Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Everglide Aqua King and the KTT Matcha are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches with unique characteristics. The Aqua King is a linear switch, known for its frictionless and silky feel. It provides the sensation of gliding on a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink, resulting in a truly magical typing experience. On the other hand, the Matcha is a tactile switch and stands out with its comfortable and snappy tactility. Typing on the Matcha switch offers a distinctly clean bottom-out sound, thanks to its long pole stem. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King and the KTT Matcha keyboards are both made of polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, both keyboards offer similar sound and aesthetic benefits due to their polycarbonate top housing.
However, there is a difference in the housing materials between the two keyboards. While the Aqua King features a polycarbonate top housing, the Matcha has a polycarbonate bottom housing. This difference means that the qualities brought by the housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switches. When pressing down a key, the impact and resulting sound and feel will be influenced more by the bottom housing. On the other hand, the sound when releasing a key will be more impacted by the top housing. This distinction highlights an area where the two keyboards differ and may provide a slightly different typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Everglide Aqua King and the KTT Matcha keyboards benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their housing materials. This leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that is desirable for many users. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate adds an aesthetic appeal, especially when paired with RGB lighting. However, the difference between the top and bottom housing materials in these keyboards may result in subtle variations in the typing experience. Overall, both keyboards offer similar advantages but with slight differences in how they achieve them.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, there are noticeable differences between the two. The Aqua King has an actuation force of 46 grams, while the Matcha has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Matcha requires a slightly lighter touch to initiate a keystroke compared to the Aqua King. In terms of bottom out force, the Aqua King requires 62 grams of force, while the Matcha requires a lighter 45 grams. This indicates that the Aqua King offers a heavier and more substantial typing experience when fully pressing down, whereas the Matcha provides a lighter and potentially more comfortable experience.
Considering weight preferences, those who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Matcha due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. The lighter actuation force can reduce fatigue and make typing easier over long periods of time. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing experience might opt for the Aqua King, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. These individuals may appreciate the additional resistance provided by the heavier force required for keystrokes.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King and KTT Matcha switches offer contrasting experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aqua King presents a heavier typing experience, while the Matcha provides a lighter and potentially more comfortable one. Ultimately, the choice between them depends on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will have a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch they choose.
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 KTT Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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 switch is described as producing a subdued sound when pressed. It offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches, although it is not completely silent. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha switch is known for its clacky sound. It produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King switch is often described as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished. These switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, with a sensation similar to gliding your fingers across the keys effortlessly. They minimize resistance and friction, resulting in a fluid and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha switch is described as stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle. These switches provide a comfortable and snappy tactility when typing, with a responsive feel. They have a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming, making them suitable for various typing sessions.
Based on the available information, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch offers a frictionless and smooth typing experience, with a subdued sound when pressed. It creates a magical typing experience reminiscent of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha tactile switch provides a comfortable and snappy tactility, with a clacky sound that offers a distinctly clean bottom-out. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. If you prefer a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Aqua King is a great choice. If you prefer a tactile switch with a snappy feel and distinct sound, the Matcha switch would suit you better.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values a typing experience that feels frictionless and smooth, then the Everglide Aqua King linear switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, this switch offers a medium resistance that strikes a balance between ease of actuation and stability. The Aqua King switch is also known for its subdued sound, which is not completely silent but offers a more subtle sound signature compared to other switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a tactile feel and a lighter bottom out force, the KTT Matcha tactile switch would be more suitable. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, the Matcha switch provides a comfortable and snappy tactility while typing. It also offers a distinctly clean bottom-out sound due to its long pole stem. Moreover, the Matcha switch is described as being feathery, meaning it requires little exertion and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your personal preference for either a smooth and frictionless linear switch or a tactile switch with a lighter feel.
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