Kailh Box White V2 vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 presents a fascinating juxtaposition of tactile feedback and auditory experience. The Kailh Box White V2, a clicky switch, is renowned for its crisp tactile feedback and satisfying audible click sound, making it a compelling option for those who enjoy a more interactive typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 offers a smooth and linear feel, characterized by its clacky and high-pitched sound signature. Produced by Haimu, these switches promise a silky typing experience that many users find ideal for both gaming and typing without the distraction of a pronounced click. While the Kailh Box White V2 caters to enthusiasts seeking a tactile and auditory response for every keystroke, the Lightning Silver V3 appeals to those who prefer a seamless and quiet typing experience. 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
50g
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
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, it's evident that both switches employ polycarbonate for their top housings, which contributes to their sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. Polycarbonate is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound, resulting from its stiffness and resonance. A transmittable quality of this material allows for effective RGB lighting integration, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances visual effects beneath the keycaps. Therefore, users can expect a similar, bright sound signature and aesthetic illumination from both switches, accentuating the appeal for those who prioritize both acoustic and visual elements in their keyboard experience.
However, the differences become apparent when examining the bottom housing materials. The Kailh Box White V2 features a nylon bottom housing, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 opts for polycarbonate throughout. Nylon is reminiscent of traditional switch designs, producing a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its absorbent nature and softer composition. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3 maintains the same sharp and clear sound that characterizes its top housing. This divergence means that while both switches share a bright sound profile from the tops, the overall auditory experience will vary at the bottom—resulting in a more muted and rounded sound for the Box White V2 versus the consistent brightness of the Lightning Silver V3.
Ultimately, the combination of these materials leads to distinct typing experiences. With the Kailh Box White V2, users will find a balance between the crisp highs noted from polycarbonate and a warmer tone from its nylon bottom, contributing to a satisfying key feel and release. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 offers uniformity in sound and feel, with a quick response and clearer acoustic feedback throughout pressing and releasing the key. Thus, while each switch presents its own unique character dictated by housing materials, both can deliver exciting and immersive auditory experiences tailored to different typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Box White V2 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 features a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. This means the Box White V2 is the lighter option overall, while the Lightning Silver V3 offers a bit more resistance, which some users might find preferable. The differences in these forces suggest that while both switches can deliver satisfying keystrokes, users looking for a lighter switch may gravitate towards the Box White V2 for its lower actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Box White V2 features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Kailh Box White V2 the longer option, catering to users who might prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and depth when pressing the key, aligning with those who enjoy a more traditional feel. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3, with its shorter travel distance, could be more appealing to gamers seeking a quicker response time. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on personal preference: those who value responsiveness might lean towards the shorter travel of the Lightning Silver V3, while those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke may prefer the Box White V2.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh Box White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
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 comparing the sound produced by the Kailh Box White V2 and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches, the contrast is notable. The Box White V2 is widely recognized for its crisp tactile feedback accompanied by a sharp, audible click, making it a favorite among typists who appreciate that satisfying auditory confirmation with each keystroke. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 features a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. This not only presents a bright, percussive sound when keys are pressed but also caters to those who prefer a more lively auditory experience. While both switches offer distinct sounds that can enhance the typing experience, the choice between the two will largely depend on personal preference for clicky versus clacky acoustics.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White V2’s tactile feedback is an integral part of its appeal, delivering a pronounced bump at the actuation point that typists enjoy. The distinct tactile feel can help improve typing accuracy and provide a satisfying response when pressed. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is characterized by its silky smooth feel, which allows for an exceptionally seamless typing experience with minimal resistance. This smoothness makes it particularly appealing for users who prioritize a fluid keystroke without the tactile interruption offered by a clicky switch. Therefore, the selection between tactile feedback and a smoother typing sensation boils down to individual typing styles and preferences.
In conclusion, both the Kailh Box White V2 and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches provide unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Box White V2 excels with its tactile feedback and crisp click, making it ideal for those who enjoy audible confirmation while typing. Meanwhile, the Lightning Silver V3 stands out with its clacky, high-pitched sound and silky feel, appealing to users who favor a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on what qualities are most important to the individual, as each provides an engaging and enjoyable typing experience in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 should hinge on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you enjoy the satisfying feedback of a tactile click with an audible sound, the Box White V2 is a fantastic option. Its lighter actuation force of 50 grams makes it easier for rapid typing and quick key presses, ideal for users who type frequently or engage in intense gaming sessions where speed is essential. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and seamless typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 with its medium 60-gram actuation force may be more suitable. Its clacky and high-pitched sound can add a vibrant auditory element to your setup while ensuring a silky feel that feels luxurious under your fingers. Therefore, consider what aspects are most important for your typing experience—the tactile feedback and sound of the Box White V2 or the smoothness and vibrant sound of the Lightning Silver V3—before making your decision.
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