Gateron Jupiter Red vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, both linear switches. The Jupiter Red is renowned for its smooth and consistent typing experience, thanks to its single-stage spring and medium-heavy actuation. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 stands out with its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, as well as its light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination. While the Jupiter Red offers a polished and creamy feel, the Lightning Silver V3 provides a more clacky and high-pitched typing experience. These general pointers can help you decide which switch aligns better with your preferences; 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. However, the Jupiter Red features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, maintaining the sharper sound profile associated with that material.
The use of different housing materials for the top and bottom of the switches results in distinct sound and feel characteristics. When typing on the Jupiter Red, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the nylon bottom housing, while the sound when releasing a key will be affected by the polycarbonate top housing. This split in housing materials allows for a unique typing experience that combines the properties of both materials. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3's consistent use of polycarbonate throughout its housing maintains a consistent sharp and crisp sound profile across the entire keypress.
Overall, while both the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 feature polycarbonate top housings for a similar sound profile, the difference in bottom housing materials sets them apart in terms of sound and feel. The Jupiter Red's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, contrasting with the Lightning Silver V3's sharper and crisper sound produced by its polycarbonate bottom housing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch are quite similar. The Jupiter Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Lightning Silver V3 has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, providing a balance between a light and heavy typing experience. The slight difference in actuation force between the two switches may result in a slightly lighter feel when typing on the Jupiter Red compared to the Lightning Silver V3. Ultimately, whether a user prefers a lighter or heavier feel will dictate their preference between these two switches.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter 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. In this case, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has a shorter travel distance compared to the Gateron Jupiter Red. The shorter travel distance of the Lightning Silver V3 may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Jupiter Red may provide a more satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 Jupiter Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for various typing environments and skill levels. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound, giving a sharp and bright typing experience. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Jupiter Red being more versatile and the Lightning Silver V3 offering a distinctive, percussive sound.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Jupiter Red switch provides a polished, creamy, silky, and mild typing experience, boasting a smooth and refined keypress with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch offers a silky typing sensation, ensuring an exceptionally smooth typing feel with minimized resistance. Both switches prioritize a smooth and effortless keystroke, with the Jupiter Red offering a wider range of polished options compared to the Lightning Silver V3's focus on silkiness.
Overall, while the Gateron Jupiter Red and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switches differ in their sound and feel qualities, they both excel in providing a seamless and consistent typing experience. Each switch caters to a specific preference, with the Gateron switch offering versatility and refined options, while the Everglide switch emphasizes a distinct sound and silky feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke with softer backlight effects, the Jupiter Red may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound signature along with a silky typing experience and enhanced RGB illumination, the Lightning Silver V3 could be the perfect fit for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall feel and sound profile you desire in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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