Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Aqua King and the Everglide Oreo offer distinct experiences for users. The Aqua King, a linear switch, is best known for its smooth and frictionless feel. Typing on these switches is akin to ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink, with your fingers effortlessly gliding across the keys. Categorized as 'Subdued', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Silky', and 'Polished', the Aqua King promises a magical typing experience. On the other hand, the Oreo, a tactile switch, provides a different sensory delight. With a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out, the Oreo offers a delectable treat for your fingertips. Its medium light tactility strikes the perfect balance between satisfying keystrokes and comfort. The Oreo is categorized as 'Accented', 'Chirpy', and 'Stepped'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your specific needs.
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
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King and the Everglide Oreo keyboards share a significant similarity: they both feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile, making it ideal for mechanical keyboards. Additionally, its stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboards.
While both keyboards use polycarbonate for their housing materials, it is worth noting that the qualities of the material are split between the top and bottom housings. When pressing down on either the Aqua King or the Oreo switches, the bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. The stiffness of the polycarbonate in the bottom housing enhances the tactile feedback and provides a satisfying keystroke experience. On the other hand, the top housing of the switches plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. The sharper, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile can be attributed to the polycarbonate top housing.
In terms of sound and feel, users can expect similar results from both the Aqua King and the Oreo due to their shared polycarbonate housing materials. However, the design and aesthetics may vary between the two models, allowing users to choose the keyboard that best suits their preferences. Whether opting for the Aqua King or the Oreo, the polycarbonate housing ensures a consistent sound profile and enhances the visual experience with the potential for RGB lighting.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Aqua King has a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Oreo's 45 grams. This means that the Aqua King requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Oreo has a lower bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the Aqua King's 62 grams. This indicates that the Oreo provides a lighter and more responsive typing experience when pressing the keys all the way down.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Oreo tactile switch. The lower actuation force and bottom out force of the Oreo make it suitable for prolonged typing sessions, whether it be for work purposes or extended gaming sessions. The Aqua King, with its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces, offers a bit more resistance and may provide a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push.
In terms of overall weight, both switches fall within the medium to medium-light range. Therefore, while there are slight variances in actuation and bottom out forces, those who use either switch can expect similar results in terms of typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Aqua King linear switch and the Oreo tactile switch will depend on individual preferences for typing force and the desired tactile feedback.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, both switches will travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. As a result, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance you feel when using either switch.
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 Everglide Oreo has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Oreo for $4.19.
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 Aqua King linear switch is known for its frictionless and smooth typing experience. It offers a magical sensation of effortlessly gliding across the keys, similar to ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. As for sound, the Aqua King produces a more subdued sound compared to most switches. While not completely silent, it offers a dampened sound signature that is more subtle.
On the other hand, the Oreo tactile switch provides a delectable treat for your fingertips. It offers a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a delightfully cushioned sensation when bottoming out. This switch strikes a perfect balance between satisfying keystrokes and comfortable typing. When typing on the Oreos, you can expect a subtle and mellow sound profile, described as chirpy with a little squeak.
Considering the available information, the Aqua King and the Oreo switches offer distinct subjective qualities in both sound and feel. The Aqua King excels in providing a frictionless and smooth typing experience, while producing a subdued sound. On the other hand, the Oreo offers a satisfying tactile bump with a cushioned sensation and a subtle chirpy sound. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience in different ways.
Ultimately, whether you prefer the Aqua King or the Oreo switches will depend on your personal preferences. If you enjoy a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a subdued sound, the Aqua King is an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a tactile bump accompanied by a cushioned sensation and a subtle chirpy sound, the Oreo switch would be more suitable. Keep in mind that other factors, such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, can also influence the sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience with a slightly medium-light bottom-out force, then the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a frictionless and creamy feel, giving you a magical typing experience reminiscent of gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. The Aqua Kings have a subdued sound profile, providing a more subtle and dampened sound when pressed.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a prominent amount of tactility and a slightly lighter bottom-out force, then the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is the perfect option. These switches offer a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. With the Oreos, you can indulge in a delectable treat for your fingertips while maintaining a comfortable typing experience. The switches have a mellow sound profile with a unique chirp, setting them apart from the rest.
Ultimately, the decision between the Aqua King and Oreo switches comes down to your preference for a linear or tactile switch, as well as your desired typing experience. If you prioritize smoothness and effortless gliding, go for the Aqua King. If you prefer a satisfying keystroke with noticeable tactility, choose the Oreo. Both switches offer medium to medium-light bottom-out forces, making them versatile options for different typing preferences. In the end, it's all about finding the switch that suits your personal typing style and brings you the most enjoyment.
Mentioned in this article
