TTC Flaming Purple vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, you may come across the TTC Flaming Purple and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, both linear switches with their own unique qualities. The Flaming Purple from TTC is praised for its resonant and slightly bassier sound signature, providing an engaging auditory experience with a feathery touch and easy-to-press bottom-out at just 47g. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 by Everglide is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound, offering a silky typing experience with added RGB illumination through a light diffuser. Each switch has its own characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
47g
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
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate plastic, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate for use with RGB lighting. However, the Flaming Purple's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp and clear sound profile associated with polycarbonate material.
When considering the impact of the different housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are divided between the top and bottom housings of the switch. Pressing down on a key will highlight the qualities of the bottom housing, which affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. In this case, the Flaming Purple's nylon bottom housing provides a unique typing experience with a deeper sound profile, while the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharp and resonant sound. Conversely, the sound when letting go of a key is influenced more by the top housing material, with both switches benefiting from the clear and crisp sound profile of polycarbonate.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Flaming Purple and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 will depend on personal preference for sound profile and typing feel. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp sound profile and RGB compatibility, the Flaming Purple's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper sound profile, contrasting with the Lightning Silver V3's consistent sharp and clear sound throughout. Whether you prefer a crisper sound or a fuller sound profile, these differences in housing materials contribute to unique typing experiences with each switch.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Flaming Purple requires 47 grams, while the Lightning Silver V3 needs 60 grams, making it the heavier option. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience that allows for longer periods of typing or gaming, the Flaming Purple may be the better choice. However, if a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push is desired, then the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 would be the way to go. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, slightly longer than the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, the Flaming Purple offers a slightly deeper press compared to the Lightning Silver V3. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Lightning Silver V3, while those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress may lean towards the Flaming Purple. In general, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference for the level of depth and responsiveness desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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 Purple linear switch offers a bassier and resonant profile, characterized by a slightly deeper and richer sound during key presses. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound, giving a sharp and crisp auditory experience. Depending on personal preference, the Flaming Purple may be more appealing for those who enjoy a touch of bass in their typing sound, while the Lightning Silver V3 would suit users who prefer a brighter and more percussive sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the TTC Flaming Purple is noted for its feathery and easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal exertion and providing a comfortable typing experience with reduced finger fatigue. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 also offers a silky typing experience, emphasizing smoothness and minimal resistance during key presses. Both switches excel in providing a pleasant typing feel, with the Flaming Purple focusing on light actuation force and the Lightning Silver V3 emphasizing overall smoothness.
In conclusion, for those seeking a switch with a bassier and resonant sound profile, coupled with a feathery and easy-to-press typing feel, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch would be a fantastic choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch would be the ideal option. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches will depend on your specific sound and feel preferences, ensuring that you achieve a satisfying typing experience tailored to your liking.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you prefer a bassier, resonant sound profile and a feathery, easy-to-press typing experience, the Flaming Purple may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clacky, high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing feel, the Lightning Silver V3 could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what suits your typing style and preferences best.
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