Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HMX Lotus, both linear switches. The Lightning Silver V3 is praised for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, offering a unique typing experience that is both satisfying and seamless. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus is known for its medium weight of 50g bottom out and bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke. While the Lightning Silver V3 offers a light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination, the Lotus offers a different tactile experience. However, let's delve deeper beyond these general descriptions to help you determine the best switch for your specific preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HMX Lotus, the main difference lies in the material used for the top and bottom housings. The Lightning Silver V3 utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the HMX Lotus uses nylon for both the top and bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer and more sound-absorbent nature. This difference in material choice ultimately leads to distinct auditory experiences for users of these switches.
However, if we consider the similarities between the two switches, we can see that both the top and bottom housings contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switch. While the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate housing creates a clear and resonant sound, the Lotus's nylon housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique housing materials. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with the Lightning Silver V3 or a deeper sound with the HMX Lotus, each switch offers its own distinct qualities.
Overall, the choice between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HMX Lotus ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and feel. While the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound, the Lotus's nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller sound experience. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different users based on their desired typing experience. Whether you prioritize clarity and resonance or depth and fullness in your typing sound, both switches provide unique housing materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, it is evident that the Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Lotus's 45 grams, making the Lightning Silver V3 slightly more resistant to accidental keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lightning Silver V3 requires 60 grams of force, whereas the Lotus only requires 50 grams, indicating that the Lotus is lighter to press all the way down. In terms of weight, the Lotus is the lighter option, which may appeal to those looking for a smoother typing experience for extended periods, while the Lightning Silver V3 provides a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a bit more resistance in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal choices for those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be noticeable to everyone, but for those who are particularly sensitive to slight variations in travel distance, the Lotus switch would provide a slightly longer keypress experience compared to the Lightning Silver V3. Ultimately, both switches offer similar performance in terms of travel distance, so choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for a slightly shorter or longer travel distance.
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 HMX Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus for $2.99.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy typing experience that is crisp and bright. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus linear switch features a bright and resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with each keystroke. Both switches offer unique sound profiles, with the Lightning Silver V3 leaning towards a sharper tone while the Lotus delivers a more vibrant and lively sound.
Moving on to feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, offering minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This switch provides a seamless and effortless typing feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of each keystroke. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available about the feel of the HMX Lotus switch. Given this, it is essential to try out the switch in person to determine the tactile experience it offers.
In conclusion, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and HMX Lotus linear switches offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 excels in providing a clacky and high-pitched sound signature along with a silky smooth typing feel, while the HMX Lotus offers a bright and resonant sound with a potential super bouncy typing experience. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a super bouncy feeling with a bright, resonant sound, the Lotus switch could be the better option. Consider your typing preferences and desired typing experience when making your decision. Both switches offer unique features and can enhance your overall typing experience, so choose the one that best suits your needs.
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