Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Bsun Tomcat offer distinct yet appealing options for enthusiasts seeking a smooth typing experience. The Aqua King (V3) is celebrated for its frictionless design, allowing users to glide across the keys with ease, reminiscent of ice skating on freshly resurfaced ice. This switch is characterized by a subdued and creamy feel, providing a polished and silky typing sensation that many find magical. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat features Ly stems that contribute to an exceptionally smooth typing experience, paired with a resonant sound profile that adds an auditory delight to each keystroke. While the Aqua King (V3) may be ideal for those who prioritize a seamless tactile journey, the Tomcat offers unique acoustic feedback that can enhance the overall typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Extended spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Bsun Tomcat both feature polycarbonate as the material for their top housings, resulting in a similarly sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This similarity stems from polycarbonate's inherent stiffness, which enhances sound clarity and resonance. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate not only contributes to the aesthetic appeal of the switches, particularly when RGB lighting is involved, but it also ensures that both switches exhibit comparable luminosity and visual effects when illuminated. Consequently, users can expect a very similar acoustic experience in the upward stroke of the keypress due to the shared material in the top housing.
In stark contrast, the bottom housings of these two switches differ significantly, with the Aqua King (V3) employing polycarbonate while the Tomcat utilizes nylon. The choice of nylon for the Tomcat’s bottom housing introduces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This leads to a duller and rounder auditory experience upon bottoming out the switch. Conversely, the Aqua King (V3)'s bottom housing remains linked to the high-pitched sound signature due to polycarbonate's rigidity, which may result in a more resonant bottom-out sound. This split in housing materials means that the overall sound experience of each switch can vary significantly, particularly on the bottom-out action.
Ultimately, users should consider how the different materials impact the overall sound and feel of each switch. With the Aqua King (V3) delivering a crisp and bright audio profile throughout the entire keypress, users looking for a sharper response may favor this option. On the other hand, the Tomcat, with its nylon bottom housing, offers a layered sound experience that may appeal to those who prefer a softer and rounder auditory feedback upon pressing down a key. Therefore, while both switches share the polycarbonate top housing and deliver a visually appealing RGB experience, their differing bottom housings could sway users' preferences based on individual sound profile preferences and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch with the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Aqua King (V3) features an actuation force of 46 grams, while the Tomcat has a slightly lighter actuation force at 45 grams, making the Tomcat more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing feel. In terms of bottom out force, the Aqua King (V3) reaches a heavier 62 grams compared to the Tomcat’s 54 grams, indicating that the Aqua King may provide a more substantial feel upon bottoming out, appealing to those who enjoy a stronger tactile experience. Overall, while both switches are classified as medium forces, the Aqua King (V3) is the heavier option, which may favor users looking for durability in longer typing sessions, whereas the Tomcat is ideal for those seeking a lighter touch for extended use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, a clear difference emerges. The Aqua King (V3) has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Tomcat measures at 3.6 mm. This makes the Aqua King the longer option, providing users with a more substantial keypress experience, which some may find more satisfying and deliberate. On the other hand, those seeking quicker response times, particularly gamers, might prefer the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Tomcat. The difference in travel distances can significantly affect the feel and feedback of the switches, so preferences will hinge on individual tastes—those who favor a deeper keystroke will lean towards the Aqua King, while those who appreciate speed and agility in their key presses may opt for the Tomcat.
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 Bsun Tomcat comes in at $2.99 per 10 switches.
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) switch delivers a subdued auditory profile, producing a dampened sound when pressed. This quality allows for a more subtle typing experience, making it suitable for environments where noise may be an issue. The Bsun Tomcat, however, features a resonant sound profile, which suggests a different acoustic character that may be more pronounced or echoing than the Aqua King’s softer tones. Although sound characteristics can vary based on the keyboard’s construction and keycap materials, it’s clear that using the Aqua King will yield a quieter typing experience compared to the potentially richer acoustics of the Tomcat.
When it comes to feel, the Aqua King (V3) excels with descriptors such as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished. Its typing experience is smooth and effortless, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly over the keys, reminiscent of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. This attribute minimizes any sense of resistance, creating a delightful tactile sensation with each keystroke. In contrast, the feel of the Tomcat switch remains unspecified, leaving a gap in comparison. However, based on the Aqua King's reputation for superior smoothness and fluidity, it stands as an exemplary choice for those seeking a luxurious typing experience.
Overall, both switches offer intriguing qualities that cater to different preferences. The Aqua King (V3) is particularly noted for its subtle sound and exceptionally smooth and frictionless feel, making it ideal for those who prioritize a quiet and effortless typing experience. The Tomcat switch, with its resonant sound profile, may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing, though its tactile qualities are yet to be detailed. Ultimately, if one is simply looking for smooth linear switches, both can deliver satisfying results, but the Aqua King clearly positions itself as an exceptional choice for a refined typing journey.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Bsun Tomcat linear switches, consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a typing experience that feels almost weightless, the Aqua King (V3) will likely suit you best. With its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams and a uniquely frictionless feel reminiscent of gliding over ice, it's perfect for those who appreciate a smooth, creamy typing sensation. The subdued sound profile also ensures a quieter experience, making it suitable for shared workspaces or more discreet setups. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a resonant typing sound, the Tomcat switch with its 54 grams bottom-out force might be more appealing. Its Ly stems contribute to a smooth experience but do not surpass the Aqua King's level of ultra-smoothness. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what you prioritize: the luxurious, frictionless glide of the Aqua King's or the lighter, resonant profile of the Tomcat.
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