Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 present two intriguing options for enthusiasts. The Glory Yellow switch is celebrated for its smooth keystroke and comfortable travel distance, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a more weighty and stable typing experience. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 is known for its distinctive clacky sound and high-pitched tone, offering a lively auditory feedback that many users find satisfying. Additionally, the Lightning Silver V3 features a light diffuser that not only enhances RGB lighting but also elevates the overall aesthetic of any keyboard setup. While both switches cater to linear preferences, their unique characteristics can suit different typing styles and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches, a notable difference lies in the housing materials used for both the top and bottom sections. The Glory Yellow features a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Lightning Silver V3 employs polycarbonate for both. Nylon, being a softer plastic, tends to create a deeper, fuller sound profile that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for typists who prefer a quieter typing experience, as the nylon effectively dampens sound levels between keystrokes.
In contrast, the use of polycarbonate in the Lightning Silver V3 contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which promotes a clearer resonance when typing. Polycarbonate is also known for its aesthetics, especially when transparent, as it is appealing for those who wish to showcase RGB lighting effects in their keyboards. With this, typists can expect an enhanced visual experience alongside a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing or gaming.
Given the contrasting acoustic properties of the two materials, users can anticipate differing overall sound profiles from the two switches. The Glory Yellow will deliver a predominantly subdued auditory feedback, while the Lightning Silver V3 will offer a livelier and sharper response. Both switches, however, can provide satisfying typing experiences: the nylon used in the Glory Yellow can create a cozy and muffled ambiance, appealing to those who prioritize typing comfort and noise reduction; conversely, the crisp clarity of polycarbonate in the Lightning Silver V3 will resonate with typists who prefer a more vibrant and responsive feedback. Thus, your choice will ultimately depend on whether you value a softer, warmer sound or a sharper, more energetic auditory experience while typing.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch with the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, notable differences arise in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Glory Yellow switch requires an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly lighter actuation force at 48 grams. This difference may appeal to users who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, making the Lightning Silver V3 a more attractive option for those seeking ease of use. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is unknown, whereas the Lightning Silver V3 has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium. This means that if you were to bottom out the Lightning Silver V3, you would experience a firmer feel, perfect for those who appreciate a substantial typing experience. Essentially, users desiring a lighter, more effortless keystroke might lean towards the Lightning Silver V3, while those who favor a heavier, more tactile switch should consider the Glory Yellow, assuming a heavier bottom out experience can be achieved with different configurations.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, we see a clear distinction. The Glory Yellow features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option that provides a satisfying depth for users who appreciate a heftier feel while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, catering to gamers looking for quicker actuation and faster response times. This shorter travel can lead to a more rapid interaction with the keyboard but may feel too abrupt for some users. Ultimately, if you prefer a hearty depth in your keystrokes, the Gateron Glory Yellow is the better choice, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is ideal for those favoring responsiveness and speed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Yellow has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Yellow for $4.19.
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
The Gateron Glory Yellow switch is noted for its smooth keystroke and satisfying travel distance, which contributes to a quieter typing experience compared to the Everglide Lightning Silver V3. The Lightning Silver V3, on the other hand, produces a distinctly clacky and high-pitched sound signature. This sharp, bright, and percussive sound results in a more pronounced auditory feedback, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more vibrant auditory experience while typing. However, sound perception can vary greatly depending on the keyboard build and keycap selection, so individual experiences may differ.
In terms of feel, the Glory Yellow switch is characterized by its smoothness, providing an effortless typing experience that many users find pleasurable for long typing sessions. The Lightning Silver V3 also features a silky, seamless feel, which supports fast and responsive keystrokes. Both switches offer a satisfying experience, with the Glory Yellow slightly leaning towards a more subdued linear feel that benefits typists, while the Lightning Silver V3 enhances speed and agility, appealing to gamers and quick typists.
In summary, while both the Gateron Glory Yellow and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches provide smooth and seamless typability, they cater to different sound preferences and tactile nuances. Those who prioritize a quieter environment may prefer the Glory Yellow, whereas users looking for sharp, lively feedback and sound may gravitate towards the Lightning Silver V3. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize auditory characteristics or the tactile experience during your typing sessions.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switches ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value a smoother keystroke and a more balanced typing experience, the Gateron Glory Yellow is likely the better choice for you. Its smooth travel and unique feel would cater well to those who appreciate longevity in typing activities like coding or writing without the distraction of sound. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile experience with an audible response, the Lightning Silver V3’s clacky and high-pitched sound profile will excite your senses, making it ideal for gaming or settings where sound feedback enhances the engagement. Moreover, if RGB illumination is important to you, the Everglide’s light diffuser feature can significantly enhance your keyboard's aesthetic appeal. Ultimately, consider whether you prioritize sound, feel, or aesthetics in your keyboard experience, and you will find one switch suits you better than the other.
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