Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the TTC Venus are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Aqua King (V3) is praised for its frictionless feel, akin to gliding on ice, while the Venus boasts a balance of seamless glide and a "Q-texture" resistance that provides a smooth and engaging typing experience. The Aqua King (V3) is categorized as 'Subdued', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Silky', 'Polished', while the Venus is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Gummy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Neutral', 'Polished', 'Subdued', 'Thocky'. Overall, the Aqua King (V3) offers a silky and polished typing experience, while the Venus provides a buttery and muted 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the TTC Venus, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, ideal for those looking for a more resonant typing experience. However, the Venus differs with its POM top housing, which offers a deeper and more muted sound compared to the Aqua King. This difference in sound profile may appeal to individuals who prefer a softer typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Aqua King (V3) and the Venus use polycarbonate for this component. As mentioned earlier, polycarbonate is known for creating a clear and resonant sound profile due to its stiffness. This consistency in material between the two switches suggests that users can expect similar qualities in terms of sound and feel when pressing down on the keys. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel is likely to be consistent between the two switches, providing a familiar typing experience for users.
In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housing of the Aqua King (V3) and the Venus allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. This similarity in design allows users to customize their keyboards with lighting effects that can enhance their overall typing experience. While the Aqua King (V3) offers a sharper sound profile with its polycarbonate bottom housing, the Venus provides a unique sound experience with its POM top housing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams compared to the TTC Venus linear switch with 45 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Aqua King requires 62 grams, while the Venus only needs 52 grams, making the Venus the lighter option between the two. The Aqua King offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, which some users may prefer for added feedback and keypress confirmation. On the other hand, the Venus switch, being lighter in both actuation and bottom out force, is ideal for those looking for a smoother and more effortless typing experience for extended periods.Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm. The Aqua King has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Venus, providing a bit more depth when pressing down on the key. However, both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Aqua King being on the higher end and the Venus being on the lower end. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for responsiveness versus key press depth. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, so regardless of which one you choose, you can expect similar results in terms of overall performance.
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 Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus 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
When it comes to sound, the Aqua King (V3) linear switch is described as having a subdued sound, which offers a more subtle and dampened typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch is known for its low-pitched and muted sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone with a softer and quieter typing sound. Both switches aim to create a less intrusive auditory experience, but the Venus switch offers a more unique and engaging sound with its lower pitch and muted characteristics.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King (V3) linear switch is praised for its creamy and frictionless typing experience, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys with minimal resistance. On the contrary, the TTC Venus linear switch is characterized by its buttery and frictionless feel, providing a smooth and uniform typing sensation that feels like a seamless and effortless keystroke. Both switches excel in offering a polished and smooth typing experience, allowing for comfortable and enjoyable extended typing sessions.
Overall, both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch offer exceptional qualities that cater to enthusiasts seeking a premium typing experience. While the Aqua King (V3) focuses on a frictionless and creamy typing feel with a subdued typing sound, the Venus switch provides a unique blend of buttery smoothness with a low-pitched and muted sound signature. Whether one prefers the ice-skate-like feel of the Aqua King (V3) or the chewy mochi-like sensation of the Venus, both switches promise a remarkable typing experience that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning mechanical keyboard users.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering which switch to choose between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the TTC Venus, you should opt for the Aqua King if you value a slightly heavier bottom out force and a typing experience that feels frictionless, like effortlessly gliding on ice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a unique combination of a seamless glide with a springy resistance, akin to biting into a chewy mochi, then the TTC Venus is the superior choice for you. Additionally, if you lean towards a subdued sound profile, the Aqua King would be more suitable, while the Venus offers a low-pitched, muted sound with a thocky quality. Ultimately, both switches provide a smooth and buttery typing experience, so your decision may come down to your preference for bottom out force, unique tactile feedback, and sound profile. Choose wisely based on your personal typing preferences and needs.
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