Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Durock Lupine mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, there are some distinct differences to consider. The Lightning Silver V3 stands out for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, offering a smooth typing experience with the added bonus of a light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Lupine provides a unique typing sensation with its two-stage long springs, ensuring consistent weight distribution when pressing down and a powerful rebound movement. While the Lightning Silver V3 is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', and 'Silky', the Lupine falls into the categories of 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their unique attributes that may cater to different preferences, but diving deeper into their specifics will help you determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Durock Lupine both feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic material. This results in a more clear and resonant sound that is enhanced if RGB lighting is utilized. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate adds an aesthetic element to the switches. In contrast, the Lupine utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3.
While both the Lightning Silver V3 and the Lupine feature polycarbonate top housings, they differ in the material used for the bottom housing. The Everglide keyboard utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, ensuring that the qualities of the material are consistent throughout the switch. This leads to a uniform sound profile when pressing down on the switches, with a clear and sharp sound on both the bottom-out and release. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine benefits from the use of a nylon bottom housing, which adds a deeper and fuller sound to the switch. This contrast in bottom housing materials ultimately leads to a difference in sound and feel when typing on each keyboard.
In terms of sound and feel, the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Durock Lupine play a significant role. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that enhances the sharpness and clarity of the sound profile, the use of nylon in the Lupine's bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3. This difference in material impacts the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing has a greater effect on the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, the actuation force of the Lightning Silver V3 is 48 grams, while the Lupine's actuation force is not specified. However, the bottom out force of the Lightning Silver V3 is 60 grams, slightly lighter than the Lupine's bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that the Lightning Silver V3 would offer a slightly lighter typing experience compared to the Lupine. However, both switches fall into the medium actuation force category. In terms of weight, the Lightning Silver V3 is on the lighter side, making it suitable for longer typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Lupine provides a slightly heavier push, giving users a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, it is clear that the Lightning Silver V3 has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Lupine's 3.7 mm. The difference may seem minimal, but for those who are particular about the depth and feel of their keystrokes, it can make a noticeable impact. Gamers seeking faster response times may prefer the Lightning Silver V3 with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a bit more depth and tactility may lean towards the Lupine. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar feel and performance, but the slight variation in travel distance may cater to different preferences.
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 Durock Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine for $4.25.
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 is known for its clacky and high-pitched profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound when typing. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine offers a more neutral sound, which is moderate and suitable for various environments. Both switches have a high-pitched characteristic, but if you prefer a more distinct and crisp sound, the Lightning Silver V3 would be the better choice.
In terms of feel, the Lightning Silver V3 is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In comparison, the Durock Lupine offers a mild and polished feel, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. If you prefer a more refined and approachable feel, the Lupine switches would be a good option.
In conclusion, while both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 excels in providing a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine offers a more neutral sound with a mild and polished feel. Depending on your preferences for sound and typing experience, you can choose between the two switches for a satisfying typing journey. Ultimately, both switches will offer a pleasant typing experience, but with slightly different characteristics that cater to individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a clacky and high-pitched sound profile with a silky typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral sound profile with a gentle typing experience and polished finish, the Lupine might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Whether you choose the Lightning Silver V3 or the Lupine, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
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