Kailh Box Jade vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Jade and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 offer distinctive experiences for users. The Box Jades are ideal for those seeking a medium-heavy typing feel with a clicky sound and tactile feedback, loved for their crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 switches offer a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a smooth typing experience and boasting a unique light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination. While the Box Jades excel in offering a satisfying tactile experience, the Lightning Silver V3 stands out for its smoothness and vibrant aesthetic appeal. 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
50g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This choice of material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. It is especially beneficial for switches with clear housings as it allows for RGB lighting to shine through. However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing. The Box Jade uses a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon which absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, adding to the clear and resonant sound profile of the switch.
While the top housing of both the Kailh Box Jade and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is polycarbonate, it is the bottom housing that sets them apart in terms of sound profile. The nylon bottom housing of the Box Jade contributes to a duller and rounder sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3 enhances the sharp and crisp sound profile of the switch. This difference in bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience and the sound produced by each keystroke. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to be more prominent in switches that feature clear housings.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical keyboard switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of typing. While both the Kailh Box Jade and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharper sound profile, their differing bottom housings result in unique characteristics. The nylon bottom housing of the Box Jade provides a deeper and fuller sound, whereas the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3 contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. These differences in housing materials can greatly impact the overall typing experience and should be considered when choosing a switch for a mechanical keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it is evident that both switches have a medium bottom out force of 60 grams. However, the Box Jade has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Lightning Silver V3's 48 grams. This means that the Box Jade requires a slightly heavier push to trigger a keystroke, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger feel. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a lighter actuation force, which may be more suitable for those looking for a smoother and lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. Overall, both switches offer similar bottom out forces, but the Box Jade is slightly heavier in terms of actuation force compared to the Lightning Silver V3.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is longer than the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch with a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Box Jade offers a slightly deeper key press compared to the Lightning Silver V3. Gamers who prioritize a faster response time may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Lightning Silver V3, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Box Jade. Both switches offer a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, making them suitable for users looking for a balance between depth and quick typing capabilities. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press depth and response time.
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 Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch offers a high-pitched and crunchy experience, providing sharp and crisp clicks with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch presents a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, delivering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Box Jade being more crunchy and the Lightning Silver V3 being more clacky. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for sound, as well as other factors such as keyboard build and keycap choice.
Moving on to feel, the Box Jade switch is characterized as accented and invigorating, providing a medium tactile experience that is not overwhelming but still offers a pronounced amount of feedback. Conversely, the Lightning Silver V3 switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance when pressing keys. The Box Jade switch focuses more on tactile feedback, while the Lightning Silver V3 prioritizes a smooth and seamless typing feel. Depending on whether you prefer a more tactile or smooth typing experience, both switches offer distinct sensations for typists to enjoy.
In conclusion, both the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch bring unique qualities to the table for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Box Jade offers a crunchy and accented typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile, while the Lightning Silver V3 provides a clacky and silky smooth feel with a high-pitched sound signature. Choosing between the two will ultimately depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. However, with both switches offering satisfying qualities, typists can expect a great typing experience regardless of which one they choose.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile bumps, the Kailh Box Jade switches are perfect for you. Their crisp clicks and crunchy tactile feedback make typing a joy. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and seamless typing experience with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches may be more to your liking. Their light diffuser also adds a vibrant touch to your keyboard setup. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to your personal preference for sound and feel. Whether you prefer the accented and invigorating feel of the Box Jades or the silky smoothness of the Lightning Silver V3, both switches offer unique typing experiences worth exploring.
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