Huano Acacia vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 represent two intriguing options for users seeking a linear switch experience. The Acacia is renowned for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, which together create a smooth and satisfying typing experience right out of the box, making it a solid choice for those who prioritize a refined feel without any need for modification. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 stands out with its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, alongside a silky, seamless actuation that appeals to gamers and typists alike. Additionally, its unique light diffuser enhances RGB illumination, adding an eye-catching flair to any keyboard setup. While both switches exhibit excellent performance in their own right, they cater to different aesthetics and sound preferences. 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
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches share a notable similarity in their top housing material, both being made of polycarbonate. This choice delivers a sound profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper tone. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more resonant quality, enhancing the overall auditory feedback when typing. Both switches benefit from this material's translucency, making them particularly suitable for RGB lighting setups; the light passes through the clear polycarbonate, creating a visually appealing effect. Therefore, those using either switch can expect to achieve a comparable brightness and clarity in their lighting experience, ensuring a consistent aesthetic appeal regardless of their choice.
When it comes to the bottom housing, a significant difference emerges between the Acacia and the Lightning Silver V3. The Acacia utilizes nylon, a material known for its softer texture, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon’s ability to absorb sound contributes to a rounded, muted auditory experience. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, reflecting the crisper sound characteristics seen in its top housing. This choice leads to a sharper and clearer feedback, making the typing experience distinctively different between the two switches. Users of the Acacia will notice the softer dampening effects of nylon, while those using the Lightning Silver V3 will benefit from the resonant and brighter sound profile offered by polycarbonate.
The combination of these materials will influence the overall typing experience and sound characteristics of each switch. For the Huano Acacia, the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom result in a layered sound output where the clarity of the top is complemented by the rounded tones of the bottom. Conversely, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, with its homogenous use of polycarbonate throughout, presents a more unified auditory experience that emphasizes sharpness across the board. Ultimately, while the top housings of both switches will produce similar results in terms of sound clarity and RGB aesthetic, the different bottom housing materials will create contrasting auditory experiences that cater to diverse preferences among users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, we see some notable differences. The Acacia has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it more suited for users who prefer a lighter touch, which can facilitate longer typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 exhibits a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users appreciate for a firmer typing experience. This means that the Acacia is the lighter option, which may appeal to those looking for less fatigue during extended use, while the Lightning Silver V3, being heavier, might cater to those who prefer a more defined feedback with each keystroke. Thus, while both switches offer unique advantages based on user preference, the Acacia will generally provide a smoother and less strenuous typing experience compared to the slightly more forceful Lightning Silver V3.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, the Acacia has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Lightning Silver V3 measures at 3.4 mm. This makes the Lightning Silver V3 the shorter option, albeit only slightly, meaning that for users seeking quicker responses, it may offer a marginally better experience. In contrast, the Acacia's longer travel distance could provide a more robust typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a deeper key press. Both switches fall within the realm of contemporary preferences for shorter travel distances, yet the Acacia offers just a little more depth compared to the Lightning Silver V3. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Lightning Silver V3 may be preferable, but if you favor a sturdier feel, the Acacia would be your best choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
The Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39 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 Huano Acacia linear switch offers a quieter typing experience compared to the Everglide Lightning Silver V3. While specific descriptors for the Acacia's sound are not provided, it can be inferred that its linear nature leads to a relatively subtle and muted acoustic signature, making it suitable for quieter environments. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 is characterized by a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, producing a sharp and crisp resonance with each keystroke. This makes it more suitable for users who enjoy an audible feedback and a lively typing atmosphere, although the overall sound experience will also depend on the keyboard's materials and design.
Regarding feel, the Acacia linear switch is known for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, which contributes to an improved overall typing experience right out of the box. This combination creates a smooth and stable feel, making it comfortable for long typing sessions. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 truly excels in delivering a silky smooth typing sensation, as it minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This seamless interaction enhances the typing experience, but users should note that the Acacia still offers a comparable level of smoothness, albeit with a potentially different character due to its individual design.
In conclusion, if you are deciding between the Huano Acacia and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switches, your choice will primarily depend on your sound preferences and desired typing feel. The Acacia provides a more subdued typing experience, which may appeal to those looking for quieter operation, while the Lightning Silver V3 offers a more vibrant and pronounced sound, along with an impressively smooth key press. Both switches have their unique advantages and can cater to different user preferences, ensuring that no matter which one you choose, you’ll enjoy a quality typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 largely depends on your personal preferences and how you plan to use your keyboard. If you prefer a medium-light actuation force and desire a smooth, pleasant typing experience straight out of the box, the Acacia is a fantastic choice. With its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, it is particularly well-suited for typing tasks, offering a balanced feel that won’t strain your fingers during extended use. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly heavier pressing experience with more tactile feedback, the Lightning Silver V3 might be more your style. Its clacky and high-pitched acoustics provide a lively auditory experience, perfect for those who appreciate a more distinctive sound while gaming or typing. The silky feel of the V3 enhances fast key presses, making it an excellent option for competitive gaming where every millisecond counts. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by whether you prioritize a lightweight, smooth typing sensation or a richer sound profile coupled with a slightly firmer feel.
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