Gateron Ink Red vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Red and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 mechanical keyboard switches, both of which are linear switches, there are key differences to consider. The Ink Red is perfect for users with a lighter typing style due to its lower actuation force, providing a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a crispy and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, along with a silky and seamless typing experience. Additionally, the light diffuser feature in the Lightning Silver V3 enhances RGB illumination for a vibrant keyboard setup. 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
60g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and Everglide Lightning Silver V3, it is evident that both switches offer unique sound profiles due to their different housing materials. The Ink Red's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing provide a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate top and bottom housing create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that is accentuated by the stiffness of the plastic. While both switches offer a high-pitched sound, the Ink Red's INK blend housing may provide a slightly softer and less sharp sound compared to the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate housing.
However, despite their differences in sound profile, both the Gateron Ink Red and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches share a common feature in their translucency. The clear housing of the Lightning Silver V3, made from polycarbonate, allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the switch. Similarly, the clear INK blend housing of the Gateron Ink Red also provides a visually appealing option for those looking to incorporate RGB lighting into their setup. This similarity in design allows for both switches to offer a visually appealing option for users looking to customize their keyboards with colorful lighting effects.
In terms of functionality, the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Ink Red and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 can be felt when typing. The bottom housing material of each switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material impacts the sound when releasing a key. This means that the tactile feedback and sound profile of each switch may vary depending on the specific combination of top and bottom housing materials used. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound profiles and customization options for users looking to enhance their typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is 45 grams, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has an actuation force of 48 grams, making the Lightning Silver V3 slightly heavier in this aspect. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is the same. This means that when pressing all the way down, both switches require the same amount of force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gateron Ink Red may be the better choice, as it has a slightly lower actuation force. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 may be more suitable for those who prefer a slightly heavier feel when typing. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Ink Red. The traditional travel distance of 4 mm may offer a more solid key press, while the 3.4 mm travel distance of the Lightning Silver V3 might be preferred for quicker response times, especially for gaming purposes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing/gaming style. Both switches will offer similar results in terms of key press performance, but the slight difference in travel distance may affect how they feel to the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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 Gateron Ink Red linear switch offers a neutral and slightly chirpy sound profile, making it suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound that adds a sharp and crisp tone to keystrokes. Both switches offer unique acoustic signatures that cater to different preferences, with the Ink Red providing a moderate sound profile and the Lightning Silver V3 offering a more percussive experience. The final sound result will ultimately depend on the keyboard setup and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, both the Gateron Ink Red and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches are described as offering a silky smooth typing experience. The Ink Red switch also has a mild and polished feel, ensuring a gentle and refined keypress. The Lightning Silver V3, on the other hand, maintains its focus on providing a silky smooth feel without additional descriptors. Overall, users can expect a seamless and effortless typing experience with both switches, thanks to their smooth key travel and minimal resistance.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Red and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ink Red switch is characterized by its crisply clacky sound and polished, mild feel, making it suitable for those with a lighter typing style. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 switch provides a high-pitched, clacky sound and a silky smooth feel, enhancing the overall typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and typing requirements, users can achieve satisfying results with either switch, ensuring a pleasant and efficient typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, consider your typing style and sound preferences. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a smooth typing experience with a crispy sound profile, the Ink Red may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound signature with a seamless typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 could be more suitable. Both switches offer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, so you can focus on the sound and feel that aligns best with your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire.
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