Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The V3 Crystal Pro is well-known for its fully polycarbonate construction, providing a bouncy and chirpy sound signature along with a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 stands out with a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, offering a silky typing experience and enhanced RGB illumination with its light diffuser. Each switch has its own distinct characteristics that may appeal to different users based on their 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
48g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, it is clear that both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top and bottom housings. The use of polycarbonate in both keyboards creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making them ideal for users who prefer a more distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the keyboards.
Despite both keyboards utilizing polycarbonate for their housing materials, there may be minor differences in the overall sound profile and feel due to potential variations in design and construction. The qualities of the bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the key press, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. These subtle differences may be noticeable to users who are discerning about their typing experience, making it important to consider how the housing materials interact with the overall design of the keyboard for optimal performance.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 offer similar benefits when it comes to utilizing polycarbonate for their housing materials. Users can expect a sharp, crisp sound profile that is complemented by the translucency of the material, allowing for vibrant RGB lighting effects. Whether choosing one keyboard over the other may come down to personal preferences in design aesthetics or subtle differences in sound and feel that may vary slightly between the top and bottom housings of each keyboard.
Weight
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch both have an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making them similar in terms of force requirements. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of pressure needed for both switches. In terms of weight, both switches can be considered medium in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Some users may find this weight ideal for a balance between typing comfort and feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to other factors such as switch travel distance, sound profile, or design aesthetic. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, both switches can provide a comfortable typing experience for extended periods. On the other hand, those who prefer a heavier push may want to explore other options with a higher actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm. In this case, the Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Crystal Pro. The difference of 0.4mm may not seem significant, but it can impact the feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the Lightning Silver V3 with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Crystal Pro with its longer travel distance. Overall, both switches offer unique experiences based on their travel distances, allowing users to choose the option that best suits their preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Crystal Pro for $3.30.
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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch offers a chirpy sound with a unique squeak to them, distinguishing them from other switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound that is sharp, crisp, and percussive. Both switches offer a different sound profile that can contribute to the overall typing experience, depending on personal preference and setup.
Moving on to the feel, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that gives a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Additionally, the fully polycarbonate construction of the switch contributes to a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch offers a silky typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience, with the Crystal Pro offering bounce and polish, and the Lightning Silver V3 emphasizing silkiness.
Overall, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch offer different sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Crystal Pro switch stands out with its chirpy sound and bouncy, polished feel, while the Lightning Silver V3 switch excels in providing a clacky, high-pitched sound and a silky typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, either of these switches can enhance the overall typing experience, providing a unique and satisfying feel with their distinct characteristics. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, as both switches offer a high-quality typing experience.
Conclusion
Therefore, in choosing between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a bright and chirpy sound signature with a silky smooth typing experience, the V3 Crystal Pro may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound with a seamless and silky typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 might be more to your liking. Both switches offer unique features and characteristics that cater to different preferences, so ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and typing style.
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