Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Ink Yellow is a linear switch known for its shorter travel, providing a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. It offers a pleasant smoothness and clackiness, making it ideal for those seeking a neutral and polished feel. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 by Everglide is also a linear switch but stands out for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature. Produced by Haimu, these switches offer a silky typing experience and feature a light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination. While the Ink Yellow appeals to those looking for a balance between laptop and mechanical keyboard typing, the Lightning Silver V3 is perfect for users who enjoy a more lively and vibrant typing experience. 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
60g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches play a significant role in the overall sound profile of each switch. While both switches feature a top housing made of different materials, the Gateron Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a slightly less sharp and more clacky sound profile compared to the Everglide Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound. However, both switches share the benefit of using clear housing materials, with the polycarbonate top housing allowing for the use of RGB lighting to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the switches.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Gateron Ink Yellow and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches utilize their respective housing materials to impact the overall sound profile when the keys are pressed down. The INK blend bottom housing of the Gateron Ink Yellow contributes to a similar high-pitched and clacky sound profile as the top housing, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 adds to the sharper and crisper sound profile. This demonstrates how the choice of housing material can influence the sound and feel of a switch when typing or gaming.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Gateron Ink Yellow and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches provides a unique typing experience for users. The split between the top and bottom housing in each switch allows for a balance of qualities that impact both the sound and feel when using the switches. Whether you prefer a slightly softer and clacky sound profile of the Gateron Ink Yellow or the sharper and crisper sound profile of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it is evident that there are notable differences between the two. The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Gateron Ink Yellow's 60 grams, making the Lightning Silver V3 more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Lightning Silver V3 at 60 grams is also lighter than the Ink Yellow's 67 grams, further emphasizing its lighter overall feel. Those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may find the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Ink Yellow more appealing. Overall, the Ink Yellow is on the heavier side, while the Lightning Silver V3 offers a lighter touch, providing users with distinct options based on their preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Yellow 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 have shorter travel distances than the traditional 4.0 mm distance, making them suitable for those who prioritize fast response times. The Ink Yellow has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly more satisfying depth when pressed compared to the Lightning Silver V3. However, the 0.1 mm difference between the two switches is minimal, and users may not notice a significant difference in practical use. Overall, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, making them both good options for gamers or those looking for a more responsive typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow 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 Yellow 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 both offer a clacky typing experience. The Ink Yellow provides a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 boasts a high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp, appealing to those who prefer a more distinctive sound. Keep in mind that the sound of these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Ink Yellow switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. It provides a gentle and approachable feel to most users, with a smooth and refined finish that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches prioritize smoothness in their feel, providing a comfortable typing experience for users.
Overall, the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches offer different sound and feel qualities, catering to users with varying preferences. While the Ink Yellow provides a neutral sound profile and a polished typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 delivers a clacky sound and a silky smooth feel. Depending on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your typing experience, you can choose between these switches to achieve the desired results.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience and sound. If you desire a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a shorter travel, leading to a smooth and clacky typing experience reminiscent of a laptop keyboard, the Gateron Ink Yellow may be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force, a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, and a silky smooth typing experience with enhanced RGB illumination, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 could be the ideal option. Both switches have their unique characteristics, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
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