Huano Elf vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves comparing options that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Huano Elf switches are celebrated for their POK top housing, which not only provides enhanced acoustics but also delivers a rich, deep sound signature complemented by a medium-light feel. This combination makes them an excellent choice for users who appreciate a satisfying typing experience without the distraction of overly pronounced sounds. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches stand out with their clacky and high-pitched sound profile, made possible by their seamless construction and unique light diffuser, which enhances RGB illumination for a visually striking setup. While the Elf switches appeal to those who prefer a more subdued auditory experience, the Lightning Silver V3 is perfect for individuals who crave a lively and vibrant typing environment. 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
42g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
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
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, significant differences emerge, particularly in the materials used for the top housing. The Elf utilizes POK (polyketone), which is renowned for its exceptional strength and smoothness, featuring a coefficient of friction of 0.04. This material contributes to switches that are not only extremely durable—outpacing Nylon and POM in shock resistance—but also yield a smooth and clacky typing experience. Conversely, the Lightning Silver V3 adopts polycarbonate for its top housing, yielding a sound profile that is sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper. Due to its stiffer nature and translucency, polycarbonate enhances the switch's capability for RGB lighting, making it an aesthetic choice that also supports functional clarity.
In terms of bottom housing, the Elf employs nylon, a traditional material that produces a fuller, deeper sound profile thanks to its sound-absorbing qualities. This contrasts sharply with the Lightning Silver V3’s polycarbonate bottom housing, which maintains the sharper and more resonant sound produced by its top housing. This difference in material selection results in distinct acoustic characteristics: while the Elf's nylon produces a rounder sound, the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate, as a result of its rigidity, ensures a more precise auditory experience. Thus, the choice of bottom housing dramatically influences the overall sound signature of each switch, showcasing how the soft and absorbent nature of nylon complements the robust attributes of POK, whereas polycarbonate's hardness complements its same-material top housing.
Ultimately, the interaction between the materials in both switches plays a significant role in defining their unique sound profiles. In the Huano Elf, the combination of POK and nylon finds a balance between clarity and depth, creating a typing experience marked by smooth action and a rich auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, with both top and bottom housing made of polycarbonate, delivers a consistent sharpness throughout, ideal for users looking for clarity and compatibility with RGB lighting. Despite their differences, both switches offer a pleasant typing experience by maximizing the beneficial properties of their respective materials, illustrating how thoughtfully engineered combinations can yield diverse yet satisfying results.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Elf has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, which may appeal to users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 requires a heavier actuation force of 48 grams, making it better suited for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. While the bottom out force for the Elf is unknown, the Lightning Silver V3 has a defined bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a firmer end point when the switch is fully pressed. Thus, the Lightning Silver V3 can be considered the heavier option overall due to both its higher actuation and bottom out forces, while the Huano Elf is the lighter choice, potentially resulting in a less tiring experience during long periods of use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Huano Elf features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that for users seeking a faster response time, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 may be the more appealing option due to its reduced distance, aligning with the current trend of shorter switches favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Huano Elf, with its longer travel distance, may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback during their typing experience. Therefore, for a quicker response, the Everglide is the better choice, while the Huano Elf offers a deeper, more traditional feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
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
The sound characteristics of the Huano Elf switch feature a deep sound signature that provides a rich auditory experience, emphasizing a lower tone that could resonate well in quieter environments. This multifaceted acoustic quality lends a satisfying depth to each keystroke, adding to the overall enjoyment of typing. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is notable for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, producing a sharp and crisp auditory feedback with each press. Its sound is vivid and percussive, appealing to those who prefer a more vibrant auditory experience. Ultimately, while both switches provide pleasurable sound, their profiles cater to different preferences, with the Elf focusing on a deeper resonance and the Lightning Silver V3 excelling in clarity and sharpness.
In terms of feel, the Huano Elf switch provides a medium-light actuation force, creating a responsive yet comfortable typing experience that’s suitable for extended sessions. This balance allows the user to enjoy a satisfying tactile feedback without overwhelming resistance. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 distinguishes itself with an exceptionally smooth typing experience described as “silky.” This quality minimizes resistance during both key presses and releases, making it particularly enjoyable for rapid typing or gaming. Both switches offer their unique takes on feel, with the Elf providing a balanced touch and the Lightning Silver V3 emphasizing a seamless and fluid experience.
In summary, the Huano Elf and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switches deliver distinct audio and tactile experiences that cater to different user preferences. The Elf is ideal for those who appreciate a richer, deeper sound paired with a medium-light feel, while the Lightning Silver V3 appeals to those who favor a brighter acoustic profile along with a silky smooth actuation. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences in sound and feel, as both switches can create rewarding typing experiences in their respective ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a unique sound profile with deep acoustics and a medium-light feel, the Elf might be your best bet. It's particularly suited for those who enjoy a more muted yet satisfying typing experience, making it a great option for those who type for long periods or prefer a lower volume output. Conversely, if you lean towards a more vibrant and energetic sound, the Lightning Silver V3’s clacky and high-pitched audio signature may appeal to you. With a medium actuation force of 60 grams, these switches are designed for a more tactile response, allowing for a smoother, seamless typing feel that many gamers and fast typists appreciate. Furthermore, if RGB lighting is important in your setup, the unique light diffuser feature of the Lightning Silver V3 can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your keyboard. Ultimately, your choice hinges on whether you favor the deeper, more subdued sounds of the Elf or the bright, lively acoustics of the Lightning Silver V3, alongside the tactile feel that suits your typing style.
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