Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. TTC Neptune
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the TTC Neptune switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the TTC Neptune mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes evident that both offer unique and desirable characteristics. The Aqua King (V3) is praised for its frictionless feel, akin to gliding on ice, creating a magical typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune stands out with its innovative internal structure that combines a smooth, frictionless glide with a springy resistance, offering a unique "matte" feel to every keystroke. While the Aqua King (V3) is characterized as subdued, creamy, and polished, the Neptune is described as buttery, gummy, and thocky. Each switch has its own strengths and appeals 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
41g
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
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the TTC Neptune, one key difference lies in the top housing material. The Aqua King (V3) features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, especially ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. On the other hand, the Neptune's POM top housing offers a unique sound profile that leans towards the deeper and more muted side. This contrast in sound qualities showcases how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience for users of these switches.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Aqua King (V3) and the Neptune utilize polycarbonate material. This shared housing material choice results in a similar sound profile characterized by sharpness, high pitch, and crispness. This consistency in material for the bottom housing ensures a clear and resonant sound profile that is distinct to polycarbonate. While both switches differ in their top housing material, the shared use of polycarbonate for the bottom housing suggests that they may provide a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and feel when pressing down on the keys.
Overall, the contrasting top housing materials of polycarbonate in the Aqua King (V3) and POM in the Neptune contribute to distinct sound profiles – sharper and higher-pitched versus deeper and more muted, respectively. However, the shared polycarbonate bottom housing in both switches signifies a common emphasis on clear and resonant sound quality. Whether opting for the Aqua King (V3) with its polycarbonate top and bottom housing or the Neptune with its POM top housing and polycarbonate bottom housing, users can expect differences in sound dynamics based on their choice of switch while enjoying a consistent typing experience facilitated by the shared use of polycarbonate in the bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch, it is evident that the Aqua King has a higher actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Neptune's 41 grams, making the Aqua King the heavier option. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Aqua King is 62 grams, while the Neptune has a bottom out force of 50 grams, once again showing that the Aqua King requires more force for a complete keystroke. This means that the Aqua King provides a firmer and more substantial typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the lighter actuation and bottom out force of the Neptune makes it a more suitable choice for individuals looking for a lighter typing experience, perfect for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on the user's preference, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of their weight preference.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Neptune linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Aqua King being slightly longer. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Neptune with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Aqua King. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing 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 Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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) linear switch is described as having a subdued sound profile, offering a more subtle and dampened sound compared to most switches when pressed. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune linear switch is known for its low-pitched, muted sound signature that keeps the auditory ambiance refined and unobtrusive. The Neptune also has a thocky element to its sound, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. Depending on your choice of board and keycaps, the sound of these switches can vary but the Aqua King tends to be quieter overall.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch is praised for its creamy and frictionless typing experience, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys with a silky sensation. Conversely, the TTC Neptune linear switch offers a buttery and polished typing feel, combining smoothness and refinement for a pleasurable typing experience. Both switches are described as frictionless, minimizing any resistance or friction when pressing the keys and providing a fluid travel. The Neptune also has a gummy feel when bottoming out, adding a unique sensation to its typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Aqua King (V3) and Neptune linear switches share certain qualities such as being frictionless and polished, they offer distinct sound and feel experiences. The Aqua King tends to have a quieter and more subdued sound compared to the Neptune, which boasts a low-pitched and thocky sound profile. In terms of typing feel, both switches provide smooth and effortless typing experiences, but the Aqua King is described as creamy while the Neptune offers a buttery sensation with a gummy feel when bottoming out. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, either switch could provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Aqua King leaning towards a quieter and more subdued experience and the Neptune offering a more textured and harmonious feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch, consider the bottom out force, typing experience, sound profile, and overall feel of the switches. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a typing experience that feels almost frictionless like ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink, the Aqua King (V3) is an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a unique typing sensation that combines smoothness with a springy resistance reminiscent of chewy delights like mochi or tapioca pearls, the TTC Neptune may be the better option for you. Additionally, if you prefer a more subdued sound with your switches, the Aqua King (V3) would be a good fit, while the Neptune offers a low-pitched, muted sound signature. Ultimately, choose the switch that best aligns with your preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and overall feel.
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