Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. TTC Bluish White
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the TTC Bluish White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introduction:
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, there are various factors to consider, including the typing experience and the sound profile. Two popular options that stand out are the Everglide Aqua King and the TTC Bluish White switches. The Everglide Aqua King switch is a linear switch, offering a frictionless typing experience that feels reminiscent of gliding on freshly resurfaced ice skating rink. On the other hand, the TTC Bluish White switch is a tactile switch, providing a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a snappy sound profile. While these general pointers might give you an idea of which switch aligns more closely with your preferences, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you decide the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
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 TTC Bluish White share many similarities. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Aqua King and the Bluish White can provide similar results in terms of sound profile and visual aesthetics.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, these switches differ in their material choices. The Aqua King utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Bluish White features a nylon bottom housing. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the relatively softer nature of nylon. The nylon material absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the bottom-out sound and feel of the Aqua King and the Bluish White will vary due to their different bottom housing materials.
Overall, the bottom and top housings of a switch play crucial roles in the overall sound and feel. While both the Aqua King and the Bluish White share the benefits of a polycarbonate top housing in terms of sound profile and RGB lighting compatibility, the nylon bottom housing of the Bluish White adds a deeper and fuller sound quality that differs from the Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing. Consequently, these switches will provide distinct experiences when it comes to the sound produced during key presses and releases.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the TTC Bluish White tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Aqua King has an actuation force of 46 grams, slightly heavier than the Bluish White's 42 grams. Both switches provide a relatively light actuation force, allowing for quicker keystrokes and reducing fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Aqua King is noticeably heavier at 62 grams compared to the Bluish White's 50 grams. This means that the Aqua King provides a more substantial and satisfying typing experience in terms of force required to fully press the key. For those who prefer a lighter switch feel, the Bluish White would be a suitable option, while those seeking a more robust typing experience may lean towards the Aqua King. Regardless of the switch chosen, both options offer a comparable actuation force, resulting in similar performance in terms of triggering keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the TTC Bluish White tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Aqua King has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Bluish White. The Aqua King's 4.0 mm travel distance is considered more traditional, providing a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the Bluish White's 3.5 mm travel distance is slightly shallower, which can appeal to gamers who value faster response times. Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference. If you prefer a more responsive and quicker keystroke, the Bluish White with its shorter travel distance would be the better option. However, if you enjoy a more substantial and satisfying key press with greater depth, the Aqua King's longer travel distance may be more suitable for you. Both switches offer different experiences, so it's important to consider your preferences before making a decision.
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 TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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 sound of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is best described as subdued. It produces a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch has a low-pitched sound profile. It offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. However, if you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Aqua King would be a better choice, whereas if you enjoy a deeper and mellower sound, the Bluish White is the one to go for.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch provides a frictionless and effortless typing experience. It creates a magical sensation where your fingers simply glide across the keys as if you were ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. The Aqua King is also described as creamy, silky, and polished, offering a smooth and refined finish that minimizes resistance and enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch offers a buttery and mild typing experience. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke, providing a seamless and uniform sensation. It is also described as stepped and subtle, offering a gentle resistance and a safe middle-ground feel. Similar to the Aqua King, the Bluish White switch is also polished, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch stands out for its frictionless feel and subdued sound. It offers a magical typing experience where your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys. On the other hand, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch offers a poppy and low-pitched sound with a buttery and mild typing experience. Both switches have a polished finish that results in smooth key travel and reduced friction. Therefore, if you are looking for a quiet and frictionless typing experience, the Aqua King would be the recommended choice. However, if you prefer a deeper sound profile and a gentle yet smooth keystroke, the Bluish White switch would provide similar results. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prioritize a smooth and frictionless typing experience akin to gliding on ice, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch would be the optimal choice for you. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, it offers a medium resistance level. Additionally, the Aqua King is known for its subdued sound profile, providing a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch that delivers a satisfying poppy typing experience, the TTC Bluish White switch with a bottom out force of 50 grams would be more suitable. These switches have a low-pitched sound profile, producing a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Their feel can be described as buttery, mild, stepped, or subtle, offering a gentle typing sensation with a polished finish. Ultimately, the decision between the Aqua King and the Bluish White comes down to your preference for either a frictionless typing experience or a tactile and poppy switch. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer unique advantages that can enhance your typing experience.
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