Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. TTC Gold Brown Pro
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the TTC Gold Brown Pro mechanical keyboard switches, you are met with a decision between a linear and tactile switch, each offering unique advantages. The Aqua King (V3) stands out for its incredibly smooth and frictionless typing experience, reminiscent of gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. In contrast, the Gold Brown Pro provides a subtle tactile bump for those who prefer nuanced feedback without the overt reminder of each key press. While the Aqua King (V3) offers a creamy and polished feel, the Gold Brown Pro boasts a low-pitched and thocky sound profile. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the TTC Gold Brown Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate used in the Aqua King (V3).
While the top housings of both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the TTC Gold Brown Pro are made of polycarbonate, their bottom housings differ in material. The bottom housing of the Aqua King (V3) is also made of polycarbonate, whereas the Gold Brown Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing. This means that when pressing down on the Aqua King (V3), the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the stiffer polycarbonate material, while the Gold Brown Pro will offer a different typing experience with its softer nylon bottom housing. The top housing of these switches, however, will have a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key.
In terms of sound profile and feel, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the TTC Gold Brown Pro demonstrate how different housing materials can affect the overall typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing of both switches produces a sharper and crisper sound, while the Nylon bottom housing in the Gold Brown Pro adds a deeper and fuller tone. The split between the top and bottom housings also highlights how each material contributes to different aspects of the typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key. Overall, both switches provide unique sound profiles and typing experiences due to their housing material choices.
Weight
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams compared to the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch's 45 grams. However, the Aqua King requires a higher bottom out force of 62 grams, whereas the Gold Brown Pro's bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight, the Aqua King is considered to be on the heavier side, which may appeal to users looking for a more substantial typing experience. Conversely, the Gold Brown Pro's lighter actuation force may be preferred by those who enjoy typing for longer periods without fatigue. Overall, while both switches have their unique qualities, the Aqua King offers a slightly increased actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gold Brown Pro, providing a different typing experience for users.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, it is clear that the Gold Brown Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the Aqua King's 4 mm. This means that the Gold Brown Pro may provide a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers seeking faster reaction times. On the other hand, the Aqua King's slightly longer travel distance may offer a more substantial keypress feel for those who prefer a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shorter or longer 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 Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the TTC Gold Brown Pro offer different auditory experiences. The Aqua King provides a subdued sound profile, creating a dampened and subtle typing noise that is not overly intrusive. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro produces a thocky and low-pitched sound, emphasizing a deeper and more satisfying auditory feedback with each key press. The choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, with the Aqua King offering a quieter and more understated typing experience, while the Gold Brown Pro provides a more pronounced and rich sound with each keystroke.
Moving onto the tactile feel, both switches provide a smooth and refined typing experience. The Aqua King (V3) is described as creamy, frictionless, and silky, offering a buttery sensation with minimal resistance and effortless key presses. Similarly, the Gold Brown Pro is also described as polished and silky, ensuring smooth and refined key travel. The Gold Brown Pro also adds a mild and subtle tactile feedback, making it suitable for those who prefer a gentler typing experience without sacrificing the overall smoothness and fluidity of the switch. Both switches excel in providing a comfortable and enjoyable typing feel, with slight variations in tactile feedback to suit individual preferences.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Aqua King emphasizes a more subdued sound profile and a frictionless typing feel akin to ice skating on freshly resurfaced ice, the Gold Brown Pro provides a thocky and low-pitched sound with a polished and silky typing experience, complemented by a mild and subtle tactile bump. Both switches excel in providing a smooth and refined typing experience, with the Aqua King focusing on minimal sound and effortless key presses, while the Gold Brown Pro adds a deeper auditory feedback and subtle tactile sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch that offers a frictionless and effortless typing experience, then the Everglide Aqua King (V3) would be a great choice for you. The Aqua King (V3) provides a creamy and polished feel, reminiscent of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink, ensuring smooth key travel with minimal resistance. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with subtle feedback and a subdued sound profile, the TTC Gold Brown Pro would be more up your alley. The Gold Brown Pro offers a polished and silky typing feel, with a mild and subtle tactile bump allowing you to stay focused on your tasks without distraction. Ultimately, your choice between the Aqua King (V3) and Gold Brown Pro will depend on whether you prioritize a buttery smooth linear experience or a gentle tactile feel when typing.
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