Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron Luciola mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes apparent that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 is renowned for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, along with a silky typing experience and enhanced RGB illumination thanks to its light diffuser. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola stands out for its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and distinct "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. While the Lightning Silver V3 may appeal to those seeking a sleek and vibrant aesthetic with a specific sound profile, the Luciola may be more appealing to users looking for a snappier typing experience with unique visual and auditory elements. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 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 INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron Luciola both feature different housing materials for their top and bottom parts. The Lightning Silver V3 utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola features a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housing, offering a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. Despite the difference in materials, both switches aim to provide a satisfying sound experience for users.
However, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Lightning Silver V3 switch specifically caters to those looking to enhance the aesthetic appeal of their keyboard setup with RGB lighting. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for the RGB lighting to shine through, creating a visually appealing effect. In contrast, the INK blend top housing of the Gateron Luciola may not offer the same level of transparency for RGB lighting enthusiasts. This difference in material choice for the top housing reflects a design consideration for those who prioritize visual customization.
When it comes to the impact on the overall sound and feel of the switch, the choice of housing material for the top and bottom parts plays a significant role. The qualities of the bottom housing material, whether it be polycarbonate or INK blend, will affect the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Understanding these nuances can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences for sound, feel, and visual appeal when selecting between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron Luciola switches.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Lightning Silver V3 has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Luciola's 55 grams, making it more sensitive to keystrokes. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a consistent typing experience once the key is fully pressed. The lighter actuation force of the Lightning Silver V3 may be preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in lengthy gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to trigger a key. On the other hand, the slightly heavier actuation force of the Luciola may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, while the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm. Both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for gamers looking for faster response times. However, the Luciola switch has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly more tactile feel compared to the Lightning Silver V3. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the level of responsiveness desired.
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 Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 signature, creating a sharp and percussive noise when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch offers a unique combination of clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched sounds, adding a distinctive flair to the typing experience. Both switches provide a satisfying auditory feedback, but the Luciola switch offers a more diverse range of sound profiles due to its additional characteristics.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is praised for its silky typing experience, offering smooth key presses and minimal resistance when typing. In contrast, the Gateron Luciola switch is described as snappy, buttery, and polished, providing a responsive and fluid keystroke with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches excel in providing a comfortable typing experience, but the Luciola switch offers a livelier and more dynamic feel due to its snappy and buttery attributes.
Overall, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch each have their unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Lightning Silver V3 offers a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky typing feel, the Luciola switch provides a diverse range of sound profiles along with a snappy and buttery typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, but both switches promise a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a switch with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile that offers a silky smooth typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for switches that glow in the dark, have a bouncy and smooth typing feel, and produce a unique “can of spray paint being shaken” sound profile including chirpy and marbly characteristics, then the Gateron Luciola might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style, sound preference, and aesthetic preferences for your keyboard setup.
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