HMX Gravel vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Gravel and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 stand out as exceptional linear options, each catering to different typing preferences. The HMX Gravel is revered for its exceptional smoothness and refined feel, providing a lightly actuated response that makes typing feel effortless and responsive—perfect for those who prioritize a smooth and comfortable experience over feedback. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 offers a unique clacky and high-pitched sound signature, creating a more dynamic auditory experience while maintaining a silky smooth action. Additionally, its light diffuser enhances RGB illumination, making it an appealing choice for gamers and enthusiasts who want to elevate their visual setup. Both switches have their distinctive advantages: the Gravel for its comfortable and efficient typing experience, and the Lightning Silver V3 for its engaging sound and vibrant aesthetics. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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 HMX Gravel and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which means they share a similar sound profile characterized by sharper and crisper tones. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to this clarity, making it an ideal choice for enhancing acoustic performance in keyboard switches. Both switches' use of polycarbonate in the top housing is particularly advantageous for users who wish to incorporate RGB lighting, as the material's translucency allows for vibrant light diffusion. Consequently, users of both switches can expect similar results in terms of the auditory experience provided during typing, showcasing the advantages of polycarbonate for the top housing's acoustics and aesthetics.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the two switches displays a notable difference in material composition. The Gravel utilizes nylon, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. In comparison, the Lightning Silver V3 opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining a sharper and crisper sound profile similar to that of its top section. This divergence means that the auditory experience will vary depending on which switch is used. The Gravel's nylon base creates a more rounded sound, while the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate base reinforces the clear, resonant characteristics of the top housing.
Overall, the differing materials used in the bottom housing of each switch result in a distinct typing experience that reflects their sound profiles. When a user presses down on the HMX Gravel, they will encounter the mellow depth of the nylon material, contributing to a more muted overall sound, especially on bottom-out. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 will maintain a cohesive clear and sharp sound profile, as both its top and bottom housings are made from polycarbonate, enhancing its overall resonance. Thus, while both switches deliver excellent performance through their top housings, the differences in bottom housing material create unique experiences, allowing users to choose according to their personal sound preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, notable differences arise in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gravel switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which provides a more substantial feel while typing, catering to those who prefer a stronger push-back. Therefore, the Gravel switch is the lighter option, while the Lightning Silver V3 is the heavier one. Both switches deliver distinct tactile experiences; users seeking a softer touch may lean towards the Gravel, whereas those who appreciate a firmer response may opt for the Lightning Silver V3, resulting in different typing dynamics based on personal preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, we find a slight distinction. The HMX Gravel offers a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the longer option between the two, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter. For gamers and users who prioritize fast response times, the Lightning Silver V3's shorter travel distance may provide a quicker feedback mechanism, ideal for rapid keypresses. Conversely, the Gravel's slightly longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Overall, while both switches cater to different preferences in tactile feedback, the Gravel supports a deeper keystroke experience compared to the more responsive nature of the Lightning Silver V3.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel for $2.99.
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 the realm of sound, the HMX Gravel linear switch is notably quieter and more subdued compared to the Everglide Lightning Silver V3. The Gravel's sound profile is not explicitly described, suggesting it tends to produce a relatively neutral auditory experience, allowing it to blend discreetly into the background. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 showcases a vibrant sound signature characterized by its clacky and high-pitched qualities. With a crisp and bright sound that provides an audible response with each keystroke, these switches are ideal for those who appreciate a pronounced auditory feedback from their typing, making them a perfect fit for a more lively keystroke experience.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Gravel linear switch offers a smooth and refined typing experience, highly regarded for its medium-light actuation force, resulting in a responsive and effortless interaction. This switch's design emphasizes tactile fluidity, enhancing the overall typing comfort. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 enhances this smooth sensation with an added "silky" quality that minimizes resistance during key presses. With the Lightning Silver V3, users will find a seamless transition between actions that pairs well with its vibrant sound, denoting an enjoyable typing experience that is both smooth and lively.
Taking all of this into account, while both the HMX Gravel and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switches provide smooth typing experiences, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Gravel is best suited for those who prefer a quieter and more understated switch, whereas the Lightning Silver V3 excels in delivering a lively and pronounced auditory experience alongside its silky tactile feedback. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on your priorities in sound and feel, but both options promise to enhance your mechanical keyboard overall.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, your personal preferences and typing habits should guide your choice. If you favor a lighter actuation with a seamless and smooth typing experience, the HMX Gravel is an excellent option. Its 50-gram bottom-out force provides an effortless feel, making it ideal for fast typists or those who engage in extended typing sessions without fatigue. Plus, if you lean towards a quieter operation, the Gravel may suit your needs better as it doesn't exhibit a prominent sound profile. On the other hand, if you appreciate a bit more resistance and enjoy the distinct clacky and high-pitched sound signature that the Lightning Silver V3 offers, this switch would be your go-to. With its 60-gram bottom-out force, you might find it more satisfying for tactile feedback, while its unique light diffuser enhances RGB illumination, adding a vibrant visual element to your keyboard. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a lighter, smoother typing experience or the engaging acoustics and visual flair of reliable feedback.
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