KTT Laurel vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Laurel and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 mechanical keyboard switches, we see two distinct options catering to different preferences. The Laurel offers a medium-light linear switch with a full POM housing, providing a balance between responsiveness and comfort. Known for its subtly low-pitched sound profile, this switch is ideal for those looking for a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 boasts a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, thanks to its Haimu production and light diffuser feature for enhanced RGB illumination. While the Laurel is categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Snappy', the Lightning Silver V3 is known for being 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', and 'Silky'. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style. 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
43g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The KTT Laurel and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Laurel's POM top and bottom housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate top and bottom housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Lightning Silver V3 allows for a more clear and resonant sound profile, especially beneficial if RGB lighting is in use. In contrast, the POM housing in the Laurel delivers a more subdued sound that may appeal to those looking for a quieter typing experience.
Despite their differences, both the Laurel and the Lightning Silver V3 showcase the impact of housing materials on keyboard sound. The polycarbonate housing in the Lightning Silver V3 tends to create a more distinct sound profile, particularly when the switch is released, while the POM housing in the Laurel offers a more subtle and mellow tone. However, if a switch features a clear housing, it is likely to be polycarbonate, as seen in the Lightning Silver V3, making it an ideal choice for those looking to incorporate RGB lighting in their setup. On the other hand, the POM housing in the Laurel may be preferred by users seeking a quieter typing experience without sacrificing quality.
In summary, the housing materials of the KTT Laurel and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 play a significant role in determining the sound and feel of each switch. While the POM housing of the Laurel creates a deeper and more muted sound, the polycarbonate housing of the Lightning Silver V3 produces a sharper and crisper tone. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference, with the polycarbonate housing offering a more distinct sound profile and visual appeal with RGB lighting, while the POM housing provides a quieter typing experience with a unique sound signature. Regardless of the choice, both switches showcase the impact of housing materials on keyboard performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, we can see that the Laurel is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out force. With an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, the Laurel provides a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight option. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Laurel for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may appreciate the more substantial typing experience offered by the slightly heavier Lightning Silver V3. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it slightly shorter than the KTT Laurel linear switch with a travel distance of 3.5 mm. While both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, the Laurel offers just a bit more depth compared to the Lightning Silver V3. This slight difference may not be noticeable to some users, but for those who prefer a bit more travel distance for a more substantial feel when typing or gaming, the Laurel may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, individuals who prioritize speed and quicker response times may lean towards the Lightning Silver V3 for its slightly shorter travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance that can provide a responsive and comfortable typing experience depending on your personal preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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 KTT Laurel linear switch offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone when compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, producing a sharp, snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. Both switches offer different auditory experiences, with the Laurel favoring a more mellow tone while the Lightning Silver V3 delivers a sharp and crisp sound when pressed.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Laurel switch is described as snappy, offering a super responsive typing experience thanks to its longer or dual-staged springs. This makes typing feel more alive and dynamic. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is referred to as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience that enhances overall smoothness and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. While the Laurel focuses on responsiveness, the Lightning Silver V3 emphasizes a smooth and fluid typing feel.
In conclusion, the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Laurel provides a low-pitched sound profile and a snappy typing experience, while the Lightning Silver V3 showcases a clacky, high-pitched sound signature and a silky smooth typing feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing sensation, both switches offer unique characteristics that can cater to different user preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on whether you prioritize a mellow, responsive typing experience or a sharp, smooth typing feel. However, both switches offer quality performance in their respective sound and feel aspects, ensuring a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, a subtly low-pitched sound profile, and a snappy typing feel, then the KTT Laurel switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, and a silky smooth typing experience, then the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch could be the perfect fit for your keyboard setup. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
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