Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. HMX Lucky
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HMX Lucky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HMX Lucky both present appealing options for enthusiasts who appreciate linear switches, but they cater to different preferences. The Lightning Silver V3, produced by Haimu, stands out with its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a distinctly vibrant auditory feedback while typing. Its silky feel and innovative light diffuser enhance the RGB illumination, making it a great choice for gamers and typists who value both aesthetics and performance in their keyboard setup. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky switches offer a more subdued yet deeply satisfying typing experience, thanks to their lightweight construction and softer nylon housings. This creates a neutral feel that many users may find more comfortable for prolonged typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these two linear switch options will depend on your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and visual presentation. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HMX Lucky switches, it's evident that they employ distinctly different materials which significantly influence their auditory characteristics. The Lightning Silver V3 features polycarbonate in both its top and bottom housings. This choice leads to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, thanks to polycarbonate's stiffer structure that enhances resonance and clarity. In contrast, the HMX Lucky utilizes nylon for its top and bottom housings, which tends to produce a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softer properties absorb more sound compared to the rigid polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Consequently, while the Everglide switches offer a bright and crisp keystroke, the HMX Lucky provides a smoother and warmer typing experience.
Despite the differences in material, the way each switch's housing contributes to sound characteristics remains similar. For instance, with the Lightning Silver V3, the polycarbonate top housing amplifies the higher frequencies upon releasing a key, creating a distinct auditory feedback. The bottom housing, also made of polycarbonate, reinforces this clarity and sharpness during the bottom-out motion. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky's nylon top and bottom housings will produce a more muted sound profile throughout the typing experience, with both housings contributing to the overall fuller sound. This means that although the materials differ, the separation of contributions from the top and bottom housings remains consistent in impacting the feel and sound of the keystrokes.
In practice, this means that users seeking a vibrant and responsive feel will find the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 to be an ideal choice, especially for RGB lighting setups due to the translucency of polycarbonate. Conversely, those preferring a softer, more subdued typing experience may gravitate towards the HMX Lucky. However, both switches can deliver satisfying results based on the typing experience desired—be it the crisp resonance of polycarbonate or the rich depth of nylon. The core principles of sound production and tactile feedback remain constant, allowing users to select a switch that aligns with their preferences while still achieving pleasurable results.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force that cater to different typing preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 features a heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a robust typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Lucky offers a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for those who favor a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. As a result, the Lucky is the lighter option designed for users seeking an effortless keystroke, while the Lightning Silver V3 may appeal to those looking for a firmer response. Overall, the difference in actuation and bottom out forces means that users will experience distinctly different tactile sensations when using these switches.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HMX Lucky linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference in travel distance indicates that the Lightning Silver V3 is the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times due to its reduced actuation distance. Conversely, the HMX Lucky, with its 3.8 mm travel distance, may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on keys, as it provides a bit more depth in the actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference: those who prioritize speed may favor the Lightning Silver V3, while those who appreciate a fuller keypress may opt for the Lucky.
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 Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky 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 sound profile of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is characterized by its clacky and high-pitched nature, providing a sharp and snappy auditory feedback with each keystroke. This creates an engaging typing experience, particularly for users who appreciate the crispness and brightness that such switches deliver. The signature sound of the Lightning Silver V3 can be particularly refreshing for those who prefer a more elevated auditory sensation as they type. In contrast, the HMX Lucky switches lack a defined sound profile in the provided data, making it difficult to compare directly; however, their construction and design hint at a quieter operation, suggesting a more subdued auditory experience that may not be as pronounced as the Lightning Silver V3.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is recognized for its silky smoothness, allowing for an exceptionally fluid typing experience. This smooth action minimizes friction, creating a seamless transition between keystrokes that many users find enjoyable and satisfying. The HMX Lucky switches, while their specific tactile feedback is not described, are noted for their lightweight and neutral characteristics, which likely provide a comfortable typing experience. Without any explicit descriptors for their feel, it's challenging to draw direct comparisons, but the general notion of a satisfying typing experience remains evident for both switch types.
In conclusion, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 offers a distinctive clacky and high-pitched sound with an incredibly silky feel, making it a great choice for users who enjoy an auditory and tactile experience that is bright and smooth. Meanwhile, the HMX Lucky switches promise a lighter and neutral typing sensation, potentially appealing to those who prefer a softer touch. While the two switches diverge in sound profiles, they each provide satisfying experiences in their own right, making either a compelling choice depending on personal preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HMX Lucky linear switches ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a more tactile and auditory experience, the Lightning Silver V3 is an excellent choice. With its 60-gram bottom-out force, clacky sound signature, and silky feel, it provides a lively and engaging typing environment that is perfect for both gaming and typing tasks. The added feature of the light diffuser enhances RGB illumination, making it appealing for those who want their keyboard to stand out aesthetically. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch while typing, the HMX Lucky switches, with their 43-gram bottom-out force and neutral, satisfying feel, will be more suitable. These switches offer a softer typing experience that can help reduce finger fatigue during prolonged use. In summary, choose the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 for a spirited and vibrant typing experience, and opt for the HMX Lucky switches for a gentle, less strenuous touch.
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