KTT Cream Yellow vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cream Yellow and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 both stand out for their unique characteristics. The Cream Yellow switch stands out for its distinctively clacky sound, bouncy typing feel, and shortened bottom-out distance, making it a great option for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, along with a silky typing experience and enhanced RGB illumination. While both switches offer unique features and benefits, such as the Cream Yellow's bouncy feel and the Lightning Silver V3's light diffuser, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

Everglide Lightning Silver V3 Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

$5.55

$4.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Cream Yellow stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 features a polycarbonate bottom housing, emphasizing the sharp and crisp sound profile associated with this material.

While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, the differing bottom housings of the Cream Yellow and Lightning Silver V3 offer unique characteristics. The Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound experience, absorbing more sound with its softer nature. Conversely, the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp and crisp sound profile associated with this material, creating a clear and resonant sound quality. The split qualities of the top and bottom housings impact the overall sound and feel of the switch, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing affects the sound upon key release.

In conclusion, the choice between the KTT Cream Yellow and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and feel. The Cream Yellow's combination of a polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing offers a unique balance of sharpness and depth in sound, ideal for those seeking a fuller sound experience. Conversely, the Lightning Silver V3's dual polycarbonate housings provide a consistently sharp and crisp sound profile that may appeal to users looking for a clear and resonant sound. Overall, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it is evident that the Cream Yellow has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Lightning Silver V3's 48 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cream Yellow requires 58 grams which is lighter than the Lightning Silver V3's 60 grams. Both switches fall into the medium force category, providing a good balance between ease of typing and tactile feedback. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Lightning Silver V3, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance may prefer the Cream Yellow. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.

Travel distance

In comparing the travel distance of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, we find that the Cream Yellow has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. While the difference in length between the two switches may seem minimal, it can have a significant impact on the typing experience. The Cream Yellow offers a slightly greater depth when pressed, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3's shorter travel distance may be favored by gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the KTT Cream Yellow and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches are known for their clacky nature, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This can provide a satisfying auditory feedback during typing sessions. While the Cream Yellow offers a resonant clack due to its particular design elements, the Lightning Silver V3 adds a high-pitched element to its sound profile, which may cater to those who prefer a sharper sound. Ultimately, your choice of keycaps and keyboard build will also influence the final sound produced by these switches.

Moving on to the feel, the Cream Yellow switch boasts a bouncy sensation, characterized by a spring-like and elastic feedback that gives keys a lively feel with rebound upon each press. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a silky typing experience, ensuring smooth key action and minimal resistance for a seamless typing flow. Depending on your preference for feedback and key response, you may opt for the bouncier feel of the Cream Yellow or the ultra-smooth sensation provided by the Everglide switch.

Considering all available information, both the KTT Cream Yellow and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches offer unique qualities in terms of both sound and feel. While the Cream Yellow delivers a bouncy typing experience with a distinct clacky sound, the Lightning Silver V3 provides a silky smooth feel with a high-pitched clack. Depending on whether you prioritize a bouncy feedback or a smoother typing experience, you can choose between these switches to enhance your typing sessions. Ultimately, personal preference along with factors such as keycap choice and keyboard build will play a role in determining the ideal switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky and bouncy typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Cream Yellow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky high-pitched sound with a smooth, silky typing feel and RGB illumination, the Lightning Silver V3 could be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so it is important to choose based on your personal typing preferences and aesthetic preferences for your keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Lightning Silver V3 Linear

$5.55

$4.10 per 10

Learn more