Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Everglide Aqua King and the KTT Mint. The Aqua King is renowned for its frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. With its subdued, creamy, and silky typing experience, it offers a truly magical sensation. On the other hand, the Mint is celebrated for its satisfyingly smooth linear switch. The long pole stem creates a poppy thockiness, adding an extra layer of satisfaction to each keystroke. Additionally, the Mint provides a light and fleeting typing feel. While these general descriptions provide insights into each switch's unique qualities, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision for your keyboard needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King and KTT Mint both feature polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's relatively stiffer nature, which allows for a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound qualities and aesthetic benefits from both the Aqua King and Mint switches.
However, the bottom housing of these switches differs, with the Aqua King utilizing polycarbonate and the Mint featuring a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aqua King contributes to its overall sound profile, particularly on the bottom-out sound and feel. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more impactful and defined bottom-out experience. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Mint switch offers a different typing experience. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This creates a duller and rounder sound, providing a distinct typing sensation compared to the Aqua King.
In summary, both the Everglide Aqua King and KTT Mint switches share the benefits of polycarbonate top housing, offering a sharper and crisper sound profile along with compatibility with RGB lighting. However, the contrasting bottom housing materials affect the overall typing experience. The Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a more impactful bottom-out sound, while the Mint's nylon bottom housing absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller typing sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. Both switches fall within the medium range in terms of actuation force, with the Aqua King requiring 46 grams and the Mint slightly lighter at 45 grams. This means that both switches provide a relatively light touch when triggering a keystroke, making them suitable for extended typing sessions and gaming. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the differences become more apparent. The Aqua King has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Mint has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams, offering a slightly softer landing when fully depressing the keys. This makes the Mint more suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter and less forceful typing experience. Overall, while both switches have similar actuation forces, the bottom out forces of the Aqua King and Mint differ, allowing users to choose the option that best suits their preference for typing force and feedback.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning they both travel 4 mm from the top to the bottom. This distance is the distance the user feels when pressing down on a key. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches provide similar results. Whether choosing the Everglide Aqua King or the KTT Mint, users can expect a consistent 4 mm travel distance when typing.
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 Mint comes in at $2.91 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 switch produces a subdued sound when pressed. It is not completely silent, but it offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the KTT Mint switch is described as having a low-pitched sound. This means it has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. In addition, the Mint switch is also classified as neutral, which means it has a moderate sound profile. Overall, both switches offer relatively quiet typing experiences, with the Aqua King being more subdued and the Mint having a low-pitched and neutral sound.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Aqua King switch is known for its frictionless and creamy typing experience. It offers an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction. This switch makes typing feel like gliding your fingers across the keys, with every keystroke feeling silky and effortless. Additionally, the Aqua King switch is also described as polished, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Mint switch is described as mild and polished. It offers a more gentle typing experience, suitable for those who prefer a less pronounced tactile feel. Similar to the Aqua King, the Mint switch also provides a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, both switches offer smooth and frictionless typing experiences, with the Aqua King providing a creamier and more polished feel compared to the Mint.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King and KTT Mint switches have different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua King offers a subdued sound and a frictionless and creamy typing experience, while the Mint has a low-pitched sound and a mild and polished feel. Despite the differences, both switches are known for their smooth and refined typing experiences with reduced friction. If you prefer a quieter and slightly more subdued typing experience, the Aqua King would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a low-pitched sound and a more gentle typing feel, the Mint switch would be a suitable option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its medium bottom out force of 62 grams, you can expect a frictionless and magical typing feel that resembles ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. The Aqua King offers a creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished feel, making each keystroke feel like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. In terms of sound, the Aqua King produces a subdued and dampened sound, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a poppy thockiness, the KTT Mint linear switch might be the better option. With a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, this switch offers a satisfyingly smooth feel due to its long pole stem. The Mint provides a mild and polished typing experience, falling in the safe, middle-ground zone. In terms of sound, the Mint produces a low-pitched and mellow tone, making it more bass-heavy compared to higher-pitched switches. Its neutral sound profile makes it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King and the KTT Mint depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a frictionless and silky typing experience, the Aqua King is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter feel with a poppy thockiness, the Mint would suit you better. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so make sure to consider your preferred bottom out force, sound profile, and overall feel when making your decision.
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