Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two prominent options are the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron Magnetic Jade, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Lightning Silver V3 is celebrated for its clacky, high-pitched sound signature and silky smooth keystrokes, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy an engaging auditory feedback while typing. It also features a light diffuser that enhances RGB illumination, perfect for users who prioritize aesthetics in their keyboard setup. On the other hand, the Gateron Magnetic Jade, a hall effect switch, is renowned for its bright and clacky sound, aimed at enhancing acoustics for users with a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. This switch appeals to those seeking a premium typing experience with added responsiveness. Both switches have their merits, whether you're drawn to the seamless gliding of the Lightning Silver V3 or the advanced technology of the Magnetic Jade. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron Magnetic Jade, it is clear that both emphasize the use of polycarbonate for their top housings. This shared characteristic results in a similar sound profile for the two switches, characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. Polycarbonate's stiffness plays a significant role in enhancing resonance, allowing for a more pronounced and clear sound when keystrokes are released. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate lends itself to improved aesthetics when integrated with RGB lighting, elevating the overall visual experience of the keyboard.
However, a notable contrast arises when examining the bottom housings of these two switches. The Lightning Silver V3 features a polycarbonate bottom housing, contributing to an overall sound profile that is consistent with that of its top housing—meaning that both the bottom and top work together to produce a sound that is bright and resonant. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which introduces a deeper and fuller sound profile to its performance. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a more muted experience in terms of key feel and sound when the switch bottoms out. This divergence in materials implies that while the top housing contributes to shared sound qualities, the differing bottom materials shape the overall auditory experience diversely.
The interplay of the top and bottom housing materials ultimately impacts how users perceive and experience each switch. For the Lightning Silver V3, the uniformity of polycarbonate throughout both housings delivers a cohesive sound profile that is both sharp and resonant across key presses and releases. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade's combination of a bright top and a deeper-sounding bottom creates a richer tonal palette, where users will experience a distinct auditory shift depending on whether they are pressing down or releasing the key. This differentiation illustrates how the respective housing materials can shape the tactile and auditory characteristics of a switch, allowing enthusiasts to select based on their preferred sound and feel during typing.
Weight
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch differ in both actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different user preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 features a higher actuation force of 48 grams, compared to the lighter 30 grams of the Magnetic Jade. This makes the Lightning Silver V3 better suited for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing, while the Magnetic Jade is ideal for individuals seeking a lighter touch, which can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or lengthy gaming marathons. In terms of bottom out force, the Lightning Silver V3 again takes the heavier route at 60 grams, while the Magnetic Jade has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 55 grams. Overall, if you're looking for a switch with a heavier feel and more resistance, the Lightning Silver V3 would be the better choice, whereas the Magnetic Jade would provide a softer, more forgiving experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Lightning Silver V3 offers a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who favor quicker response times and a more rapid actuation. Conversely, the Magnetic Jade's longer travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on keys, providing a deeper and more tactile feedback. Overall, if you're looking for that fast-paced performance, the Lightning Silver V3 is the better option, whereas the Magnetic Jade offers a more traditional experience for those who enjoy a bit of depth in their keystrokes.
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 Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00 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 switches produce a notably clacky and high-pitched auditory experience, characterized by a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This clackiness adds a bright and percussive quality that many typists find satisfying, particularly those who appreciate the crisp and clear auditory feedback during their keystrokes. The sound signature is enhanced further by the unique light diffuser, promoting RGB illumination and resulting in a vibrant display that complements the acoustics. On the other hand, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches also deliver a bright and clacky sound, aimed at enhancing your typing enjoyment on a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. Both switches share similarities in sound profile, emphasizing the potential for a sharp auditory experience that can vary based on the specific keyboard setup, including the choice of board and keycaps.
When it comes to tactile feel, the Lightning Silver V3 excels with its silky smoothness that provides an exceptionally pleasing typing experience. This seamlessness minimizes resistance during both key presses and releases, allowing for a fluid typing motion that can help reduce fatigue during long typing sessions. The Magnetic Jade switches, while also designed for a superior typing experience, do not have detailed descriptions available regarding their feel, creating a gap in direct comparison. However, enthusiasts often find hall effect switches to offer a unique typing sensation that some might argue could rival the smoothness of a linear switch like the Lightning Silver V3.
In summary, both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches offer appealing qualities for typists, especially for those who appreciate a clacky sound. The Lightning Silver V3 stands out with its smooth, silky feel, whereas specific details about the tactile feedback of the Magnetic Jade remain unknown. For newcomers, either choice promises an engaging experience, though the nuances in sound and feel could sway preferences based on personal typing habits and environments.
Conclusion
To summarize, the choice between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch largely hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you're looking for a switch that provides a tactile and auditory delight with a clacky, high-pitched sound and a smooth, silky feel, the Lightning Silver V3 is an excellent option. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams offers a balanced typing experience that many find satisfying, especially for typists who appreciate an engaging auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prioritize a lighter actuation force and are interested in a switch that enhances the acoustic qualities of your keyboard—perfect for Wooting Hall Effect keyboards—the Magnetic Jade will be your go-to. With a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, it offers a clear, bright sound that pairs well with its responsive action and can improve your overall typing performance. Ultimately, your choice should align with what you value most: the engaging sound profile and silky feel of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, or the enhanced acoustics and lighter actuation of the Gateron Magnetic Jade.
Mentioned in this article
