Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) present two compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a linear switch experience. The Lightning Silver V3 is celebrated for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a unique auditory feedback that appeals to those who enjoy a spirited typing environment. Its silky actuation and impressive light diffuser add an extra flair, making it a perfect candidate for gamers and typists who want their keyboards to look as good as they feel. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy), with its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, offers a bright and resonant sound accompanied by a super bouncy feel, ensuring that every keystroke is both satisfying and responsive. This switch may be ideal for users who prefer a bit more resistance in their typing, enhancing focus and precision. Ultimately, both switches have their unique strengths and cater to different preferences, but 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
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) utilize different materials for their housing, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Lightning Silver V3 features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a more resonant sound, making it highly effective for those who appreciate a pronounced auditory feedback while typing. Additionally, the clear nature of the polycarbonate contributes to an enhanced aesthetic appeal, especially when paired with RGB lighting, allowing light to pass through more readily and create vibrant visual effects.
In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) opts for nylon in its top and bottom housings. Nylon is often regarded as a classic switch housing material, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This soft plastic type dampens sound more effectively than polycarbonate, resulting in a duller yet rounder auditory experience. While the tactile feedback remains important, the overall sound generated by the switches will likely feel smoother and less pronounced compared to the Lightning Silver V3. This acoustic profile may appeal to users seeking a quieter or more muted typing experience.
Although the housing materials differ, both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and HMX Lotus (Heavy) can yield distinct yet fulfilling results depending on user preference. The contrasting attributes of each housing material effectively influence the typing experience—with the Lightning Silver V3 providing a brighter click while the Lotus (Heavy) delivers a richer, deeper sound. Users may gravitate towards one or the other based on their typing style or personal taste; those who favor clear, resonant feedback may find solace in the polycarbonate of the Lightning Silver V3, while others who prefer a more subdued sound might opt for the nylon composition of the Lotus. Ultimately, the choice will depend on individual preferences regarding sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switches present a difference in their actuation forces, with the Lightning Silver V3 requiring a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the 55 grams required by the Lotus (Heavy). This makes the Lightning Silver V3 the lighter option, which may be preferable for those who engage in extended typing sessions or gaming, as it can reduce finger fatigue. Conversely, the heavier actuation force of the Lotus (Heavy) caters to users preferring a more substantial typing experience, offering a firmer push feel. Regarding bottom out forces, the Lightning Silver V3 reaches 60 grams, while the Lotus (Heavy) requires 62.5 grams to bottom out. While both switches fall within a medium range, the Lotus (Heavy) is consistently heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces, thereby providing a different typing experience compared to the lighter Lightning Silver V3.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, we find that the Lightning Silver V3 features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Lotus (Heavy) has a slightly longer distance of 3.5 mm. This difference of just 0.1 mm may seem minimal, but it can affect the typing and gaming experience. Gamers often prefer the shorter travel distance of the Lightning Silver V3 for quicker response times, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming. Conversely, the HMX Lotus's longer travel distance might appeal to users who enjoy a deeper, more tactile feel while typing or gaming. Ultimately, both switches yield similar results in terms of functionality, but they cater to different preferences in terms of travel sensation.
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 (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus (Heavy) 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
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is characterized by a clacky and high-pitched sound, producing a sharp and snappy auditory experience with each keystroke. This sound signature can be invigorating for those who appreciate such a bright and percussive profile. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch offers a bright and resonant sound, though it doesn't provide specific descriptors for its auditory characteristics. Both switches produce clean sounds, but the Lightning Silver V3 leans toward a more defined high note, while the Lotus (Heavy) may deliver a warmer resonance that pairs well with its tactile nature. Ultimately, sound preferences will depend not only on the switches themselves but also on the keyboard build and keycap selection.
In terms of feel, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a silky typing experience, emphasizing smoothness and minimizing resistance during key presses. This smoothness enhances the overall enjoyment during extended typing sessions, making it an appealing choice for users who value an effortless keystroke. However, details about the tactile feel of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch are lacking, leaving its unique physical characteristics somewhat undefined. The Lotus switch is noted for its medium-heavy weight and super bouncy characteristic, suggesting it may provide a lively typing experience that some users might find engaging, but without specifics, the comparison remains vague.
In conclusion, both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switches cater to enthusiasts seeking quality typing experiences, but they shine in different areas. The Lightning Silver V3 stands out with its high-pitched, clacky sound and exceptionally silky feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy a crisp auditory feedback. In contrast, while the Lotus (Heavy) offers a resonant sound and bouncy feel, its tactile experience remains less defined in comparison. Each switch will deliver enjoyable results, but your ultimate choice will depend on your personal preferences in sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switches, it’s essential to consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth and seamless typing experience combined with an exhilarating clacky and high-pitched sound, the Lightning Silver V3 would be your ideal choice. Its sound profile not only enhances the overall tactile feedback but also adds a vibrant flair to your RGB setup, making it perfect for those who enjoy both aesthetics and performance in their typing experience. On the other hand, if you lean towards a slightly heavier switch that offers a unique, bouncy feel with a bright and resonant sound, the Lotus (Heavy) would suit you well. Its medium-heavy weight provides a satisfying resistance that many enthusiasts find delightful, especially for both typing and gaming scenarios. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct advantages, so your decision should align with whether you prefer the clack and smoothness of the Lightning Silver V3 or the bounce and resonance of the Lotus (Heavy).
Mentioned in this article
