Zuoce Lavender vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender 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 are the Zuoce Lavender and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, both being linear switches. The Zuoce Lavender switch is praised for its exceptional smoothness thanks to its proprietary Ly blend, providing users with a satisfying and clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 offers a clacky and high-pitched sound, along with a silky typing experience and unique light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination. While the Lavender is best known for its ease of pressing, and clacky feel, the Lightning Silver V3 stands out for its high-pitched sound and silky 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
48g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Zuoce Lavender and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, one can see distinct differences in the sound profiles they produce. The POM housing of the Lavender creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the polycarbonate housing of the Lightning Silver V3 produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This contrast is particularly evident in the top housing of the switches, where the material plays a significant role in determining the overall sound profile. The choice between POM and polycarbonate can greatly impact the auditory experience of using these switches.
Aesthetically, the choice of housing material also plays a role in the overall design of the switches. The translucency of polycarbonate, as seen in the Lightning Silver V3, allows for RGB lighting to shine through, creating a visually appealing effect. In contrast, the opaque nature of POM in the Lavender may provide a more classic and understated look. While both materials have their own benefits in terms of sound and aesthetics, the decision between POM and polycarbonate ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired user experience.
In terms of functionality, the differences in housing materials can also affect the feel of typing on these switches. The bottom housing, which has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, will be influenced by the qualities of POM or polycarbonate. Meanwhile, the top housing will impact the sound when releasing a key, providing a unique tactile experience depending on the material used. Despite these variations, both the Lavender and Lightning Silver V3 offer high-quality housing materials that cater to different preferences in sound and design.
Weight
The actuation force of the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is the same at 48 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Lavender is lighter at 53 grams compared to the Lightning Silver V3 at 60 grams. This means that the Lavender switch provides a lighter typing experience overall, while the Lightning Silver V3 offers a slightly more substantial and firmer keystroke feel. Both switches fall into the medium category in terms of force required, with the Lavender being on the lighter side and the Lightning Silver V3 being slightly heavier. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing feel and the desired weight of the keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch both have the same travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that when pressing down on either of these switches, users will experience a consistent distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance ensures that typing on both switches will provide a consistent tactile experience. Thus, whether you choose the Zuoce Lavender or the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, you can expect to get similar results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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 Zuoce Lavender linear switch is known for its crisp and clacky sound signature, providing a satisfying typing experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound, adding a unique touch to the typing experience. Both switches provide a distinct sound profile that can enhance the overall typing feel, depending on personal preference and setup.
Turning to the feel of the switches, the Zuoce Lavender switch is praised for its easy-to-press quality, offering gentle resistance that requires minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches offer unique tactile qualities that can cater to different preferences in typing feel.
Overall, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch showcase distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lavender switch is characterized by its clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, while the Lightning Silver V3 switch offers a high-pitched sound and silky typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetic features such as RGB illumination, individuals can choose the switch that aligns best with their desired typing experience. Regardless of the choice, both switches promise to deliver a satisfying and responsive typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a smooth and clacky typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the Lavender switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a higher bottom out force, a silky smooth typing feel, and enhanced RGB illumination due to its light diffuser, the Lightning Silver V3 switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for key feel, sound profile, and bottom out force. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences for a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
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