Huano Grape Orange vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Grape Orange and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 stand out as compelling options, each offering distinct advantages tailored to different typing preferences. The Grape Orange switches are renowned for their remarkably low actuation force of just 40g, allowing for a feather-light typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue during long hours of work or gaming. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 switches, celebrated for their clacky and high-pitched sound profile, provide not only a delightful auditory feedback but also a silky, seamless feel while typing, making each key press feel effortless. Moreover, their unique light diffuser enhances RGB illumination, adding a vibrant aesthetic to your keyboard setup. While the Grape Orange leans towards comfort and prolonged usage, the Lightning Silver V3 taps into a more dynamic sound experience and visual flair. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 reveal interesting similarities and contrasts that affect both their acoustic profiles and overall aesthetics. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which is a decision that underscores their shared design philosophy. The polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant acoustic character. This material is particularly advantageous for users who value RGB lighting as its translucency allows light to shine through, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the keyboard. As both switches feature polycarbonate for this purpose, users can expect similar auditory results when engaging with the top of the switches, further amplifying the potential for a cohesive RGB experience.
While their top housings may align in material composition, the bottom housings of the Huano Grape Orange and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 diverge significantly. The Grape Orange employs a nylon bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic absorbs more sound and contributes to a duller and rounder auditory experience, creating a unique sensation during typing and bottom-out actions. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3's bottom housing also utilizes polycarbonate, echoing the characteristics of its top housing. As a result, users can expect a similar crisper sound profile associated with polycarbonate when bottoming out on this switch. The divergent materials between the two switches create a contrasting sound experience depending on which switch is being used, with the Grape Orange leaning towards warmth and depth and the Lightning Silver V3 maintaining clarity and sharpness.
When considering the implications of top and bottom housing materials on the overall switch performance, the interplay between sound and feel becomes apparent. The Grape Orange's nylon bottom housing notably influences the bottom-out sound and typing feel, while the clarity from the polycarbonate top housing enhances the acoustic feedback on release. Conversely, the Lightning Silver V3 maintains a consistent sound across both its top and bottom housings, characterized by the sharper, more resonant quality of polycarbonate. Therefore, while users engaging with the Grape Orange may experience a rounded acoustic profile influenced by its nylon bottom, users of the Lightning Silver V3 can expect a more uniform and crisp auditory feedback that aligns with both housings. This distinction reinforces the idea that the choice of materials is integral to the overall typing experience, with each switch offering its distinct flavor based on their respective housing configurations.
Weight
The Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Grape Orange has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a softer feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 features a medium actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience that some users may favor. Thus, if you're looking for a lighter switch for prolonged usage, the Huano Grape Orange is the better option, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 will appeal to those who appreciate a heavier push feel. Overall, their actuation force and bottom out forces differ, with the Grape Orange being the lighter switch and the Lightning Silver V3 being the heavier one.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it is evident that the Grape Orange has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lightning Silver V3 measures at 3.4 mm. This difference may seem minimal at first glance, but it can significantly impact the typing experience. Gamers often favor shorter distances like that of the Lightning Silver V3 for their quicker response times, making it an ideal choice for fast-paced action. Conversely, the Grape Orange, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, offering a sense of depth that some users find more comfortable. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for responsiveness versus a more traditional typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Grape Orange has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Grape Orange for $2.79.
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 Huano Grape Orange switch does not have a specified sound profile within the provided information, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison. However, it is widely acknowledged that linear switches tend to be quieter than their tactile or clicky counterparts, suggesting that the Grape Orange may offer a subdued audio experience during operation. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 delivers a distinctively clacky and high-pitched sound, characterized by its crisp and snappy auditory feedback. This sharpness makes it appealing for those who prefer a more pronounced sound when typing, contrasting with the likely quieter nature of the Grape Orange.
When it comes to feel, the Grape Orange switch is also lacking specific descriptors that would allow for a detailed analysis. However, the provided actuation force of 40g indicates that it provides a very light and effortless typing experience, ideal for long typing sessions without undue strain. In comparison, the Lightning Silver V3 is noted for its silky smoothness, enhancing the overall typing experience by minimizing resistance during key presses and releases. This smooth feel can also contribute to a more satisfying tactile response, making it a great option for those who appreciate effortless typing with a premium sensation.
Overall, while the Grape Orange switch offers a lightweight and potentially quiet typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 stands out with its engaging sound profile and silky feel. If you are looking for a more subdued typing experience, the Grape Orange may be the way to go, while those who value audio feedback and a smooth experience may find the Lightning Silver V3 more appealing. Ultimately, your preference will guide your choice, and either switch can produce enjoyable results depending on your typing style and aesthetic preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, both the Huano Grape Orange and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. If you're someone who values a light, effortless typing experience, especially during long hours of typing, the Grape Orange's ultra-low actuation force and lighter bottom-out weight will likely suit you well. Its design fosters less finger fatigue, making it an excellent choice for typists or gamers who prefer a more gentle touch without the strain of heavier switches. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback and a slightly firmer feel, you might find the Lightning Silver V3 to be more appealing. The clacky and high-pitched sound signature can enhance your tactile experience, and its silky smoothness makes it gratifying to type on. Additionally, if your setup includes RGB lighting, the light diffuser of the Lightning Silver V3 can add a vibrant visual element to your keyboard. Ultimately, your choice should depend on whether you prefer a lighter and quieter feedback with the Grape Orange, or a more engaging auditory sensation with the Lightning Silver V3, balancing your top priorities in your typing or gaming experience.