KTT Kang White vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the KTT Kang White 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, the KTT Kang White and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 both offer distinct characteristics to consider. The Kang White is a linear switch known for its dazzling typing sound and unparalleled smoothness thanks to its self-lubricating material. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 is also a linear switch but stands out with its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, as well as a silky typing experience and light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination. While the Kang White is categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral', the Lightning Silver V3 is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', and 'Silky'. Each switch has its own unique qualities that may appeal to different preferences in 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
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Kang White and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. The use of polycarbonate in both cases results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a more defined typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. However, the Kang White differs in its bottom housing material, which is made of nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to stiffer plastics like polycarbonate.
On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 sticks with polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. This choice ensures consistency in sound profile throughout the entire switch, maintaining the sharp, high-pitched, and clear characteristics associated with polycarbonate. While this may result in a more uniform typing experience, some users may prefer the variation in sound that comes from having different materials for the top and bottom housings. Additionally, the lack of nylon in the Lightning Silver V3 may mean that it does not offer the same level of depth and fullness in sound that the Kang White provides with its nylon bottom housing.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Kang White and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. Those who prioritize a sharper and crisper sound may lean towards the polycarbonate housings of both switches, while those who prefer a deeper and fuller sound experience may be more drawn to the Kang White with its nylon bottom housing. Additionally, the visual appeal of RGB lighting may play a role for some users, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for a colorful and vibrant typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities in their housing materials, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch are quite similar in terms of weight. The Kang White has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Lightning Silver V3's 48 grams. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Kang White at 58 grams and the Lightning Silver V3 at 60 grams. This means that while the Kang White may provide a slightly lighter typing experience, both switches require a similar amount of force for a full keystroke. For those who prefer a lighter feel while typing, the Kang White may be the preferable option, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance may lean towards the Lightning Silver V3. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Kang White linear switch is 4 mm, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Lightning Silver V3 has a shorter travel distance compared to the Kang White. The Kang White with its 4 mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a deeper keypress feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3's 3.4 mm travel distance provides a shallower feel, favored by gamers looking for quicker response times. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference for keypress depth and speed of actuation.
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 KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99 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
When it comes to sound, the Kang White linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral tone that provides a satisfying typing experience with a mellow sound. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound that is sharp and percussive, adding a unique touch to the typing experience. Depending on personal preference, the Kang White switch may be more suited for those who enjoy a bass-heavy and mellow sound, while the Lightning Silver V3 switch is ideal for those who prefer a sharp and crisp sound while typing.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kang White switch is known for its self-lubricating material that contributes to a smooth and seamless typing feel. Meanwhile, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch offers a silky typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches prioritize a comfortable typing feel, but the Kang White switch's self-lubricating material may provide a slightly different feel compared to the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch.
In conclusion, when comparing the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it is important to consider personal preferences regarding sound and feel. The Kang White switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound with a smooth typing experience, while the Lightning Silver V3 switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, ensuring a satisfying typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, consider the following guidelines: opt for the Kang White if you prefer a low-pitched, neutral sound profile and prioritize a smooth typing experience with self-lubricating material. On the other hand, choose the Lightning Silver V3 if you enjoy a clacky, high-pitched sound and desire a silky smooth typing feel with a light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal sound and typing preference to ensure a satisfying keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
