Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the TTC Yunhai present two compelling yet distinct options for users seeking a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. The Aqua King (V3) stands out for its uniquely frictionless sensation, reminiscent of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink; it offers a subdued and creamy feeling that allows fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a silky and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai distinguishes itself with a light actuation force and a rounded sound profile, catering to typists who appreciate a gentle, effortless keystroke that enhances both comfort and feedback. Each switch has its own strengths: if you're after an ultra-smooth and refined feel, the Aqua King (V3) might be your go-to, while the Yunhai is ideal for those who enjoy a soft touch paired with a deeper auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal preferences.
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
1.50 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
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the TTC Yunhai, notable differences arise in both their composition and the resulting auditory profiles they produce. The Aqua King (V3) features both top and bottom housings made from polycarbonate, a material known for its rigidity and translucency. This contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that resonates clearly. The polycarbonate used in the Aqua King’s housing allows for vibrant RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing its visual appeal. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housings, a classic material appreciated for its softer properties. The nylon's capacity to absorb sound enables the Yunhai to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, giving it a rounder auditory character that contrasts sharply with the Aqua King’s sharper tones.
The distinct characteristics of these materials lead to differing tactile experiences during key presses. With the Aqua King (V3), the polycarbonate's stiffer structure results in a prominent bottom-out sound and feel, making each keystroke feel more pronounced and clear. When releasing a key, the crisper sound profile of the polycarbonate top housing delivers a quick auditory feedback that many users may find desirable, especially for fast-paced typing or gaming scenarios. Conversely, the Yunhai, with its nylon housings, provides a more subdued response; it absorbs some of the impact with a softer bottom-out feel, resulting in a sound that's more muted when keys are pressed down and released. This gives the user a sense of cushioning, which can be more pleasant for prolonged typing sessions or casual gaming.
Despite the differences in materials, there are some similarities that can be highlighted, particularly in terms of functionality and performance. While the Aqua King’s polycarbonate housings render a higher-pitched sound profile and the Yunhai’s nylon lends a deeper tone, the respective sound qualities can still be enjoyable to users based on their preferences. Both switches provide their unique auditory experiences, making them suitable for varying environments and uses. Thus, whether one prefers the crispness of polycarbonate or the warmth of nylon, both switches can deliver quality performance in a mechanical keyboard, ensuring that users can achieve satisfying results tailored to their personal tastes.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch with the TTC Yunhai linear switch, significant differences in both actuation and bottom out forces are evident. The Aqua King (V3) features an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai boasts a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. This variance in weight affects user experience; individuals who favor a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions may prefer the Yunhai switch, while those desiring a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience will likely gravitate towards the Aqua King. Overall, the Aqua King (V3) is the heavier switch, offering a more robust tactile sensation, while the Yunhai presents a lighter alternative for ease of use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, we see a distinct difference. The Aqua King (V3) features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Yunhai has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you opt for the Aqua King, you'll experience a more substantial depth with each keystroke, which can provide a satisfying feel for those who prefer a more traditional response and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai's shorter travel distance can lead to quicker actuation, making it an appealing choice for gamers or those who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference: whether you value the longer, deeper travel of the Aqua King or the snappier, more agile feel of the Yunhai.
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 Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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) linear switch produces a subdued auditory profile. This means that while the switches do offer feedback acoustically, the sound is dampened and more subtle compared to many other options on the market. This is particularly appealing to users who appreciate a quieter typing experience, as it allows for prolonged use without creating a disruptive noise level. The TTC Yunhai switch, while lacking a detailed description for its sound characteristics, may offer a different auditory experience but cannot be definitively compared without additional data.
When it comes to feel, the Aqua King (V3) excels with a range of descriptors including creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished. This combination results in an incredibly smooth and effortless typing experience, akin to gliding over a freshly resurfaced surface. The attention to detail in production, likely involving factory lubrication and high-quality materials, contributes to this remarkably polished feel. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switch is celebrated for its incredibly light actuation force, providing a gentle and effortless typing experience, though the specific sensations associated with its feel are not documented.
In summary, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch is characterized by a subdued sound profile and an exceptionally smooth typing feel that enhances the overall experience through its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished qualities. While we lack specific information on the sound and feel of the TTC Yunhai switch, it does stand out for its light actuation force, which caters to individuals preferring a gentler touch. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring users can find a suitable option based on their typing sensations and acoustic desires.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, it’s essential to consider your personal typing preferences and intended usage. If you value a medium bottom-out force and prefer a typing experience that feels immensely fluid and silky, the Aqua King (V3) will likely be your best choice. Its frictionless and creamy feel makes it ideal for long typing sessions where speed and smoothness are paramount, and its subdued sound profile ensures a more private typing experience. Conversely, if you lean towards an ultra-light touch and want a switch that offers a unique sound with a gentle, rounded quality, then the TTC Yunhai may be more to your liking. With its lighter actuation force, it caters to those who prefer a soft and effortless keypress, which is particularly beneficial for quick typists or those who may experience hand fatigue. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize a more robust and refined feel or prefer a gentle and audible typing experience.
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