TTC Gold Silver vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that they each offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The TTC Gold Silver is renowned for its rapid responsiveness and smooth keystrokes, providing a satisfying tactile feedback with each press. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 stands out for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, as well as its seamless typing experience. Both switches have their own appeal, whether you prefer a polished, thocky switch like the Gold Silver or a clacky, high-pitched switch like the Lightning Silver V3. 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
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
18mm spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, which leads to a more resonant sound. The aesthetic advantage of polycarbonate is its translucency, making it ideal for switches designed to use RGB lighting. While both switches share this housing material in common, the Gold Silver's polycarbonate top housing offers a unique sound profile that differs from the Lightning Silver V3's.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Gold Silver features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being softer than polycarbonate, absorbs more sound and creates a rounder sound quality. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to its sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This distinction in bottom housing material affects the overall typing experience and sound of each switch.
When considering the impact of different housing materials on switch performance, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. While both the Gold Silver and the Lightning Silver V3 benefit from the clear, visually appealing properties of polycarbonate in their top housing, the choice of nylon for the Gold Silver's bottom housing results in a different sound profile compared to the all-polycarbonate construction of the Lightning Silver V3.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it is evident that there are differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Silver switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly higher actuation force of 48 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Gold Silver is unknown, whereas the Lightning Silver V3 has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Lightning Silver V3 switch is heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Gold Silver switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Silver switch may be more suitable, while individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch. In the end, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall on the shorter end of the spectrum when compared to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. Gamers may prefer the Gold Silver for its slightly longer travel distance, providing a bit more cushion and depth to each key press. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can appeal to those looking for quicker response times. Overall, both switches offer a modern, shorter travel distance compared to older switches, catering to different preferences based on the user's individual needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver 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 Silver 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 Silver switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep, rich, and satisfying tone with a moderate actuation force requirement. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, creating a sharp and snappy tone that is crisp and bright. Depending on personal preference, the Gold Silver switch caters to those who enjoy a deeper and more neutral sound, while the Lightning Silver V3 switch is suitable for those who prefer a sharper and more percussive sound.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Silver switch is described as polished, silky, mild, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and gentle resistance. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is labeled as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing feel with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches prioritize a seamless and fluid typing experience, ensuring comfort and precision for users.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Silver switch emphasizes rapid responsiveness, smooth key travel, and a thocky, low-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for those seeking a precise and tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch stands out with its clacky, high-pitched sound signature, silky smooth typing feel, and light diffuser feature for enhanced RGB illumination. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences, ultimately delivering a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience for users.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you prioritize rapid responsiveness and a smooth, fluid keystroke with a resonant sound signature, the TTC Gold Silver may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky, high-pitched sound with a silky and seamless typing experience, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 could be the switch that meets your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of feel and sound you are looking for in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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