TTC Flame Red vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flame Red and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 both offer unique features and characteristics. The Flame Red stands out for its dazzling light diffuser, making it the perfect choice for those who want a visually appealing backlit RGB keyboard. Typing on these switches provides a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, offering a neutral, mild, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 catches attention with its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, giving a unique typing experience that is silky and seamless. The light diffuser also enhances RGB illumination, adding a vibrant touch to any keyboard setup. 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
54g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the materials used in the housing of the TTC Flame Red and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, it is evident that they utilize different plastics for both the top and bottom housings. The Flame Red features a nylon top and bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 opts for polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The contrast between the two materials highlights the significant influence that housing material has on the overall typing experience.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Flame Red and the Lightning Silver V3, both switches offer unique benefits based on their material composition. The nylon housing of the Flame Red provides a duller and rounder sound that may appeal to those seeking a more muted typing experience, while the polycarbonate housing of the Lightning Silver V3 offers a more clear and resonant sound that enhances the overall typing feedback. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Lightning Silver V3 allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic element to the switch that is not present in the Flame Red.
Overall, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate housing in switches like the Flame Red and the Lightning Silver V3 ultimately comes down to personal preference and desired typing experience. While both materials have their distinct characteristics in terms of sound profile and feel, they contribute to creating a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences. Whether you prefer the deeper sound of nylon or the crisper sound of polycarbonate, both the Flame Red and the Lightning Silver V3 offer high-quality housing materials that enhance the overall performance of the switch.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, there are noticeable differences in actuation force and bottom out force. The Flame Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium category. This means that the Flame Red switch would be lighter to type on, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue, while the Lightning Silver V3 switch would provide a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The TTC Flame Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Flame Red has a longer distance to travel compared to the Lightning Silver V3. The 4 mm travel distance of the Flame Red makes it better suited for those who prefer a deeper key press feel, while the 3.4 mm travel distance of the Lightning Silver V3 is more suitable for individuals looking for a faster response time. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distance, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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 Flame Red linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a wide range of users in various settings. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed, providing a sharp and crisp typing experience. The sound of both switches can be further influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Flame Red switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle feel with smooth key travel. This makes it a comfortable option for many users, as it falls within a safe middle-ground zone in terms of tactile feedback. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 switch is described as silky, ensuring an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This feature enhances the overall typing feel and can appeal to those who prioritize a smooth typing experience.
Overall, while the Flame Red and Lightning Silver V3 linear switches offer different sound and feel characteristics, both can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on individual preferences. Choosing between the two would ultimately come down to whether you prefer a more neutral sound profile with a weighty smoothness (Flame Red) or a clacky and high-pitched sound experience with a silky feel (Lightning Silver V3). Additionally, both switches feature light diffusers that enhance RGB illumination, adding a vibrant touch to any keyboard setup. Ultimately, you can expect a reliable and enjoyable typing experience with either of these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a dazzling light diffuser for your backlit keyboard and prefer a weighty smoothness with a clacky sound profile, the TTC Flame Red linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you want a switch that offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature with a silky smooth typing experience, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Consider these factors carefully when making your decision to ensure that you select the right switch for your needs and preferences.
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