Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that come to mind are the Everglide Aqua King and the TTC Gold Red. The Aqua King is a linear switch that is best known for its incredibly smooth and frictionless typing experience. It feels as if you are effortlessly gliding across the keys, creating a truly magical sensation. On the other hand, the Gold Red linear switches offer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. These switches have a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality to your keyboard without being too flashy. While both switches have their own unique qualities, it is important to delve deeper into their specific features and characteristics to determine which one is best suited for your individual preferences. So, let's take a closer look and discover the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
43g
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
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King and TTC Gold Red keyboards feature different materials for their top and bottom housings. Both keyboards use polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through. Therefore, both keyboards will provide similar sound profiles and aesthetic appeal with their polycarbonate top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, there is a contrast between the two keyboards. The Aqua King utilizes polycarbonate, similar to its top housing, while the Gold Red employs nylon for its bottom housing. Switches with nylon bottom housings produce a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to those with polycarbonate bottom housings. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Users who prefer a deeper and mellower sound when typing may find the Gold Red's nylon bottom housing more appealing.
The difference in housing materials between the Aqua King and the Gold Red ultimately affects the overall sound and feel of the keyboards. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the top housings are the same for both keyboards, the contrasting bottom housings contribute to each keyboard's unique sound profile. Users can choose between the sharper and crisper sound of the Aqua King with its polycarbonate bottom housing or the deeper and fuller sound of the Gold Red with its nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, some significant differences arise. The Aqua King has an actuation force of 46 grams, while the Gold Red requires a slightly lighter touch with an actuation force of 43 grams. Both switches fall into the lighter force range, making them suitable for users who prefer extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming activities. However, in terms of the bottom out force, the Aqua King again exhibits a higher force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Gold Red has a lower bottom out force of 50 grams, offering a slightly lighter typing experience. Overall, while the actuation force of the switches differs slightly, individuals seeking a lighter typing experience can expect similar results, while those inclined towards a heavier feel may find the Aqua King to be the better choice.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Aqua King and TTC Gold Red linear switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Therefore, both switches will provide similar results in terms of the distance you feel when using them.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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 linear switch is best described as having a subdued sound. This means that when pressed, it produces a dampened sound that is not completely silent but offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is known for its thocky sound profile. This means that it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed, similar to a deep "thud" or a soft "knock." Additionally, the Gold Red switch is also described as having a low-pitched sound, which features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Aqua King is renowned for its frictionless and smooth typing experience. It offers an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. This switch provides a fluid travel and gives the sensation of gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Additionally, the Aqua King switch is also described as creamy, silky, and polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that enhances the overall typing feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Similarly, the TTC Gold Red linear switch also offers a smooth and buttery typing experience. It is described as mild, silky, subtle, and polished, providing a gentle, light-medium level of resistance that is approachable to most users. The Gold Red switch has qualities that stand in a safe, middle-ground zone, ideal for those seeking a typing experience that is not too extreme but still offers a sleek and refined feel.
Taking all of this information into account, the Everglide Aqua King and TTC Gold Red both offer excellent typing experiences with smooth and effortless key presses. While the Aqua King is known for its frictionless feel and subdued sound, the Gold Red offers a slightly more pronounced sound with a thocky profile and a mild feel. However, both switches share similar qualities of being silky, polished, and providing a smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding sound and resistance level, as well as other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a typing experience that feels almost frictionless and allows your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys, then the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, this switch offers a medium level of resistance that strikes a balance between being too heavy or too light. The Aqua King switch provides a magical typing sensation that resembles ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. The sound produced by these switches is subdued, offering a dampened and subtle sound signature compared to most switches.
On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a lighter touch, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is the one to go for. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, this switch is considered light. The Gold Red switches provide a snappy sound profile that adds a modest touch of personality without being overly ostentatious. The Gold Red switches have a variety of descriptions, including thocky, low-pitched, and neutral, which means you can expect a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed, emphasizing a bass-heavy and mellow tone while still maintaining a moderate actuation force requirement.
Ultimately, the decision between the Everglide Aqua King and TTC Gold Red switches should be based on your personal preferences and priorities. If you value a frictionless and fluid typing experience with a medium level of resistance, then the Aqua King is the way to go. However, if you prefer a lighter touch and a sound profile that adds a touch of character to your typing without being too overwhelming, then the Gold Red is the better choice. Consider your typing style and desired sound and feel, and you'll be able to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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