Durock Light Tactile vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Light Tactile and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 mechanical keyboard switches, one can see a clear distinction in their design and characteristics. The Light Tactile switch from Durock is praised for its gentle tactility, providing a smooth and satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 by Everglide is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound, offering a unique typing feel. While the Light Tactile switch is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Lightning Silver V3 is described as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', and 'Silky'. Depending on personal preference and typing style, one may prefer the soft and subtle feel of the Light Tactile, while others may enjoy the distinctive sound and smoothness of the Lightning Silver V3. 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
52g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Light Tactile and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing. Despite both switches offering polycarbonate top housings, they may differ in their bottom housing materials.
While the Light Tactile features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic nature, the Lightning Silver V3 showcases a polycarbonate bottom housing. This difference in bottom housing material may result in varying typing experiences for users. The bottom housing typically influences the bottom-out sound and feel when typing on a switch, highlighting the importance of the material used in this component of the switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of mechanical keyboard switches. Whether using a combination of different materials for the top and bottom housings or featuring the same material throughout, like the polycarbonate used in both the Light Tactile and Lightning Silver V3's top housings, these materials impact the sound profile and typing experience. Understanding the qualities of each material, such as the stiffness of polycarbonate or the sound-absorbing properties of nylon, can help users make an informed decision when selecting a switch for their keyboard setup.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it is evident that the Light Tactile is slightly heavier. The Light Tactile has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Lightning Silver V3 has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Light Tactile offering a more substantial push feel due to its heavier forces. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the better choice. However, for individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel, the Light Tactile would be a more suitable option. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Light Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Light Tactile switch has a longer travel distance, making it more suitable for those who prefer a deeper keypress feel. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 switch has a shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer a different typing experience, with the Light Tactile providing a more pronounced keypress and the Lightning Silver V3 offering a quicker response. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 Durock Light Tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of settings and users, whether they are beginners or experienced typists. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, giving a sharp and percussive typing experience. The choice between these two switches will ultimately depend on individual preferences for sound, with the Light Tactile offering a more subdued option compared to the more vibrant sound of the Lightning Silver V3.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Light Tactile switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and refined feel that falls within a safe middle ground. 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. Those who prefer a smoother typing feel may lean towards the Lightning Silver V3, while the Light Tactile offers a more polished and refined typing experience.
Overall, the Durock Light Tactile and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches offer distinct qualities in terms of both sound and feel. While the Light Tactile provides a gentle and neutral typing experience with a jelly-like sound, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. It's important to consider personal preferences and typing habits when selecting between these two switches to ensure a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Light Tactile or the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a gentle tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Light Tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound with an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 switch may be more suited to your tastes. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences, so ultimately, it's important to consider what qualities you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.
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