Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Aqua King and the TTC Speed Silver, both of which fall under the category of linear switches. The Aqua King is often praised for its frictionless feel, giving typists a sensation similar to ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. Its typing experience is nothing short of magical, as fingers effortlessly glide across the keys, thanks to its subdued, creamy, and silky characteristics. On the other hand, the Speed Silver is a top pick for those who prioritize a fast and precise typing experience. These tactile switches offer a light-medium level of resistance and produce a pristine sound profile. With reduced travel distance, the Speed Silvers enable quick and effortless actuation, earning them the reputation of being neutral, mild, and polished. However, let's delve deeper into the specific nuances of these switches to help you determine which one would best suit your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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 the TTC Speed Silver both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for an aesthetically pleasing display of colors. In terms of sound and feel, both switches will provide similar results due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, there is a noticeable difference between the Aqua King and the Speed Silver. The Aqua King utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, while the Speed Silver employs nylon. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound.
As a result of these housing material differences, the impact on sound and feel varies between the bottom and top of the switches. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more pronounced, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the sound when releasing a key is primarily influenced by the top housing. Therefore, while the top housings of the Aqua King and Speed Silver offer similar results due to their shared polycarbonate material, the choice of bottom housing sets them apart in terms of sound experience.
In summary, the Everglide Aqua King and TTC Speed Silver utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. However, the Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing differs from the Speed Silver's nylon bottom housing. This discrepancy leads to variations in sound, with the Aqua King offering a clearer sound and the Speed Silver providing a deeper and fuller sound. Regardless of these differences, both switches deliver similar results when it comes to the impact of the top housing on the sound when letting go of a key.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, their actuation forces and bottom out forces are quite similar, with slight variations. The Aqua King has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Speed Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range for actuation force, requiring a moderate amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Aqua King is slightly heavier, requiring a higher force of 62 grams compared to the Speed Silver's 55 grams.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Speed Silver more suitable as it has a slightly lower bottom out force. This lighter force allows for more extended typing sessions, making it ideal for those who use their keyboards for work or spend long hours gaming. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Aqua King, as its higher bottom out force provides a more tactile feedback and a sense of durability.
It is worth noting that while there is a difference in bottom out force between the two switches, the variation is relatively small. Hence, those seeking a similar typing experience in terms of actuation force and bottoming out force may still achieve comparable results with either switch. Ultimately, the decision between the Everglide Aqua King and the TTC Speed Silver will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and the desired level of force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, it is clear that they have different lengths. The Aqua King has a travel distance of 4 mm, which falls into the more traditional range. On the other hand, the Speed Silver has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes it a preferred choice among gamers who value fast response times. If you are someone who enjoys a more responsive typing experience, then the Speed Silver would be the better option for you. However, for those who appreciate a deeper key press, the Aqua King's longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience one is seeking.
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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 and TTC Speed Silver switches have distinct subjective qualities when it comes to sound and feel.
In terms of sound, the Aqua King switch offers a subdued experience. When pressed, it produces a dampened sound that is not completely silent but has a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Speed Silver switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. It falls in the middle ground in terms of sound, offering a moderate sound profile that is suitable for various purposes. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Turning to feel, the Aqua King switch provides a luxurious typing experience. It is described as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished. These switches offer an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience, eliminating any sense of resistance or friction while pressing the keys. It feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, creating a magical and refined sensation. In contrast, the Speed Silver switch is mild and polished. It offers a gentle typing experience, falling into a safe middle-ground zone. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the Everglide Aqua King and TTC Speed Silver switches have their unique qualities when it comes to sound and feel. The Aqua King provides a subdued sound and a luxurious, frictionless feel, while the Speed Silver offers a neutral sound and a mild, polished feel. Both switches offer smooth key travel and reduced friction due to materials used and potential factory lubing. Depending on your preferences, you can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel with either switch, but the Aqua King delivers a more distinctive and lavish typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a typing experience that feels frictionless and smooth, with a medium bottom out force, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. These switches offer a buttery and silky feel, similar to gliding your fingers across the keys effortlessly. The Aqua King's sound profile is subdued, providing a more subtle and dampened sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, if you value a fast and precise typing experience with a light-medium bottom out force, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch would be a great option. These switches have a reduced travel distance, allowing for quick and effortless actuation, ideal for those who prefer speed. The Speed Silver's sound profile is neutral, offering a moderate sound experience suitable for various scenarios. Moreover, both switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King and TTC Speed Silver will depend on your personal preference for typing feel, sound, and desired bottom out force.
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