Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are numerous options available, each with its own unique characteristics. Two popular linear switches, the Everglide Aqua King and the TKC Tangerine, offer distinct typing experiences. The Aqua King is renowned for its frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. With a subdued and creamy typing sensation, this switch provides a polished and silky experience. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch takes typing to the next level with its incredibly smooth feel. Thanks to its rare UHWMPE housings, each keystroke becomes a pleasure. However, the Tangerine switch does have a slight drawback, producing a fairly high-pitched clack while typing. While these generalities give an overview, it's crucial to delve deeper into the specifics to determine which switch is the best fit for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King and the TKC Tangerine differ in terms of their housing materials. The Aqua King utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, while the Tangerine features a UHWMPE top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Aqua King creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly beneficial for RGB lighting.
On the other hand, the UHWMPE top housing of the Tangerine is a newer material that offers a very bright sound signature. It produces resonant clacks when typing on switches with such housings. While both materials have their own distinctive qualities, they bring different characteristics to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Aqua King's polycarbonate top housing emphasizes clarity and resonance, whereas the Tangerine's UHWMPE top housing emphasizes brightness and resonance.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Aqua King and the Tangerine also differ. The Aqua King's bottom housing, like its top housing, is made of polycarbonate. This ensures a consistent experience throughout the switch, as the stiffer plastic material contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the Tangerine utilizes a UHWMPE bottom housing, which may introduce its own set of qualities to the switch. Though not explicitly described, the UHWMPE bottom housing might provide a unique touch to the bottom-out sound and feel of the Tangerine switch.
In summary, while the Aqua King and the Tangerine share a similar emphasis on sound profile and resonance due to their respective polycarbonate top housings, they differ in terms of brightness (Tangerine) versus crispness (Aqua King), and translucency (Aqua King) versus a newer material (Tangerine). Furthermore, the Tangerine's UHWMPE bottom housing may add its own distinct characteristics to the switch's overall performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, there are a few notable similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Aqua King requires 46 grams of force, while the exact actuation force for the Tangerine is unavailable. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force of 62 grams.
The Aqua King, with its actuation force of 46 grams, provides a relatively light and responsive typing experience. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a lighter switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing excessive finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Tangerine's actuation force is unknown, making it difficult to compare the two switches directly in terms of actuation force. However, since both switches have a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, it can be inferred that the Tangerine may offer a similar typing experience in terms of force required to fully press down a key.
For individuals who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience, the Aqua King may not provide the desired push feel, as it leans towards the lighter end of the spectrum. On the other hand, the Tangerine, with its unknown actuation force, potentially presents a heavier and more satisfying push feel. This can be advantageous for those who appreciate a switch with a stronger force and enjoy the enhanced feedback and tactile response it provides.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King and the TKC Tangerine linear switch will depend on personal preference. For those who prioritize a lighter typing experience and value prolonged typing sessions, the Aqua King may be the more suitable option. However, for individuals who seek a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing experience, the Tangerine switch may be the preferable choice.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches provide a consistent and equal distance for the key to travel from the top to the bottom when pressed. As a result, users can expect similar tactile feedback and typing experience when using either switch. Both switches offer a comfortable and smooth pressing motion, ensuring a satisfying typing experience. Whether it's the Everglide Aqua King or the TKC Tangerine, users can be confident in obtaining comparable results when it comes to travel distance.
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 TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30 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 Aqua King linear switch offers a more subdued sound compared to most switches. It produces a dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the Tangerine linear switch has a high-pitched sound profile. When typing on the Tangerine switch, you can expect a sharp and crisp sound with each keystroke. It is important to note that the sound of a switch also depends on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, both the Aqua King and Tangerine switches offer a frictionless typing experience. The Aqua King switch is described as creamy, silky, and polished, providing a smooth and buttery typing sensation. The Tangerine switch also offers a frictionless and polished feel, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The switches minimize any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys, allowing for effortless and fluid travel. Both switches provide a seamless and uniform typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Aqua King and Tangerine switches have some slight differences in sound, they offer similar subjective qualities in terms of feel. Both switches provide a frictionless and polished typing experience, minimizing resistance and offering smooth key travel. Whether you choose the Aqua King or Tangerine switches, you can expect a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference regarding their sound profiles.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium bottom out force and a typing experience that feels like gliding across the keys with ease, then the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is the one for you. With its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished feel, you can expect a smooth and refined typing experience. While the Aqua King produces a subdued sound, it still offers a satisfying and subtle sound signature.
On the other hand, if you prefer a higher-pitched sound and a typing experience that is incredibly smooth and pleasurable, then the TKC Tangerine linear switch is the way to go. Its UHWMPE housings contribute to its smooth feel, and the switch provides a seamless and uniform typing sensation. The Tangerine produces a high-pitched clack, adding a sharp and crisp sound to your typing sessions.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King and the TKC Tangerine depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a smoother typing experience and a more subdued sound, the Aqua King is a great option. However, if you prefer a higher-pitched sound and an incredibly smooth typing feel, the Tangerine is an excellent choice. Consider your desired bottom out force and the type of typing experience you want, and you will find the perfect match for your mechanical keyboard.
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