Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. TTC Gold Pink
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the TTC Gold Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a wide variety of options to choose from. Two popular choices are the Everglide Aqua King and the TTC Gold Pink, both of which are linear switches. The Aqua King is best known for its smooth and frictionless typing experience, as it feels as if your fingers are gliding effortlessly across the keys, resembling the sensation of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. On the other hand, the Gold Pink offers a light and lively typing experience, perfect for those who value a fast and effortless typing experience. With a low 37g actuation force, these switches are some of the lightest available, making them ideal for rapid typing or gaming. Additionally, the Gold Pinks provide a satisfying level of feedback with their clacky sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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 Gold Pink switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing materials. This shared feature results in a similar sound profile for both switches. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect comparable sound quality and aesthetic effects from both the Aqua King and the Gold Pink switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Aqua King differs from the Gold Pink. The Aqua King continues to employ polycarbonate for its bottom housing, while the Gold Pink utilizes nylon instead. This difference in materials leads to variations in the sound profile. The Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a clear and resonant sound, thanks to its relatively stiffer nature. In contrast, the Gold Pink's nylon bottom housing yields a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound. These contrasting qualities in the bottom housing result in a difference in the perceived sound when pressing down on the switch.
Considering the impact on the sound when letting go of a key, the top housing material becomes crucial. Both the Aqua King and the Gold Pink employ polycarbonate for their top housing, meaning that the sound profile after releasing a key will be similar. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, resulting in a crisp audio experience. Therefore, users can expect comparable sound profiles when it comes to the release of a key, regardless of whether they choose the Aqua King or the Gold Pink.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aqua King has an actuation force of 46 grams, slightly heavier than the Gold Pink's actuation force of 37 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Aqua King again requires more force with 62 grams compared to the Gold Pink's 45 grams. This means that the Aqua King provides a slightly stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience compared to the lighter Gold Pink switch. However, both switches fall within the medium to light range, offering a comfortable typing experience for most users. If a lighter feel is preferred for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Gold Pink would be the better choice. On the other hand, for those who enjoy a bit more resistance and a more solid key press, the Aqua King would be a suitable option.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the key travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect to get similar results from both of these switches. Neither one is shorter or longer than the other, as they have identical travel distances.
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 Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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 linear switch is known for its frictionless feel, giving a typing experience that is reminiscent of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. These switches offer a magical sensation as your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch provides a light and lively typing experience. With a low actuation force of 37g, these switches are designed for swift and effortless typing, making them ideal for gaming and rapid typing. They offer a satisfying level of feedback, thanks to their clacky sound.
In terms of sound, the Aqua King switch is described as subdued. It produces a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. However, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available regarding the sound of the Gold Pink switch.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Aqua King switch is described as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished. These descriptors indicate that the Aqua King switch provides a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. It offers a fluid travel and effortlessly melts into each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gold Pink switch is described as buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. These qualities suggest that the Gold Pink switch offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a gentle typing feel. It requires little exertion from the fingers, reducing fatigue, and providing comfort during extended typing sessions.
Based on the available information, it is clear that both switches offer a smooth and polished typing experience. While the Aqua King offers a frictionless feel, the Gold Pink delivers a light and lively typing experience. As these switches share qualities such as being buttery and polished, it is reasonable to expect similar results in terms of typing feel. However, without specific information on the sound of the Gold Pink switch, it is difficult to make a direct comparison in that aspect. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preferences regarding typing feel and any additional factors such as sound.
Conclusion
In closing, if you value a typing experience that is smooth and frictionless, with a medium bottom out force, then the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is the one for you. These switches offer a magical typing experience, reminiscent of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and effortless typing experience, with a lower bottom out force, then the TTC Gold Pink linear switch is the better choice. These switches are designed for rapid typing or gaming, providing a satisfying level of feedback with their clacky sound. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer smooth and polished keystrokes that are sure to enhance your overall typing experience.
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