Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up are the Everglide Aqua King and the TTC Silent Bluish White. The Aqua King switches are known for their incredibly smooth and frictionless typing experience, reminiscent of gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish Whites offer a medium tactile feel that provides a satisfying level of resistance when pressed, ensuring a precise and comfortable typing experience. The distinguishing factor, however, lies in their noise level. The Silent Bluish Whites are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them a perfect choice for environments such as offices or shared living spaces. While these general points give you an idea of what each switch has to offer, it's important to delve deeper into their specific features and characteristics to determine the best switch for your needs.
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
3.50 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
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 Silent Bluish White both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, making it aesthetically pleasing for those who enjoy customizable lighting effects. Therefore, users can expect similar results when it comes to sound and aesthetics with these switches.
However, the bottom housings of the Aqua King and Silent Bluish White differ in material composition. The Aqua King utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, while the Silent Bluish White incorporates nylon. This variation in material leads to a difference in sound profiles. The Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a clear and resonant sound, due to its relatively stiffer nature. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer composition which absorbs more sound. This means that typing on the Silent Bluish White may elicit a duller and rounder sound compared to the Aqua King.
In terms of feel, the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the switch's bottom-out sound and overall tactile experience. When pressing down on either the Aqua King or Silent Bluish White, the qualities of their respective bottom housings will be noticeable. On the other hand, the top housing's influence is more prominent when it comes to the sound produced upon the release of a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Aqua King has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams, compared to the Silent Bluish White's 42 grams, making the latter lighter in this aspect. Similarly, the Aqua King has a higher bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Silent Bluish White has a lower bottom out force of 50 grams. This indicates that the Aqua King provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, which some users may prefer for a satisfying feedback. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White offers a lighter feel, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing or gaming. It is worth noting that if a lighter touch is desired, both switches can deliver similar results as they both provide medium to light forces. However, for those seeking a heavier and more robust typing experience, the Aqua King with its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces would be the better choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, it is clear that the Aqua King has a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Silent Bluish White has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Aqua King's 4.0 mm travel distance falls into the more traditional range, providing a deeper key press experience. On the other hand, the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Silent Bluish White makes it a shallower option, which may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and whether a deeper or shallower travel distance is more desired for a particular typing or gaming experience.
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 Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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 Aqua King linear switch provides a subdued sound when pressed. It is not completely silent, but it offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White tactile switch is described as muted. This means it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. Both switches aim to minimize noise, making them suitable for quieter environments such as offices or shared living spaces. It is worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Aqua King switch is often referred to as offering a frictionless and creamy typing experience. This suggests a smooth and effortless sensation when typing, akin to gliding across the keys with ease. The switch provides a silky and polished feel, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Silent Bluish White switch is described as having a buttery and mild feel. This means it offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. The switch is also polished and subtle, maintaining a gentle resistance and a light typing feel.
Taking into account the available information, the Aqua King and Silent Bluish White switches offer different subjective qualities. The Aqua King switch emphasizes a frictionless and creamy typing experience, with a subdued sound when pressed. It is best suited for those seeking a smooth and refined typing feel. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White switch focuses on a buttery and mild feel, with a muted sound. It provides a more gentle and approachable typing experience. Both switches aim to minimize noise, making them suitable for shared spaces. Overall, whether you prefer the Aqua King or Silent Bluish White switch, you can expect similar results in terms of a smooth and polished typing experience, albeit with slight differences in sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a smooth, frictionless typing experience that feels like gliding across the keys, then the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is the one for you. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, it offers a medium level of resistance. It provides a magical typing sensation reminiscent of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. The Aqua King is also described as offering a subdued sound, making it a quieter option compared to most switches.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a satisfying level of resistance and a precise typing experience, the TTC Silent Bluish White switch is the better choice. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, it offers a lighter touch. This switch is designed to be quiet and is perfect for office or shared living spaces. It offers a medium tactile feel and is described as providing a buttery, mild, and polished typing experience. The Silent Bluish White switch also produces a muted sound, minimizing the noise associated with mechanical keyboards.
Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing experience and noise level. Consider whether a frictionless, glide-like typing feel or a precise, quiet, and comfortable typing experience is more important to you. Choose the switch that aligns with your preferences for the best overall typing experience.
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