Gateron Glory Red vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Red and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 are two linear options that cater to distinct preferences and typing styles. The Gateron Glory Red switches are celebrated for their lightweight feel and smooth keystroke, making them an excellent choice for typists who prioritize a comfortable and responsive experience. Their moderate travel distance contributes to a satisfying typing rhythm that can enhance productivity. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches bring a unique character, featuring a clacky and high-pitched sound signature alongside a silky, seamless typing action. They are particularly appealing to users who enjoy auditory feedback while typing and appreciate the enhanced RGB illumination provided by the switch's built-in light diffuser, adding a vibrant flair to any keyboard setup. While both switches offer smooth linear experiences, the choice between the two will ultimately depend on whether you prefer a more understated and efficient typing feel or a dynamic and visually striking auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Glory Red Linear

Everglide Lightning Silver V3 Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

$5.55

$4.10 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, a clear distinction lies in the types of plastics used. The Glory Red switches utilize a nylon housing for both the top and bottom, which is known for its softer characteristics. This softer material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon absorbs more sound waves than harder plastics. The result is a sound that is typically duller and rounder, creating a more muted acoustic experience that some typists may find satisfying and comforting for long typing sessions.

Contrastingly, the Lightning Silver V3 features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer material, which influences the sound profile of the switch to be sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for greater illumination when RGB lighting is used, making it visually appealing as well. This difference in material impacts the tactile experience as well, with polycarbonate providing a more clear and resonant sound profile than its nylon counterpart. Therefore, the overall experience of using the Lightning Silver V3 may be brighter and more responsive in sound when pressed, appealing to users who prefer a more vibrant typing feedback.

Despite the differing materials, it is important to note that the combined effects of each switch's housing materials contribute to a unique typing experience. For users who choose the Glory Red switches, the impact of the nylon housing will be more pronounced when bottoming out and will create a rounded sound upon release. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 will showcase the sharper sound profile more evidently upon releasing the keys, while also emphasizing the sound generated when bottoming out. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, resulting in varied overall experiences based on their individual housing compositions.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch to the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Glory Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option between the two, which can be beneficial for long typing sessions or gaming marathons where less effort is preferable. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams, which could appeal to those who desire a more substantial typing experience. Furthermore, the Lightning Silver V3 has a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a firmer response when fully pressed, while the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unknown. This implies that users who appreciate a more pronounced feedback when bottoming out might gravitate towards the Lightning Silver V3 due to its defined resistance. Overall, while both switches serve different preferences, the Gateron Glory Red is better suited for those seeking a lighter touch, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 targets users looking for a firmer keypress experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, there is a notable distinction. The Glory Red features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Thus, if you're seeking a more responsive feel, the Lightning Silver V3 might be the better choice due to its shorter distance, which can offer quicker actuation, making it ideal for gamers who prefer rapid response times. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Red, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying and deeper keystroke for users who enjoy a sturdier, more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding the desired feel and responsiveness in typing or gaming.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound character of the Gateron Glory Red is not explicitly detailed, leaving its auditory signature relatively open to interpretation. However, compared to the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, which is noted for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the Glory Red may be perceived as softer or more muted. The Lightning Silver V3 produces a sharp, snappy sound that resonates with a bright and percussive quality, catering to those who enjoy a more vibrant acoustic experience while typing. It's worth mentioning that the actual sound produced by either switch can be influenced by the keyboard and keycap choices, but the inherent characteristics of the Lightning Silver V3 position it as a more audibly engaging option.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Red switch offers a smooth keystroke with a satisfying travel distance, which contributes to an enjoyable typing experience that many users tend to appreciate. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 also emphasizes a seamless typing experience, described as exceptionally silky. While the specific tactile sensations of the Glory Red are not elaborated upon, both switches aim for a smooth keystroke. Users looking for fluidity in their typing will likely find common ground between both options, although the fine nuances may differ based on the individual switch design.

In summary, while the Gateron Glory Red may not be as sonically pronounced as the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, it still promises a solid typing experience with its smooth keystroke. The Lightning Silver V3 stands out distinctly in sound with its clacky and high-pitched profile, while both switches offer an emphasis on smoothness in feel. For newcomers, selecting between the two will largely depend on personal preference regarding auditory feedback and the tactile sensation desired in their typing experience; if sound is a priority, the Lightning Silver V3 is the clear choice, whereas the Glory Red might appeal more with its straightforward, uncomplicated typing pleasure.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you tend to favor a smoother keystroke with a lighter touch, the Glory Red would be an excellent choice, offering a pleasant travel distance that makes it ideal for long typing sessions without feeling fatigued. This switch could be particularly appealing if you enjoy a quieter typing experience and prefer an understated sound profile. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback and a more engaging auditory experience, the Lightning Silver V3 should be your go-to. Known for its clacky and high-pitched sound, this switch not only enhances the auditory feedback from your keystrokes but also features a silky feel that reduces resistance, enriching your typing experience. Moreover, if RGB illumination is important to you, the light diffuser in the Lightning Silver V3 adds a vibrant touch to your keyboard setup. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to whether you prioritize smoothness and quietness or tactile feedback and sound, allowing you to tailor your mechanical keyboard experience to your unique preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Lightning Silver V3 Linear

$5.55

$4.10 per 10

Learn more