KTT Darling vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Darling and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 are both linear switches with unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The KTT Darling is renowned for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, coupled with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. It delivers a resonant, high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, creating a harmonious blend of tactile and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 is celebrated for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, offering a silky and seamless typing experience. One standout feature of the Lightning Silver V3 is its light diffuser, which enhances RGB illumination for a vibrant touch to any keyboard setup. While both switches share characteristics such as clackiness and high-pitched sound, they differ in terms of their overall typing experience and feedback. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Darling and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, where the Darling differs is in its use of nylon for the bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing.
The difference in bottom housing material between the KTT Darling and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 impacts the overall typing experience. The nylon bottom housing of the Darling absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound profile, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3 contributes to a sharper and clearer sound. This variation in sound characteristics between the two switches can influence the typing feel and auditory feedback that users experience when using either switch.
Overall, while the top housing material of both the KTT Darling and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is polycarbonate, the distinction lies in their bottom housing material. The choice of nylon for the Darling results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3 delivers a sharper and crisper sound. Understanding how these housing materials contribute to the sound profile and typing feel of mechanical switches can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences for sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it is evident that the Darling is lighter in both categories. The Darling has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Lightning Silver V3 has 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 Darling being slightly lighter overall. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Darling may be the preferred choice, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, those looking for a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Lightning Silver V3, as it offers slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Darling has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lightning Silver V3. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their fast response times. However, if you prefer a switch with a slightly deeper press and feel that shorter travel distances are too abrupt, you may lean towards the Darling switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific feel that each user is looking for in their mechanical keyboard.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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 KTT Darling linear switch offers a unique blend of qualities with its clacky, high-pitched, and resonant characteristics. Pressing the Darling switch results in a sharp and crisp sound that is both engaging and satisfying. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch also boasts a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a different auditory experience. While both switches share some sound qualities, such as being clacky and high-pitched, the Darling switch stands out with its resonant sound, adding an extra layer of depth to the typing experience.
Moving on to the feel, the KTT Darling linear switch is characterized by its bouncy nature, offering a springy and lively sensation when typing. This bounciness provides users with a playful feedback that enhances the overall typing experience. On the contrary, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. While both switches offer unique tactile qualities, the Darling switch's bouncy feel contrasts with the silky smoothness of the Lightning Silver V3 switch, catering to different preferences in typing sensation.
Considering the overall information provided, the KTT Darling linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch each bring distinct subjective qualities to the table. The Darling switch excels in providing a chewy and substantial typing sensation with bouncy feedback and a resonant, high-pitched sound. In comparison, the Lightning Silver V3 switch offers a clacky sound signature and a silky smooth typing experience, enhancing RGB illumination with its light diffuser. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Whether you prefer the bouncy, resonant qualities of the Darling switch or the silky smoothness of the Lightning Silver V3 switch, both options promise a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Darling linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, consider the typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a more substantial and chewy feel with a bouncy springiness and resonant, high-pitched sound, the Darling switch might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a silky smooth typing experience with a clacky, high-pitched sound profile and enhanced RGB illumination, then the Lightning Silver V3 switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the tactile and auditory feedback you desire in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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