Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) 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 (Heavy) both promise an exceptional linear experience, yet they offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Aqua King (V3) is renowned for its frictionless feel, providing a typing experience akin to gliding on a freshly resurfaced ice rink, making it a top choice for those who desire a smooth, silky touch that's categorized as subdued and creamy. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy) features Ly stems that contribute to a remarkably smooth typing experience while delivering a resonant sound profile that adds a unique auditory dimension to each keystroke. Both switches excel in their own right, appealing to gamers and typists alike; however, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
64g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), one can see that both models feature a polycarbonate top housing. This shared material choice influences the overall sound profile similarly, leading both switches to deliver a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the acoustic experience, particularly for users who prioritize auditory feedback in their typing. Moreover, with the translucency of polycarbonate, both switches are designed to accommodate RGB lighting effectively, providing an aesthetic advantage that enhances the visual appeal during use.
Conversely, the differences become acute in the bottom housing of each switch. The Aqua King (V3) employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, maintaining the same sharp and crisp sound profile throughout. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which lends a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's relatively softer quality. This results in a distinct acoustic character where the Aqua King's consistent polycarbonate composition produces a more uniform sound experience, while the Tomcat's nylon base contributes to a rounder, more muted sound when the key is bottomed out.
Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housings shapes the user experience of each switch. For the Aqua King (V3), the cohesive use of polycarbonate ensures a consistent resonance from top to bottom, maximizing the clarity of sound when both pressing down and releasing. In the case of the Tomcat (Heavy), the contrasting materials introduce dual sound characteristics, where the crispness in the top housing is juxtaposed with the deeper notes provided by the nylon bottom housing. This difference in materials influences how sound is perceived during key presses, offering users distinct auditory experiences, all while capitalizing on the benefits of each material's inherent qualities.
Weight
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches exhibit some notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Aqua King (V3) has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Tomcat (Heavy), which requires 55 grams to register a keystroke. This difference suggests that the Aqua King is better suited for those who prefer a lighter touch, making it ideal for long typing sessions or prolonged gaming without fatigue. However, both switches have similar bottom out forces; the Aqua King bottoming out at 62 grams while the Tomcat is marginally heavier at 64 grams. This means that while both switches will provide a substantial feeling upon bottoming out, the overall experience of the Aqua King will be lighter and potentially more comfortable for extended use, as it combines a lighter actuation force with a slightly lower bottom out pressure. In contrast, the Tomcat's heavier actuation and bottom out forces cater to users who favor a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches are in the medium to medium-heavy range, the Aqua King is the lighter option, offering a different tactile experience than the heavier Tomcat (Heavy).
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, a distinct difference is evident. The Aqua King (V3) boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This slight variation means that users of the Aqua King may experience a more pronounced tactile feedback due to its deeper travel, which can appeal to those who favor a sturdier keystroke. On the other hand, the Tomcat's shorter travel distance could cater to users seeking quicker response times, aligning with a trend among gamers who prioritize speed. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that provides a more hearty depth, the Aqua King (V3) would be the ideal choice, whereas those who prefer a more responsive, rapid keypress should lean towards the Tomcat (Heavy).
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 (Heavy) 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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) boasts a subdued sound profile. This means that, while the switch is not entirely silent, it produces a dampened tone when pressed, offering a more subtle auditory experience compared to many other switches. This characteristic can be particularly appealing in environments where a quieter typing experience is desired. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch has a resonant sound profile, which suggests that it produces a more pronounced sound when activated. The combination of substantial auditory feedback from the Tomcat can be an engaging aspect for those who appreciate a more tactile sound but may not be suitable for quieter environments. It’s important to note that the overall sound experience can vary significantly depending on the keyboard’s build quality and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King (V3) offers an extraordinary typing experience characterized by descriptors such as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished. This unique blend means that users can expect an exceptionally smooth and effortless key press, akin to skating on a well-prepared surface. The combination of quality materials and potential factory lubrication contributes to an overall refined typing experience that minimizes resistance. On the other hand, the tactile feel of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) is not defined in the provided information, leaving it unknown. Therefore, while we can ascertain the Aqua King’s superior smoothness and fluidity, we lack specific details about the feel of the Tomcat switch.
In summary, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) presents a subdued sound profile along with an unparalleled typing feel marked by smoothness and minimal resistance, making it an ideal choice for a silent and polished typing setup. The Tomcat (Heavy) offers a more resonant auditory feedback, which may appeal to those who enjoy notable sound while typing, but details about its tactile feedback remain unspecified. Ultimately, while these switches cater to slightly different preferences, both can deliver satisfactory results depending on the user's priorities, whether they lean more towards sound dampening and smoothness or a pronounced auditory experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches, your personal preferences and typing style will play a crucial role. The Aqua King (V3), with its medium actuation force of 62 grams and unique frictionless typing feel, is ideal for those who favor smooth, nearly effortless keystrokes. If you enjoy a typing experience that's akin to skating on a frozen surface, where each keystroke feels buttery and creamy, then the Aqua King (V3) is the switch for you. Additionally, its subdued sound profile ensures that your typing won’t be disruptive in quieter environments, making it suitable for office or shared spaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier resistance with more tactile feedback, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), at 64 grams, might be your go-to. This switch not only provides a super smooth experience but also offers a resonant sound profile that can enhance your typing feedback, making it particularly enjoyable for gamers or users who appreciate auditory cues while typing. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you seek a light and airy typing sensation or a bit more weight and presence in each keystroke.
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