Kailh Box Royal vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal 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 Royal and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 offer distinct qualities catering to different preferences. The Box Royal is favored for its extreme tactility, providing a sharp and aggressive feel with a higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 stands out for its clacky sound signature and silky typing experience, made even more visually appealing with its light diffuser feature. Each switch has its unique characteristics that appeal to different users, making them suitable choices depending on individual 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
70g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, it is evident that they both offer unique characteristics. The Box Royal utilizes a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. While both materials impact the sound produced by the switches, the nylon top housing of the Box Royal offers a more muffled and round sound compared to the clear and resonant sound of the polycarbonate top housing of the Lightning Silver V3.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the similarity between the Box Royal's nylon bottom housing and the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing is that they both contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The nylon bottom housing of the Box Royal enhances the deeper and fuller sound profile of the switch, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3 adds to the sharper and crisper sound profile of the switch. The differences in sound characteristics between the two switches can largely be attributed to the materials used in their respective bottom housings, highlighting the impact of housing materials on the typing experience.
In considering the overall typing experience, it is crucial to recognize the influence of each housing material on the sound and feel of the switches. The division of qualities between the top and bottom housing of a switch allows for a nuanced typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice between a nylon or polycarbonate housing in a switch like the Kailh Box Royal or Everglide Lightning Silver V3 can significantly impact the sound profile and overall typing experience, catering to individual preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it is clear that the Box Royal is on the heavier side while the Lightning Silver V3 is lighter. The Box Royal has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, falling into the medium category. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Lightning Silver V3, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. In contrast, the Box Royal provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Depending on individual preference, one may choose the lighter option for extended use or the heavier option for a more robust typing feel. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying preferences in typing feel.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Box Royal has a longer travel distance compared to the Lightning Silver V3. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different typing or gaming experience. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Lightning Silver V3, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes may opt for the Box Royal. Overall, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, catering to those who value speed and precision in their typing or gaming.
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 Royal comes in at $6.25 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, both the Kailh Box Royal and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches offer high-pitched profiles that produce sharp and crisp sounds when pressed. The Box Royal is known for its higher-pitched sound, giving a more intense auditory feedback compared to the Lightning Silver V3's clacky sound signature. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the aggressive tactility of the Box Royal or the smooth typing experience of the Lightning Silver V3 for their desired sound.
In terms of feel, the Box Royal is praised for its sharp tactile feedback, providing a strong and distinct tactile bump with each keypress. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 offers a silky typing experience, minimizing resistance and enhancing smoothness during use. The choice between these switches would come down to whether the user prefers a more intense tactile feedback with the Box Royal or a smoother typing experience with the Lightning Silver V3.
Overall, the Kailh Box Royal and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Box Royal excels in providing a sharp and aggressive tactility with a higher-pitched sound profile, while the Lightning Silver V3 offers a smoother typing experience with a clacky, high-pitched sound signature. Ultimately, the decision between these switches would depend on the user's preference for either intense tactility or smoothness in their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, you should consider your preferences for tactility and sound. If you prefer a highly tactile switch with a sharp and aggressive tactility, the Box Royal is the way to go. The high-pitched sound profile and distinct tactile bump make it a great choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more seamless typing experience with a clacky and high-pitched sound, the Lightning Silver V3 is the better option. With its silky feel and light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination, these switches offer a unique and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize tactility or smoothness in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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