and polished feel. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver by Outemu is highly regarded for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile. This switch is particularly favored by gamers and typists seeking speediness and responsiveness in their keystrokes. However, with these generalities in mind, it's essential to delve deeper into the specific features and nuances of each switch to make an informed decision about which one suits your needs best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King and the Outemu Yellow Silver have similarities in their housing materials. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing is advantageous for those planning to use RGB lighting, as it allows the illumination to shine through.
However, when it comes to their bottom housings, the two switches differ. The Aqua King utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to the overall sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the bottom-out sound when a key is pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Typing on Yellow Silver switches will elicit a duller and rounder sound when compared to the Aqua King.
In summary, while both the Everglide Aqua King and the Outemu Yellow Silver share a polycarbonate top housing, their bottom housings differ. The Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing enhances the bottom-out sound, while the Yellow Silver's nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the typing experience. For those seeking a sharper sound profile with the added benefit of RGB lighting, the Aqua King may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, if a deeper and fuller sound is desired, the Yellow Silver with its nylon bottom housing may be more appealing.
Weight
In comparing the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, there are some key differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Aqua King has a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Yellow Silver's 45 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range for actuation force.
When it comes to bottom out force, the Aqua King has a higher force requirement of 62 grams, while the Yellow Silver is lighter at 55 grams. This means that the Aqua King provides a more substantial typing experience, requiring a stronger push to fully press down on the keys, while the Yellow Silver offers a slightly lighter feel.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Yellow Silver as it requires a lighter actuation force and has a lower bottom out force. This makes it suitable for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions where fatigue might become a factor. On the other hand, users seeking a more robust pressing sensation and a heavier key feel may prefer the Aqua King with its higher actuation force and bottom out force.
In summary, the Aqua King and the Yellow Silver differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aqua King is slightly heavier in both aspects, providing a stronger push and a more substantial typing experience. The Yellow Silver, on the other hand, offers a lighter feel, making it preferable for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both switches. Whether you choose the Aqua King or the Yellow Silver will depend on other factors such as actuation force or overall typing experience.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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 Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch have distinct differences in terms of sound and feel. In terms of sound, the Aqua King is best described as subdued. It produces a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver has a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate sound that is suitable for various purposes.
When it comes to feel, the Aqua King has multiple descriptors that highlight its smoothness and effortless typing experience. It is described as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished. These qualities create a magical typing experience, akin to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. The Yellow Silver, however, has no specific descriptors for its feel.
Taking into account the available information, it is clear that the Aqua King is a standout choice for those seeking a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a subdued sound. Its unique qualities make it suitable for individuals who value a magical and effortless typing experience. While there is no specific information on the feel of the Yellow Silver, it is known for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, which is favored by gamers and typists who prefer a speedy and responsive switch.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King and Outemu Yellow Silver switches offer different subjective qualities. The Aqua King provides a frictionless and smooth feel with a subdued sound. It is ideal for those who prioritize a magical and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver focuses on a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for gamers and typists seeking speed and responsiveness. While they are different, both switches have their respective advantages and can provide similar results in terms of functionality and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a typing experience that feels frictionless and almost effortless, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is the right choice for you. With its medium bottom out force of 62 grams, these switches offer a magical sensation of gliding over keys, reminiscent of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. The Aqua King switch is also described as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished, further emphasizing its smooth and refined typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter actuation force and a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is the better option. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches are favored by gamers and typists seeking speediness and responsiveness. They provide a moderate sound profile described as neutral, making them suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and regardless of whether you use them at home or work.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King and the Outemu Yellow Silver depends on your personal preferences and priorities. If a frictionless and effortlessly smooth typing experience is your main concern, go for the Aqua King. If you value a lighter actuation force and a neutral sound profile, the Yellow Silver is the switch for you. Consider what factors are most important to you and choose accordingly.
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