Outemu Crystal vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Outemu Crystal and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, both linear switches. The Outemu Crystal switch offers a unique typing experience with its elastic feel and medium-light weight, resulting in a smooth linear feel. With a neutral sound profile, the Crystal switch is a great choice for those looking for a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 boasts a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a distinct auditory feedback while typing. The light diffuser feature enhances RGB illumination, adding a vibrant touch to any keyboard setup. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics, catering to different 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
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing Outemu Crystal and Everglide Lightning Silver V3, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate plastic, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal material for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. The similarities in material and sound profile between the top housings of these switches suggest that users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either switch.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. While the Outemu Crystal features a polycarbonate bottom housing, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 also utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing. This means that the qualities of the polycarbonate material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing will have more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite this difference in bottom housing material, both switches still provide a unique and consistent sound profile.
Overall, the use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housing of the Outemu Crystal and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate plastic enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it a popular choice for switches that aim to deliver a satisfying typing experience. While there may be slight variations in sound and feel between the two switches due to their different bottom housing materials, users can expect a similarly superior sound quality and aesthetic appeal when using either the Outemu Crystal or the Everglide Lightning Silver V3.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it is evident that the Crystal requires a lighter touch overall. The Crystal has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Lightning Silver V3 has slightly higher figures with an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. Both switches fall within the medium-light to medium range, with the Crystal being the lighter of the two. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Crystal, while users who enjoy a bit more resistance for a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Lightning Silver V3. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it is evident that the Crystal has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Lightning Silver V3's 3.4 mm. This means that the Crystal switch offers a slightly deeper key press experience compared to the Lightning Silver V3. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Lightning Silver V3, while users who enjoy a more substantial key press depth may lean towards the Outemu Crystal switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for keyboard feedback and typing experience.
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 Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Crystal linear switch offers a chirpy and high-pitched sound, providing a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, giving it a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Both switches offer a distinct sound experience, with the Crystal providing a chirpy tone and the Lightning Silver V3 offering a crisp and percussive sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in sound profile.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Crystal linear switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is praised for its silky feel, delivering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, with the Crystal providing a polished feel and the Lightning Silver V3 offering a silky smooth typing sensation. Again, the decision will depend on the individual's preference for typing feel.
Overall, the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch each bring their own unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Crystal offers a chirpy sound and polished feel, the Lightning Silver V3 introduces a clacky sound and silky typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound profile and typing feel. Whichever switch is selected, both are sure to provide a satisfying and high-quality typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Crystal linear switch or the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, you should take into account your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a unique, linear typing experience with a medium-light weight and neutral sound profile, the Crystal may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky, high-pitched sound signature with a silky and seamless typing feel, the Lightning Silver V3 could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the typing experience or the sound profile when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch. Choose wisely based on your preferences and enjoy your ultimate typing experience!
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