Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. HMX Cloud - 63.5g
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the Everglide Aqua King V3 and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g mechanical keyboard switches, one immediately notices their distinct characteristics. The Aqua King V3 is praised for its frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding on a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink. Its typing experience is described as magical, with a categorization of subdued, creamy, frictionless, silky, polished. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g offers a clacky sound profile, appealing to enthusiasts who prefer a bright typing experience. It provides a silky smooth feel, with a categorization of bouncy, clacky, creamy, high-pitched. Each switch caters to different preferences, with the Aqua King offering a smoother typing experience and the Cloud-63.5g providing a more tactile feedback. However, let's delve into the specifics so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
56g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g, it is evident that both switches prioritize sound quality but achieve it in different ways. The Aqua King (V3) utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for users who prioritize a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g opts for nylon in both its top and bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound that may appeal to users looking for a more muted typing experience.
Despite their differences, both switches showcase the impact that housing materials can have on sound quality. The polycarbonate housings of the Aqua King (V3) provide a unique and vibrant sound experience, enhancing each keystroke with clarity and precision. In contrast, the nylon housings of the Cloud - 63.5g offer a more subdued and mellow sound profile, perfect for users seeking a quieter typing experience. While the materials may vary, both switches are designed to optimize sound quality based on the characteristics of their respective housing materials, catering to a diverse range of user preferences.
When considering the impact of housing materials on switch performance, it is essential to recognize the role that each component plays. The top and bottom housings of a switch can influence the overall sound profile, with the top housing affecting the sound upon key release and the bottom housing impacting the sound during key press. By utilizing different materials for the top and bottom housings, switches can achieve a balanced sound profile that combines the unique qualities of each material. Whether it be the sharpness and clarity of polycarbonate in the Aqua King (V3) or the depth and fullness of nylon in the Cloud - 63.5g, housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the user experience and sound quality of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, it is evident that the Aqua King is lighter in terms of actuation force at 46 grams compared to the Cloud's 56 grams. However, the Aqua King also has a slightly heavier bottom out force at 62 grams, while the Cloud bottoms out at 63.5 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range in terms of force required. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions may lean towards the Aqua King, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may be drawn to the Cloud. In either case, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, providing a smooth and consistent typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Aqua King being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Cloud - 63.5g for quicker response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Aqua King. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Cloud - 63.5g comes in at $3.50 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 (V3) linear switch offers a subdued typing experience, producing a dampened sound when pressed. This subtle sound signature is ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, catering to enthusiasts who enjoy a more bright and crisp typing experience. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the subdued sound of the Aqua King or the sharp and snappy sound of the Cloud - 63.5g.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch is often described as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished, offering an incredibly smooth and effortless typing experience. Users can expect a buttery sensation as their fingers effortlessly glide across the keys with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is known for its bouncy and creamy feel, providing a spring-like feedback sensation and a smooth typing experience. Both switches offer a premium typing feel, with the Aqua King focusing on reducing friction and the Cloud - 63.5g offering a lively rebound when keys are pressed.
Overall, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch each offer unique sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Aqua King provides a quieter and smoother typing experience, while the Cloud - 63.5g delivers a sharper sound and a more bouncy feel. Both switches are ideal options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking to customize their typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the Aqua King for a more subdued and frictionless experience or the Cloud - 63.5g for a clacky and bouncy typing sensation.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience with a more subdued sound profile, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. The Aqua King offers a creamy, frictionless, and polished feel, making each keystroke feel like gliding on ice. On the other hand, if you prefer a brighter typing experience with a clacky and high-pitched sound, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is the way to go. The Cloud - 63.5g provides a bouncy and creamy feel, giving you a lively rebound when typing. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for typing feel and sound profile. Whether you choose the Aqua King (V3) or the Cloud - 63.5g, both switches offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences.
Mentioned in this article
