Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. TTC Gold Silver
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the TTC Gold Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that come to mind are the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the TTC Gold Silver, both of which are linear switches. The Aqua King is renowned for its frictionless feel, providing a typing experience akin to gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. In contrast, the Gold Silver stands out for its rapid responsiveness, offering a solid bottom-out with each keystroke and a harmonious sound signature. While the Aqua King is described as 'subdued' and 'creamy', the Gold Silver is labeled as 'polished', 'thocky', and 'low-pitched'. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing experience. 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
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the TTC Gold Silver, it is clear that they both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This material is also ideal for switches that feature RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency. In contrast, the bottom housing of the Gold Silver is made of nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aqua King. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall.
The difference in bottom housing material between the Aqua King (V3) and the Gold Silver plays a significant role in the typing experience. The stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aqua King contributes to a more clear and resonant sound when pressing down on the keys, while the nylon bottom housing of the Gold Silver absorbs sound and creates a deeper sound profile. On the other hand, both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, which impacts the sound when key switches are released. The sharper and crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing is consistent across both switches, delivering a satisfying typing experience for users.
In terms of housing materials, while the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the TTC Gold Silver both feature a polycarbonate top housing, they differ in their bottom housing materials. The Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing enhances the overall sound profile by providing a clear and resonant sound, whereas the Gold Silver's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. This distinction in bottom housing materials showcases how different plastics can impact the typing experience and sound quality of mechanical switches. Despite these differences, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience, with the housing materials contributing to their unique sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, we see that the Aqua King has a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Gold Silver's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Aqua King is also higher at 62 grams, whereas the bottom out force of the Gold Silver is unknown. This means that the Aqua King provides a medium level of resistance for both actuation and bottoming out, while the Gold Silver's bottom out force remains a mystery. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Silver may be the better option due to its slightly lower actuation force. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Aqua King with its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Gold Silver switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Aqua King. This means that if you prefer a quicker response time and a shorter distance to press down on a key, the Gold Silver may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a bit more depth and a slightly longer travel distance, then the Aqua King would be the way to go. Ultimately, both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch offer distinct sound profiles. The Aqua King (V3) produces a subdued sound, offering a more subtle and dampened auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gold Silver switch is described as thocky, low-pitched, and neutral, providing a rich and satisfying sound that is deep and resonant. Both switches offer unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Aqua King (V3) appealing to those who prefer a quieter typing experience, while the Gold Silver suits individuals who enjoy a more pronounced and bass-heavy sound.
When it comes to feel, both switches provide a smooth and effortless typing experience. The Aqua King (V3) is known for its creamy, frictionless, and silky feel, giving users a sensation of gliding their fingers across the keys with ease. Similarly, the Gold Silver switch is described as polished, silky, mild, and subtle, offering a refined and gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Both switches excel in providing a smooth and polished typing feel, making each keystroke a pleasant and fluid experience.
In conclusion, while the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch offer distinct sound profiles, they both excel in providing a smooth and effortless typing experience. Whether you prefer a subdued and dampened sound like the Aqua King (V3) or a rich and resonant sound like the Gold Silver, both switches ensure a frictionless and polished feel with each keystroke. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and the type of typing experience you desire.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, consider the qualities that best suit your typing preferences. If you appreciate a medium bottom out force and a typing experience that feels frictionless, akin to gliding effortlessly on ice, then the Aqua King (V3) is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with an unknown bottom out force that offers rapid responsiveness, a decisive bottom-out, and a harmonized sound signature that embodies speed and fluidity, then the TTC Gold Silver switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, whether you prioritize a subdued sound profile and a creamy, polished typing feel, or prefer a thocky sound with a silky, mild typing experience, the choice between these two switches comes down to your individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Consider these factors carefully to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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