Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the KTT Mallo. The Lightning Silver V3 is a linear switch that is characterized by its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a silky and seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo is a tactile switch known for its subtle tactility and medium-light typing feel, offering a balanced feedback without being overpowering. While the Lightning Silver V3 excels in providing a vibrant touch to any keyboard setup with its light diffuser and RGB illumination, the Mallo stands out for its versatile and neutral sound signature that suits various typing environments. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
55g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the KTT Mallo both feature polycarbonate top housings, making them similar in terms of housing material. The use of polycarbonate in housings creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its relatively stiff nature which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is useful for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, while both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, they differ in their bottom housings.
The Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a sharper sound profile, similar to its top housing. This means that when pressing down on the switch, you'll feel the qualities of the bottom housing, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the KTT Mallo opts for a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This choice results in a different typing experience compared to the Lightning Silver V3's bottom housing.
Overall, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and KTT Mallo switches offer a mix of sharp and deep sound profiles, thanks to their different housing materials. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, their bottom housings vary in material, affecting the overall typing experience. The choice between a polycarbonate or nylon bottom housing will ultimately depend on personal preference for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
The actuation force of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is 48 grams, while the actuation force of the KTT Mallo tactile switch is unknown. However, the bottom out force of the Lightning Silver V3 is 60 grams, heavier than the Mallo's 55 grams. This means that the Lightning Silver V3 requires a bit more force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out compared to the Mallo. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience might lean towards the KTT Mallo, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance might opt for the Everglide Lightning Silver V3. Ultimately, both switches provide a medium to medium-light typing experience, so users can expect similar results in terms of overall feel.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the KTT Mallo tactile switch. The Lightning Silver V3 offers a more responsive feel, preferred by gamers for faster response times, while the Mallo provides a deeper key press experience. Both switches fall within the range of common travel distances, with the Mallo being on the longer side and the Lightning Silver V3 on the shorter side. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key press depth and responsiveness.
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 KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is best known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a crisp and bright typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo tactile switch offers a more neutral and subdued sound profile, making it a versatile choice for different typing environments. The Lightning Silver V3's sound leans towards being sharp and percussive, while the Mallo's sound is more gentle and understated, ensuring it doesn't overpower or fade into the background.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is known for its silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In contrast, the KTT Mallo offers a feathery and mild tactile feel, requiring little exertion from your fingers and reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The Mallo's subtle and stepped tactile feedback provides just the right amount of feedback without being overwhelming, making it a comfortable choice for various typing tasks.
Overall, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and KTT Mallo switches offer distinct sound and feel characteristics tailored to different preferences and typing styles. If you prefer a clacky, high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more neutral, subdued sound with a feathery and mild tactile feel, the KTT Mallo switch would be a fitting option. Both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different needs, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of your preference.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a clacky, high-pitched sound with a silky typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and a more subtle, neutral sound with a feathery, mild typing feel, the Mallo switch would be a better fit. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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