Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Gazzew LT
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gazzew LT switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gazzew LT mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique features and characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 is renowned for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a satisfying typing experience with a silky feel. Additionally, the light diffuser adds a colorful touch to any keyboard setup, enhancing RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT switches stand out with their enticing lilac hue and offer an auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness with each keystroke. While the Lightning Silver V3 is more clacky and high-pitched, the Gazzew LT is bassy and thocky, providing a different 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gazzew LT, one key difference lies in their composition. The Lightning Silver V3 features a polycarbonate top housing known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT boasts a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. While the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate top housing creates a higher-pitched sound, the Gazzew LT's unique blend offers a different auditory experience with its softer tones.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Lightning Silver V3 and the Gazzew LT continue to showcase distinct characteristics in their materials. The Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, mirroring its effect on the top housing. Conversely, the Gazzew LT's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, nicknamed "boba plastic," imparts a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. This contrast in material properties results in differing tactile responses and sound experiences when typing on switches featuring these bottom housings.
When considering the overall impact of the housing materials on the typing experience, it becomes evident that each component plays a crucial role in shaping sound and feel. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for a differentiation in tactile feedback when using switches like the Lightning Silver V3 and the Gazzew LT. While the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing's properties are more pronounced during the bottom-out sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Gazzew LT linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Lightning Silver V3 has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, while the LT has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it slightly heavier. The actuation force is important for determining how easy it is to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force affects how it feels when typing extensively. Some may prefer the Lightning Silver V3 for its lighter actuation force, making it easier to type for longer periods, while others may opt for the Gazzew LT for a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences 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 Gazzew LT linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for faster response times, especially gamers. However, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a slightly deeper keypress compared to the LT. While both switches provide similar results in terms of travel distance, individuals who prefer a bit more depth in their keypress may lean towards the Lightning Silver V3, while those who want a slightly quicker response may opt for the Gazzew LT. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50 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
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound, providing a sharp and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT linear switch offers a deep and resonant thockiness, creating a rich and satisfying sound profile. The Lightning Silver V3 is designed to produce a crisp and bright sound when pressed, while the LT delivers a deeper and bass-heavy tone. When it comes to feel, the Lightning Silver V3 is praised for its silky-smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. As for the Gazzew LT, the information on its tactile feel is currently unknown. Overall, while the Lightning Silver V3 and the Gazzew LT offer contrasting sound profiles, both switches promise a seamless typing experience with their respective unique qualities. Depending on personal preference, either switch can enhance your typing experience and add a vibrant touch to your keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and enjoy a clacky, high-pitched sound signature with a silky typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams and desire a switch with a deep, resonant thocky sound profile in an enticing lilac hue, then the Gazzew LT switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and bottom out force. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences for a truly enjoyable typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
