HMX EMO vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX EMO and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 both stand out for their unique characteristics. The HMX EMO switch is praised for its lively and clacky feel, coupled with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 by Everglide offers a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, along with a silky and smooth typing experience. While the EMO provides a bouncy and satisfying typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 boasts a unique light diffuser feature that enhances RGB illumination. Both switches fall under the linear switch category, offering a consistent keystroke without tactile 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
40g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
46g
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
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The HMX EMO and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through effectively. However, the EMO distinguishes itself with a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing. This contrast in bottom housing material may result in a difference in typing experience between the two switches, with the EMO likely offering a more muted sound upon bottoming out.
In terms of housing materials, the EMO's combination of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing provides a balanced typing experience with a mix of sharper and fuller sound profiles. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 employs polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a consistent, sharp, and resonant sound profile throughout the typing process. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, the differing bottom housing materials lead to distinct tactile and auditory experiences when typing on these keyboards.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the HMX EMO and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 impacts the sound and feel of typing on these switches. The EMO's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, providing a deeper and more muted typing experience, while the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. Despite both switches featuring polycarbonate top housings, the variations in bottom housing material play a significant role in defining the overall typing experience on each keyboard.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it is evident that the EMO has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Lightning Silver V3's 48 grams, making the EMO easier to trigger. Additionally, the bottom out force of the EMO at 46 grams is also lighter than the Lightning Silver V3's 60 grams, indicating that the EMO provides a smoother typing experience with less resistance. For those who prefer a more substantial typing feel, the Lightning Silver V3 would be the better choice due to its heavier forces. Overall, the EMO offers a lighter typing experience, whereas the Lightning Silver V3 provides a more substantial and resistant feel.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is slightly longer than the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch with a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking quicker response times, such as gamers. However, the EMO offers a slightly more substantial depth compared to the Lightning Silver V3. Depending on personal preference, individuals may favor the EMO for a bit more key travel for a less abrupt experience, while others may opt for the Lightning Silver V3 for a quicker and more responsive feel. Ultimately, both switches provide similar results due to their close proximity in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EMO has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EMO for $2.79.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX EMO linear switch offers a lively and clacky experience, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature. The EMO switch delivers a crisp and bouncy sound with a feather-light bottom-out force, adding a unique auditory feedback to typing. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 switch produces a sharp and snappy sound, thanks to its high-pitched nature, which can enhance the overall typing experience for those who prefer a more vibrant sound profile.
In terms of feel, the HMX EMO switch provides a smooth and effortless typing experience with its factory-lubed mechanism and 46g bottom-out force. On the contrary, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch offers a silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This enhances the overall typing feel, making it a comfortable choice for extended typing sessions.
Overall, both the HMX EMO and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you are looking for a switch with a lively and clacky sound accompanied by a bouncy typing experience, the HMX EMO switch would be a suitable choice. Conversely, if you prefer a switch with a high-pitched sound and a silky smooth typing feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch would be a perfect match. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preference for sound and feel, as both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a light bottom-out force and a lively, clacky feel, then the HMX EMO linear switch would be the perfect choice for you. Its feather-light 46g force and bouncy typing experience make it a great option for those who prefer a smoother and more effortless typing experience. On the other hand, if you are seeking a switch with a medium bottom-out force and a high-pitched, clacky sound signature, then the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch would be more suitable for you. With its silky smooth typing experience and unique light diffuser feature, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a vibrant touch to any keyboard setup. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preference for bottom-out force, sound, and typing feel.
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