Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Outemu Lime
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Lime switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, a linear switch, to the Outemu Lime, a tactile switch, it's clear that both offer distinct advantages. The Lightning Silver V3 is renowned for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience that is smooth and seamless. Additionally, the light diffuser feature enhances RGB illumination, adding a vibrant touch to any keyboard setup. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switches are praised for their lightweight nature, subtle tactility, and silent operation. Perfect for those who prefer a feathery light typing experience with a touch of tactility. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Lime, the Lightning Silver V3 features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, while the Lime utilizes nylon for both top and bottom housing. Polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile in the Lightning Silver V3. The translucent nature of polycarbonate is ideal for RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switch. On the other hand, the nylon housing of the Outemu Lime produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer composition, absorbing more sound and resulting in a rounder sound profile.
In terms of the impact on typing experience, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3's separate polycarbonate top and bottom housing allows for distinct qualities to be felt during key presses. The stiffness of polycarbonate in the bottom housing contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the polycarbonate top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Similarly, the Outemu Lime's nylon housing in both top and bottom parts results in a consistent deep and full sound profile throughout typing. Despite the differences in material, both switches offer unique typing experiences based on the properties of their respective housing materials.
Overall, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Lime utilize different housing materials, each material brings its own qualities to the typing experience. Whether it's the sharper, clearer sound profile of polycarbonate in the Lightning Silver V3, or the deeper, fuller sound of nylon in the Outemu Lime, both switches offer a distinct sound profile that can cater to different preferences. Additionally, the impact of the housing material on the switch's overall sound and feel highlights the importance of housing material choice in creating a customized typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch to the Outemu Lime tactile switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a crucial role in the typing experience. The Lightning Silver V3 has a medium actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a balanced typing sensation. In contrast, the Lime switch offers a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which results in a smoother and easier keystroke. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Lime switch, allowing for extended typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, ideal for those who prefer a stronger tactile response. Overall, the choice between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in actuation and bottom out force, whether lighter or heavier, to suit individual typing styles and preferences.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Lime tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly longer distance compared to the Lime. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the subtle difference in travel distance may impact the typing experience for some users. Those who prefer a slightly longer travel distance may find the Lime switch to provide a more satisfying typing feel, while others may appreciate the slightly shorter travel distance of the Lightning Silver V3 for quicker key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and responsiveness.
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 Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40 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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound, producing sharp and crisp tones when pressed. This sound profile gives a distinct and percussive typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a more audible feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switch offers a more neutral and muted sound, providing a quieter experience that is suitable for shared spaces or those who prefer a softer typing sound. Depending on personal preference, the Lightning Silver V3 will give a more vibrant and high-energy typing sound, while the Lime switch will offer a more subtle and understated acoustic experience.
Moving onto feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This results in a seamless and comfortable typing feel that enhances overall typing speed and accuracy. Conversely, the Outemu Lime switch is described as offering a mild, feathery typing experience with a gentle tactile feedback. The light actuation force required for these switches reduces finger fatigue and provides a comfortable typing experience for extended periods. Whether someone prefers a polished and smooth typing feel like that of the Lightning Silver V3 or a lighter and gentler touch like the Outemu Lime, both switches offer unique tactile experiences suited for different typing preferences.
Overall, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Lime switches offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lightning Silver V3 provides a clacky, high-pitched sound with a silky typing feel, ideal for those who enjoy a more audible and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switch offers a muted, lighter sound with a mild and feathery typing feel, perfect for those looking for a quieter and gentle tactile feedback. Ultimately, choosing between these switches comes down to personal preference and typing style, as both options provide quality typing experiences tailored to individual needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile with a silky and seamless typing experience, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with approachable tactility, silencing, and a feathery light typing experience, the Outemu Lime tactile switch is the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and bottom out force. So, make sure to consider these factors carefully before making your final choice between the Lightning Silver V3 and the Lime tactile switch.
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