Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Kailh Berry
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Kailh Berry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Everglide Aqua King and the Kailh Berry are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Aqua King is renowned for its frictionless feel, resembling the sensation of gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. This linear switch is categorized as subdued, creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a smooth and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Berry provides a hefty and springy typing feel, accompanied by a chalk-like texture. This linear switch has a sound profile that is notably deep and is categorized as textured, low-pitched, and bassy. Both switches offer distinct advantages, allowing users to choose based on their specific preferences. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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 housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King and the Kailh Berry switches are both made of polycarbonate for the top housing. This choice of material results in a similar effect for both switches, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate lends itself to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly beneficial for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Aqua King and the Berry switches offer comparable sound characteristics and aesthetic options with their polycarbonate top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Aqua King differs from the Kailh Berry. The Aqua King features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to the overall sound and feel of the switch when it is pressed down. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate in the bottom housing enhances the impact of the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the Kailh Berry employs a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon creates a duller and rounder sound when the switch is pressed down. Therefore, the Aqua King and the Berry switches offer distinct sound and tactile experiences due to their different bottom housing materials.
It is important to note that the impact of the housing materials is not solely restricted to the sound when pressing down on the key. The top housing of a switch, regardless of whether it is made of polycarbonate or nylon, plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. The crisp and resonant sound profile associated with polycarbonate can be attributed to its use in the top housing. Therefore, although the Aqua King and the Berry switches differ in their bottom housing materials, the top housing remains a common factor in providing a distinct sound profile when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Kailh Berry linear switch, their actuation and bottom out forces reveal some notable differences. The Aqua King has an actuation force of 46 grams, while the Berry's actuation force is unknown. However, both switches have a medium category for actuation force. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Aqua King requires 62 grams of force, whereas the Berry demands a heavier 70 grams. This categorizes the Berry switch as medium-heavy in terms of bottom out force.
Considering the importance of weight in keyboard switches, individuals have varying preferences. Some prefer lighter switches as they allow for longer typing sessions, making them suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer switches with heavier forces, providing a stronger push feel.
In terms of weight, the Aqua King can be considered lighter than the Berry due to its lower bottom out force. However, since both switches fall within the medium range for actuation force, the typing experience they offer would be quite similar in that aspect. Overall, if a lighter force with medium actuation and bottom out forces is desired, the Aqua King would be a suitable choice. For those who prefer a more pronounced push feel with a medium to heavy bottom out force, the Berry switch would be a better option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Kailh Berry linear switch, it is evident that there is a difference in their distances. The Aqua King has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two options. On the other hand, the Berry has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. While both switches offer a satisfactory travel distance, the Aqua King provides a deeper and more substantial feeling when pressing down on a key, appealing to those who prefer a hearty depth. In contrast, the Berry offers a slightly shallower experience, which may be favored by gamers or individuals seeking faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and whether one prioritizes a shorter or longer travel distance. Regardless, both switches are capable of delivering reliable performance and satisfactory results.
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 Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25 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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch offers a subdued sound profile. It is not completely silent, but it provides a more subtle and dampened sound compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Kailh Berry linear switch produces a low-pitched sound with a deeper and richer tone. The sound is characterized by a lower frequency range, similar to the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Aqua King switch provides a typing experience that is often described as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished. These switches offer a smooth and buttery sensation, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The typing feel is incredibly smooth and refined, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction. The Kailh Berry switch, on the other hand, is described as textured or scratchy. This means that these switches have noticeable friction when pressed, providing a tactile experience that some users may prefer.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King and Kailh Berry linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua King provides a more subdued sound and a typing experience that is incredibly smooth and frictionless. On the other hand, the Berry switch produces a low-pitched sound with a textured feel that offers noticeable friction when pressed. Depending on personal preferences, one may prefer the magical and frictionless glide of the Aqua King, or the springy and chalk-like texture of the Berry. However, it is important to consider factors such as keyboard board and keycaps, as they can also influence the overall sound and feel of the switches used. By considering these factors, users can make an informed decision to achieve their desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and a frictionless typing feel, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is the one for you. These switches provide a magical typing experience, reminiscent of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. The Aqua King switches glide effortlessly, offering a smooth and fluid travel. In terms of sound, the Aqua King produces a more subdued and subtle sound compared to most switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a springy typing experience with a chalk-like texture, the Kailh Berry linear switch is the better choice. These switches have a certain heft to their type feel and offer a deeper sound profile, resembling bass tones. However, they may have a noticeable texture when pressed, which some users prefer for a more textured typing experience. Ultimately, your preference for typing feel and sound will determine whether you opt for the Everglide Aqua King or the Kailh Berry linear switch. Consider your personal preference and the characteristics that align with your typing style to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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