Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. TTC Honey
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the TTC Honey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, two options worth considering are the Everglide Aqua King and the TTC Honey. The Aqua King is a linear switch that is best known for its frictionless feel, reminiscent of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. Your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys, resulting in a magical typing experience. On the other hand, the Honey is also a linear switch and is loved for its smooth and creamy typing feel. These switches not only provide a delightful typing experience but also feature a deep and pleasant sound profile. Both switches fall under the categories of subdued, creamy, frictionless, and polished, with the Aqua King being described as silky and the Honey as buttery and subtle. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
42g
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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King and the TTC Honey both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound profile overall. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, making it aesthetically appealing for those interested in customizable illumination.
However, despite these similarities in housing material, it is important to note that if the top and bottom housings differ for a particular switch, the qualities brought by each housing material will be divided between the top and the bottom. When pressing down on either the Aqua King or the Honey, you will primarily experience the qualities of the bottom housing, which greatly influence the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Conversely, the top housing will have a more pronounced impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction highlights how the housing materials can slightly differentiate the overall typing experience between these two switches.
Overall, the utilization of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings of the Everglide Aqua King and the TTC Honey ensures a similar sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile for both switches. However, the distribution of the housing materials between the top and bottom can influence the overall sound and feel when typing. Regardless, these switches offer users the benefits of polycarbonate, including its stiffness, clarity, resonance, and suitability for RGB lighting, resulting in an enhanced and visually appealing typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the TTC Honey linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Aqua King requires a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams, whereas the Honey has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams. This means that the Aqua King will require a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke compared to the Honey.
However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Aqua King has a higher bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Honey has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that when pressing all the way down, the Aqua King will provide a more substantial typing experience due to the higher force required, while the Honey will have a slightly lighter feel.
Considering weight, the Aqua King can be considered heavier in terms of actuation and bottom out force compared to the Honey. However, for those who prefer a lighter switch, the Honey would be the preferable choice. Both switches provide a medium actuation force, but the Aqua King has a higher bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the TTC Honey linear switch, we find that the Aqua King has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Honey has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The difference may seem minimal, but it can make a noticeable impact on the overall typing or gaming experience. The Aqua King, with its 4 mm travel distance, offers a more traditional feel, providing a comfortable depth for each keystroke. On the other hand, the Honey, with its slightly shorter 3.8 mm travel distance, caters to those who prefer a more responsive and swift keystroke, making it popular among gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - if you value a deeper feel when typing, the Aqua King is the choice for you, but if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Honey will provide similar results despite its slightly shorter 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 Honey has an MSRP of $9.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey for $6.78.
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, both the Everglide Aqua King and the TTC Honey switches are described as subdued. This means that they produce a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both switches share similar qualities. They are described as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. This can be attributed to lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials used in the switches. Typing on these switches will give you a silky sensation, as your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys with minimal resistance or friction. The Aqua King is also described as frictionless and polished, further emphasizing the smooth and refined typing experience it offers. The Honey switch is also referred to as buttery, accentuating its fluid keystroke experience. Overall, both switches prioritize a smooth and comfortable typing feel.
In conclusion, both the Everglide Aqua King and the TTC Honey switches offer excellent subjective qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. They provide a subdued sound profile, making them suitable for shared spaces. In terms of feel, they both deliver a creamy and smooth typing experience, with a focus on minimizing resistance and friction. Whether you choose the Aqua King or the Honey switch, you can expect similar results of a delightful and effortless typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with a medium bottom out force and a frictionless, ice skating-like typing feel, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is the one for you. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, it provides a satisfying amount of resistance. The Aqua King offers a magical typing experience with its glide-like sensation and effortless keystrokes. Additionally, it has a pleasant and subdued sound profile, making it suitable for shared spaces.
On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force and a smooth and creamy typing feel, the TTC Honey linear switch is the better choice. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, it provides a lighter and gentler typing experience. The Honey switch offers a deep and pleasant sound profile, enhancing the overall typing enjoyment. It also provides a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation, akin to gliding your fingers across the keys.
Overall, both the Everglide Aqua King and TTC Honey switches provide a smooth and pleasant typing experience. Your decision should be based on whether you prefer a medium or light bottom out force and the specific nuances of the typing feel. Consider your preferences for resistance, sound, and smoothness to select the switch that aligns with your typing style and preferences.
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