Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. TTC Flame Red
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the TTC Flame Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Aqua King and the TTC Flame Red, both of which are linear switches. The Aqua King is best known for its frictionless typing experience, reminiscent of gliding on a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink. This switch offers a subdued, creamy, and silky feel that is perfect for those who prefer a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Flame Red is renowned for its dazzling light diffuser, making it the go-to choice for individuals who desire a backlit, RGB keyboard. In addition to its visually appealing features, the Flame Red offers a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile that adds a satisfying tactile element to typing. While these generalities can help you narrow down your choice, let's dive in a bit deeper to explore their characteristics further and help you decide on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
54g
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
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King and TTC Flame Red switches differ in their housing materials, with the Aqua King featuring a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, while the Flame Red has a nylon top and bottom housing. These materials result in contrasting sound profiles. The Aqua King's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's relatively stiffer nature, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Flame Red's nylon housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound.
Both the Aqua King and Flame Red switches share the characteristic of having a translucent housing, making them suitable for RGB lighting. However, their different materials affect the overall sound produced. If you prefer a keyboard with a sharper and crisper sound profile, the Aqua King's polycarbonate housing would be a better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a keyboard with a deeper and fuller sound, the Flame Red's nylon housing would be more suitable.
When it comes to the top and bottom housings of a switch, the qualities of each material will have a split impact. The bottom housing, whether it is polycarbonate or nylon, will have a more noticeable effect on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down. The top housing, on the other hand, will play a larger role in the sound produced when the key is released. Therefore, the choice of housing material in both the top and bottom housings can significantly impact the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the Aqua King requires 46 grams of force while the Flame Red requires slightly less at 45 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range, offering a balanced level of resistance.
However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Aqua King is heavier with 62 grams of force compared to the Flame Red's 54 grams. This means that typing on the Aqua King switch will provide a more substantial and solid feel, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push when typing. On the other hand, the Flame Red switch offers a lighter bottom out force, which may be preferred by individuals who prioritize longer typing sessions and a lighter touch.
Overall, the Aqua King is slightly heavier in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Flame Red, providing a more tactile and weightier typing experience. However, if you're looking for a similar result with a lighter touch, the Flame Red switch can provide a medium-light option that allows for comfortable and extended typing sessions.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed down, and it determines the feeling you get when you press a key. In this case, both the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a similar distance traveled. Therefore, both switches offer a consistent and reliable typing experience in terms of travel distance.
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 Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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 Everglide Aqua King linear switch is well-known for its frictionless feel, providing a unique typing experience reminiscent of gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red linear switch boasts a weighty smoothness when typing, accompanied by a clacky sound profile. The Aqua King is described as having a creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished feel, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. It minimizes resistance and friction, allowing the keys to be pressed effortlessly. In contrast, the Flame Red is referred to as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
When it comes to sound, the Aqua King is described as producing a subdued sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Flame Red is categorized as having a neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or planning to use it at home or work. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King and TTC Flame Red linear switches offer different subjective qualities. The Aqua King provides a frictionless and smooth typing experience, while the Flame Red offers a weighty smoothness and a gentle feel. Both switches have a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Although there are differences in sound and feel, both switches present unique and enjoyable qualities. Based on the available information, users can expect a similar smooth and polished typing experience with reduced friction from both switches.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch, there are a few factors to consider.
If you prioritize a smooth and frictionless typing experience, the Aqua King switch is the way to go. With its creamy, frictionless, and polished feel, you'll feel like your fingers are effortlessly gliding across the keys. This switch offers a magical typing experience akin to ice skating on a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink.
On the other hand, if visuals and backlit keyboards are important to you, the Flame Red switch is the better choice. Its dazzling light diffuser makes it the perfect switch for a backlit or RGB keyboard. Additionally, the Flame Red switch offers a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile when typing.
In terms of sound, the Aqua King switch is described as subdued, producing a dampened and subtle sound when pressed. This makes it a good option if you prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Flame Red switch has a neutral sound profile, providing a moderate sound that suits most intents and purposes.
Overall, both switches offer their own unique advantages. The Aqua King switch excels in providing a frictionless and buttery typing experience, while the Flame Red switch stands out with its visual appeal and weighty smoothness. Consider your priorities in terms of feel, sound, and visuals to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard.
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