Gateron Aliaz vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Aliaz and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3. The Aliaz switch is favored for its silent design, making it ideal for quiet environments such as offices. With a medium-heavy weight, these switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback without the noise, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 from Everglide offers a different experience with its clacky and high-pitched sound signature. Produced by Haimu, these linear switches deliver a silky typing experience and feature a unique light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination. Each switch has its own unique characteristics and benefits, offering users a choice between a quieter tactile experience with the Aliaz or a more vibrant and clacky typing feel with the Lightning Silver V3. 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
60g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, both switches feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting, allowing for a visually appealing experience when using the switches with customizable lighting effects.
While both the Aliaz and the Lightning Silver V3 share similar polycarbonate housing materials, the distinction between their bottom and top housings may impact the overall sound and feel of each switch. The qualities of the bottom housing material will influence the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material will have a more significant impact on the sound produced when a key is released. This nuanced difference highlights how the choice of housing material for different parts of a switch can affect the overall typing experience, catering to the preferences of users who prioritize certain aspects of sound and feel in their mechanical keyboards.
Ultimately, the similarities in housing materials between the Gateron Aliaz and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 result in comparable sound profiles and typing experiences for both switches. The use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings not only enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switches but also provides a visually appealing aspect to the switches when combined with RGB lighting effects. Whether it's the sharper, higher-pitched sound profile or the crisper feel when typing, users can expect a consistent performance from both switches due to their shared housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it is evident that the Aliaz has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Lightning Silver V3. The Aliaz requires 60 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 75 grams to bottom out, making it a heavier option. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 only needs 48 grams of force to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out, providing a lighter typing experience. Therefore, those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming may lean towards the Lightning Silver V3, while those who desire a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Aliaz. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Aliaz has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lightning Silver V3, which means it provides a bit more depth when pressing down on the key. The Lightning Silver V3, on the other hand, offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distance, with the Aliaz providing a more traditional feel and the Lightning Silver V3 catering to those who prefer a shallower key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
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.
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 Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is renowned for its quiet operation, making it an ideal choice for office settings where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. The medium-heavy weight of the Aliaz switch provides a satisfying and substantial feel with each keystroke, appealing to users who prefer a more pronounced typing feedback without the accompanying noise. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, which offers a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. The light diffuser in the Lightning Silver V3 adds a unique touch to the keyboard setup, enhancing RGB illumination for a vibrant visual experience.
When it comes to sound, the Aliaz switch produces a muted sound, keeping noise levels down and providing a softer and quieter typing experience, while the Lightning Silver V3 switch delivers a clacky and high-pitched sound that is crisp and bright. In terms of feel, both switches are described as silky, offering exceptionally smooth typing experiences. The Aliaz switch is also described as polished, providing a refined finish that minimizes friction and enhances key travel, whereas the Lightning Silver V3 switch focuses on delivering a smooth typing feel without added resistance.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch differ in sound profiles, they both offer a silky typing experience. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for sound and the desired level of tactile feedback. For a quieter typing experience with a more pronounced tactile feel, the Aliaz switch would be the preferred choice. On the other hand, if a clacky sound and high-pitched feedback are desired, the Lightning Silver V3 switch would be the ideal option. Both switches ensure a smooth typing experience, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
In closing, you should choose the Gateron Aliaz switches if you value a medium-heavy weight with a pronounced typing feedback in a quiet environment, such as an office setting. The Aliaz switches offer a substantial feel to each keystroke without the noise, making them ideal for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound signature with a lighter touch, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches are the way to go. These switches provide a silky and seamless typing experience, along with enhanced RGB illumination for a vibrant keyboard setup. Ultimately, your choice between the Aliaz and Lightning Silver V3 switches will depend on your preferences for weight, sound, and feel in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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