Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. TTC Iron
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the TTC Iron switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the TTC Iron, both linear switches with distinctive qualities. The Aqua King (V3) is praised for its frictionless feel, providing a smooth typing experience akin to gliding on ice. On the other hand, the TTC Iron offers a clacky sound signature and light actuation for a satisfying and fatigue-free typing session. While the Aqua King (V3) is known for its subdued and creamy feel, the Iron exudes a more pronounced and clacky sensation. Both switches have their unique advantages, catering to different preferences and needs. 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
41g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the TTC Iron both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Aqua King (V3) uses polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. In comparison, the Iron utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housing, producing a deeper and relatively more muted sound. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the Aqua King (V3) may be better suited for those looking for a more vibrant and lively typing experience, while the Iron may appeal to those who prefer a more subdued sound.
However, when it comes to the top housing specifically, the Aqua King (V3) and the Iron diverge in their material choices. The Aqua King (V3) features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sharp and clear sound as well as its translucency that is ideal for RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Iron utilizes a POM top housing, which creates a unique and pleasing deep sound profile that is more muted compared to polycarbonate. This difference in material choice for the top housing can impact the overall sound and feel of typing on each keyboard, catering to different preferences based on sound depth and clarity.
Overall, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the TTC Iron may come down to personal preference in sound profile. Both keyboards offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, with the Aqua King (V3) providing a sharper and more resonant sound thanks to its polycarbonate housing, while the Iron offers a deeper and more muted sound with its POM housing. Whether you prefer a lively and clear typing experience or a more subtle and deep sound, the housing materials of these keyboards play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing feel and sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch to the TTC Iron linear switch, it is evident that the Aqua King has a higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Iron switch. The Aqua King requires 46 grams of force to actuate and 62 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-weight option. On the other hand, the TTC Iron switch has a lighter actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which classifies it as a lighter switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods, the TTC Iron switch would be the preferred choice. However, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Everglide Aqua King switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Iron linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Aqua King offering a standard 4.0mm distance and the Iron providing a slightly shallower experience at 3.8mm. Gamers may appreciate the shorter travel distance of the Iron for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Aqua King. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
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 (V3) linear switch is described as having a subdued sound, creating a dampened and subtle sound signature when pressed. On the other hand, the TTC Iron linear switch is known for its clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy noise with each press. While the Aqua King offers a more muted typing experience, the Iron delivers a more pronounced and satisfying auditory feedback. Depending on your preference, the Aqua King may be more suitable for a quieter environment, while the Iron could be more appealing to those who enjoy a more tactile and audible typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch is praised for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience. It offers an incredibly smooth and effortless feel, minimizing resistance and providing a fluid travel that enhances the overall typing sensation. On the other hand, the TTC Iron linear switch is lauded for its easy-to-press and mild characteristics, offering gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing comfortable and reduces finger fatigue during extended use. The Iron provides a responsive and low-impact typing feel that is approachable to most users.
Considering all available information, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the TTC Iron linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Aqua King provides a more subdued and frictionless typing experience with a focus on smoothness, the Iron stands out with its clacky sound signature and easy-to-press feel. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Aqua King being ideal for those seeking a quieter and smoother typing experience, and the Iron appealing to users who enjoy a more tactile and audible feedback. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force that offers a frictionless and magical typing experience similar to ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink, then the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch is the choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force switch that provides a pronounced clacky sound with swift and fatigue-free typing sessions, the TTC Iron linear switch would be a great fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with the Aqua King (V3) or a responsive and low-impact typing feel with the Iron. Consider your typing preferences and needs to choose the switch that best suits your style.
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