Kailh Box White vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White 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 White and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 offer distinct experiences for users. The Kailh Box White is a clicky switch known for providing maximum audio feedback, with a sound akin to "stepping on autumn leaves" and a pronounced tactility while typing. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is a linear switch that offers a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, along with a seamless typing experience due to its Haimu-produced construction. While the Box White is resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy, the Lightning Silver V3 is clacky, high-pitched, and silky. Both switches have their unique features and qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 both feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for RGB lighting, making these switches visually appealing. However, the Box White's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound experience when typing on the Box White.
While both switches share the same material for their top housing, they differ in terms of the bottom housing material. The impact of the bottom housing material on the sound and feel of the switch is notable when typing. The Box White's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper sound and different typing experience compared to the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing. The tactile feedback and sound when bottoming out on a key will be influenced by the material of the bottom housing, showcasing the importance of the housing material in overall switch performance.
Overall, the choice of housing material in a switch plays a significant role in determining its sound profile and typing experience. While both the Kailh Box White and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 feature polycarbonate top housings, their different bottom housing materials result in distinct sound characteristics. Whether it be the sharper sound profile of polycarbonate in the Lightning Silver V3 or the deeper sound from nylon in the Box White, each housing material brings its own unique qualities to the typing experience. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials contributes to the overall feel and sound of the switch, making it essential to consider when choosing a switch for your keyboard.
Weight
The actuation force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch is slightly heavier at 50 grams compared to the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch at 48 grams, but both have a bottom out force of 60 grams, making them medium in terms of force required to fully press down the key. The Box White offers a slightly heavier push feel for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, while the Lightning Silver V3 provides a lighter actuation force, which may be preferred by those who type for longer periods or engage in extended gaming sessions. Ultimately, the difference in actuation force between the two switches is minimal, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky 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. Both switches offer a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance for faster response times, making the Lightning Silver V3 a popular choice. However, some users may find the shorter distance to feel too abrupt, and prefer the slightly longer travel distance provided by the Kailh Box White switch for a more satisfying key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance.
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 White comes in at $2.76 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 White clicky switch is best described as resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy, offering a higher-pitched sound profile with a clean and sharp auditory experience reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, creating a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, adding a bright and percussive element to the typing experience. Overall, both switches provide unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Box White offering a more tactile and crunchy sound, while the Lightning Silver V3 provides a sharp and clacky sound.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek feel while typing. Conversely, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is known for its silky feel, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches offer a smooth and pleasant typing feel, with the Box White focusing on a polished finish for reduced friction, while the Lightning Silver V3 emphasizes a silky smoothness for effortless key presses.
Overall, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box White provides a tactile and crunchy sound with a polished typing feel, while the Lightning Silver V3 offers a clacky and high-pitched sound signature with a silky smooth typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide an enjoyable typing experience, with the Box White catering to those who prefer a tactile and crunchy sound, and the Lightning Silver V3 appealing to those who enjoy a sharp and clacky sound with a silky smooth feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a satisfying clicky sound with a tactile bump, the Box White would be a great choice for you. The "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and accented tactility can enhance your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and seamless typing experience with a clacky, high-pitched sound, the Lightning Silver V3 would be more suited to your taste. The light diffuser feature can also add a vibrant touch to your keyboard setup. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound and feel when typing.
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