TTC Flaming Pink vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the TTC Flaming Pink and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 can significantly affect your typing and gaming experience. The Flaming Pink switches are celebrated for their smooth and responsive feel combined with a satisfying bottom-out sound, offering a balanced performance suited for both casual use and intense gaming sessions. Their sound profile strikes a perfect balance—bright but not overly loud, making them a versatile option for any environment. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches stand out with their clacky and high-pitched sound signature, delivering a distinctly lively auditory feedback that can enhance the tactile joy of typing. Produced by Haimu, these switches also feature a light diffuser that enhances RGB illumination, allowing for a truly vibrant keyboard setup. Both options have unique qualities that cater to different preferences, whether you prioritize a smoother experience or a more pronounced auditory response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Pink and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches share a fundamental similarity in their top housings, both made from polycarbonate, which greatly influences their acoustic profiles. The polycarbonate material imparts a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, known for its clarity and resonance due to its stiffness. This commonality in top housing design means that both switches will deliver a similar auditory experience, especially when illuminated, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances RGB lighting effects. Therefore, users looking for a bright and engaging sound while enjoying RGB lighting aesthetics will find a consistent performance between these two models.
However, the divergence in the bottom housing materials sets the two switches apart. The Flaming Pink employs nylon, a choice that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This characteristic allows the nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder output when compared to the crisper sound of the Flaming Pink's top housing. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well. This decision aligns the sound characteristics more closely with its top housing, leading to a sharper and more resonant overall sound when pressing the keys. Therefore, while both switches offer crisp sound from the top housing, the Flaming Pink's nylon bottom provides a unique depth that creates a distinctly different auditory experience when bottoming out.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in both switches shapes not only the sound but also the tactile feel when typing. The Flaming Pink, with its nylon bottom housing, offers a more subdued feedback and sound upon bottoming out, creating a complex blend of auditory and tactile experiences. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3's consistent use of polycarbonate throughout allows for a uniform sound across the entire keystroke, projecting a sharper feedback profile. When pressed, the differences become apparent: the Flaming Pink gives more depth while the Lightning Silver V3 maintains a clearer projection through its polycarbonate construction. Therefore, while both switches provide distinct auditory enhancements, the choice between them will depend on individual preferences for sound depth versus clarity.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Flaming Pink switch features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions without as much fatigue. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a typing experience. Essentially, while the Flaming Pink caters to those who favor a lighter touch, the Lightning Silver V3 may appeal to users seeking a more pronounced resistance during use. This difference in force settings means that the Flaming Pink will typically be more comfortable for long durations, whereas the Lightning Silver V3 may deliver a satisfying heft that enhances tactile feedback for those who enjoy a stronger push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, there is a clear distinction. The Flaming Pink features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer of the two options, while the Lightning Silver V3 has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter. This slight difference means that users seeking a more responsive experience might gravitate toward the Lightning Silver V3, as its shorter travel distance can facilitate quicker key presses, ideal for gaming. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial depth in their key presses might find the Flaming Pink to be the better choice. Both switches, however, reflect the trend towards shorter travel distances for enhanced performance, highlighting the continuing evolution of keyboard switches in response to user preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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 TTC Flaming Pink switches provide a bright yet not overly loud sound profile, delivering a satisfying bottom-out sound that balances well for both gaming and everyday typing. This creates a pleasant auditory experience that won't disrupt a quiet environment. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches produce a clacky and high-pitched sound signature. Their crisp and percussive nature results in a sharp and snappy sound that can be particularly appealing to users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing or gaming. The difference in sound quality can greatly impact your overall experience, depending on whether you prefer a subtle profile or a more pronounced audio feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Flaming Pink is noted for its smooth and responsive typing experience, which is crucial in ensuring fluidity during both fast-paced gaming and everyday tasks. This responsiveness contributes to a premium typing experience, allowing users to glide effortlessly from key to key. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 switches are characterized by their silky smooth feel, which minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This quality enhances the overall typing fluidity, making it feel almost effortless to type quickly and accurately. Both switches aim to provide a high-quality typing sensation, albeit through slightly different characteristics.
In conclusion, while both the TTC Flaming Pink and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switches cater to different sound preferences, they each deliver smooth and enjoyable typing experiences. The Flaming Pink offers a milder sound profile and responsive feel, making it suitable for environments where noise level matters, whereas the Lightning Silver V3 provides a more pronounced auditory feedback with its clacky sound and silky feel, perfect for gamers or those who enjoy a more dynamic typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a premium typing feel with subtle sound or prefer a louder, more pronounced auditory experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Pink and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switches, consider your personal preferences for key actuation force, sound profile, and overall typing experience. If you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 50 grams, as well as a smoother and more responsive feel paired with a refined sound that is pleasant but not excessively loud, the Flaming Pink switch will be your ideal choice. This makes it particularly well-suited for those who do both gaming and everyday typing while appreciating a more subtle auditory experience. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback and a slightly heavier actuation with a bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Lightning Silver V3 excels in delivering a clackier and high-pitched sound that adds character to each keystroke. Its silky smooth action and vibrant RGB illumination make it a fantastic option for enthusiasts who want both performance and aesthetics in their keyboard setup. Ultimately, your choice should align with what type of sound and feel you find most enjoyable in your typing or gaming sessions.
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