Gateron Beer vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Beer, a tactile switch, to the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, a linear switch, it is important to note their unique characteristics. The Beer switch stands out with its distinct translucent green design, evoking the allure of a Tsingtao beer bottle. Known for its lightweight and stepped tactility, it offers a subtle tactile feel and emits a characteristic clacky sound. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 is praised for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a silky and seamless typing experience. Additionally, its light diffuser enhances RGB illumination for a vibrant touch to any keyboard setup. While the Beer switch is easy-to-press and has a stepped tactility, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a silky typing experience and high-pitched sound. 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
38g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Overall, both the Gateron Beer and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 utilize polycarbonate for both their top and bottom housing materials. This means that they will offer similar benefits in terms of sound profile and aesthetic appeal. The stiffness of polycarbonate lends itself to a clearer and more resonant sound profile, especially when coupled with RGB lighting due to its translucency. Whether you are typing on the Beer or the Lightning Silver V3, you can expect a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound that is unique to polycarbonate housings.
However, if we were to dissect the differences between the two switches, we can note that the Gateron Beer's top and bottom housing may offer slightly different experiences compared to the Everglide Lightning Silver V3. This is because the qualities of the housing material will be split between the bottom and top of the switch. Pressing down on the Gateron Beer, for example, will highlight the qualities of its bottom housing, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 might emphasize the top housing, affecting the sound when you release a key. These subtle differences can contribute to a unique typing experience depending on your preference for sound and feel.
In terms of design and functionality, both the Gateron Beer and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 excel in providing a distinctive and visually appealing switch option. The clear polycarbonate housing of both switches allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your keyboard setup. Whether you choose the Beer or the Lightning Silver V3, you can be confident in the quality and performance of the polycarbonate housing in delivering a satisfying typing experience with a focus on sound clarity and resonance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it is clear that the Beer is lighter overall. The Beer has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium range. Those who prefer lighter switches may find the Gateron Beer more suitable for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Everglide Lightning Silver V3. Both switches provide different tactile and linear experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces.Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch both have the same travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches means that users can expect a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch they choose. Whether you opt for the Beer tactile switch or the Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, you can be assured that the travel distance will be the same, resulting in similar results in terms of keypress feel and feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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
When it comes to sound, both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch share a clacky sound signature, producing sharp and crisp noises when pressed. However, the Lightning Silver V3 also offers a high-pitched sound profile, giving it a slightly different auditory experience. Keep in mind that individual sound preferences can vary depending on the keyboard setup and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer switch is known for being easy-to-press with a light actuation force, making typing effortless and comfortable. It also features a stepped tactility, providing a more subtle tactile feedback compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch offers a silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance for a seamless key press. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences in terms of typing feel.
Overall, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Beer switch provides a lighter and more tactile typing experience with a clacky sound signature, while the Lightning Silver V3 switch delivers a smooth and effortless typing feel with a high-pitched clacky sound. Depending on your personal preferences for both sound and feel, you can choose between these switches to tailor your typing experience to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a light and easy-to-press switch with a subtle tactility and characteristic clacky sound, the Gateron Beer may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a silky smooth typing experience with a high-pitched sharp sound and a medium bottom out force, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your desired typing feel and sound profile, ensuring that you have a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
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