TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Gold Red Pro and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer a smooth typing experience. The Gold Red Pro is celebrated for its versatility, with a neutral sound signature and ease of press, making it suitable for a variety of uses such as gaming, office work, or casual typing. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 stands out with its clacky and high-pitched sound, as well as a unique light diffuser feature for enhanced RGB illumination. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and environments. 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
43g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gold Red Pro and the Lightning Silver V3 both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. However, the Gold Red Pro's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to nylon's softer nature absorbing more sound. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp and crisp sound profile associated with polycarbonate.
When it comes to typing experience, the housing materials of the Gold Red Pro and the Lightning Silver V3 play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switches. The different housing materials split the qualities between the top and bottom of the switch. Pressing down on the switch will highlight the qualities of the bottom housing, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. This distinction in housing materials adds a layer of complexity to the typing experience for users of both switches.
Overall, while both the Gold Red Pro and the Lightning Silver V3 feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound profile, their bottom housing materials create a noticeable difference in sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing of the Gold Red Pro offers a deeper and fuller sound, contrasting with the crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3. These differences in housing materials cater to different preferences in typing experience, providing users with options to choose a switch that best suits their individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it is evident that the Gold Red Pro is the lighter option with an actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Lightning Silver V3's 48 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Lightning Silver V3 is 60 grams, which is higher than the Gold Red Pro's unknown bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may lean towards the Gold Red Pro for a smoother typing experience, while those who enjoy a more substantial push may opt for the Lightning Silver V3. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, the Gold Red Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their faster response times. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference - the Gold Red Pro may provide a slightly deeper feel when typing, while the Lightning Silver V3 would offer a slightly quicker response. Ultimately, if you prefer a switch with a shorter travel distance for a faster typing experience, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 would be the better option, whereas if you prefer a slightly deeper feel, the TTC Gold Red Pro would be the way to go.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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 Gold Red Pro linear switch offers a neutral tone that is neither too loud nor too quiet, providing a harmonious typing experience suitable for any environment. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is characterized by a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, adding a crisp and vibrant touch to keystrokes. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Gold Red Pro leaning towards a more subtle and low-pitched sound, while the Lightning Silver V3 delivers a more pronounced and sharp audio feedback.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Red Pro switch provides a polished and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and refined key press that reduces friction and enhances overall typing comfort. Additionally, its mild and subtle characteristics make it approachable to a wide range of users. Meanwhile, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch also offers a silky typing feel, ensuring a smooth and seamless keystroke with minimized resistance. Both switches prioritize smoothness in typing, providing a comfortable experience for extended use.
Overall, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch each bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Red Pro excels in its adaptability and neutral sound signature, making it a versatile option for various typing preferences, whether for gaming or work. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 stands out with its clacky sound profile and silky typing feel, adding a touch of flair to the typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, but both are sure to provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch or the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it's important to take into account your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a versatile switch that offers a seamless typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Gold Red Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a clacky, high-pitched sound signature and a silky smooth typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your individual needs and the type of typing experience you're looking to achieve.
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