Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. TTC Brother
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the TTC Brother switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and TTC Brother mechanical keyboard switches offer unique experiences for users seeking different typing sensations. The Aqua King (V3) provides a smooth and frictionless typing experience, akin to gliding on ice, making it a great choice for those looking for a subdued, creamy, and polished feel. On the other hand, the TTC Brother clicky switch offers a satisfyingly crunchy sound and tactile bump, perfect for clicky switch enthusiasts who prefer an easy-to-press and stepped switch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
17.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the TTC Brother both feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the housings of both switches results in a more clear and resonant sound due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, while both switches share the same top housing material, the Aqua King (V3) features a polycarbonate bottom housing, whereas the Brother's bottom housing is made of nylon.
In contrast to the Aqua King (V3)'s polycarbonate bottom housing, the Brother's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aqua King (V3). The differences in bottom housing materials between the two switches highlight the impact that housing material can have on the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Overall, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the TTC Brother showcase how the choice of housing material can significantly influence the sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharper sound profile, the Aqua King (V3) stands out with its polycarbonate bottom housing for a more resonant sound, whereas the Brother utilizes nylon for a deeper and fuller sound. Understanding how different housing materials can impact the overall typing experience can help enthusiasts make informed decisions when selecting switches for their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a higher actuation force of 46 grams compared to the TTC Brother clicky switch, which has an actuation force of 37 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Aqua King is also higher at 62 grams, whereas the bottom out force for the Brother switch is unknown. This means that the Aqua King switch requires more force to press all the way down compared to the Brother switch. The Aqua King provides a more substantial typing experience due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces, while the Brother switch may be preferred by those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Aqua King offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a more traditional tactile feel when typing. On the other hand, the Brother switch has a shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for quick response times. Both switches offer their own advantages - the Aqua King for a more substantial keypress feel, and the Brother for faster feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific use case.
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 Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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 is described as having a subdued sound, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the TTC Brother clicky switch is known for its crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. The Aqua King switch will provide a quieter typing experience, while the Brother switch will offer a more audible and satisfying click with each keystroke.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King (V3) switch is praised for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience, which feels like effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys. On the other hand, the Brother switch is characterized as easy-to-press and stepped, providing gentle resistance and a responsive typing feel with distinct stages during key presses. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations, with the Aqua King focusing on smoothness and fluid travel, while the Brother emphasizes low-impact typing and tactile feedback.
Overall, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch offer distinct typing experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua King switch provides a smoother and quieter typing experience, while the Brother switch delivers a more audible and tactile feedback. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches cater to different typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, experimenting with both switches will give you a better understanding of which one suits your typing needs the best.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch, your choice should ultimately come down to your personal preferences. If you prioritize a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a medium bottom out force, then the Aqua King (V3) switch may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you're seeking a lightweight and tactile switch with a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature and easy-to-press actuation, the TTC Brother clicky switch could be the ideal choice. Consider the typing feel, sound, and bottom out force of each switch carefully to determine which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make based on what qualities you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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