Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Dareu Master
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Dareu Master switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Dareu Master both offer unique features worth considering. The Lightning Silver V3 is praised for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, along with a silky typing experience and vibrant RGB illumination thanks to its light diffuser. On the other hand, the Dareu Master, an all-POM linear switch, provides a medium weight feel, classic clacky sound, and exceptional smoothness during operation. While both switches fall under the 'Clacky' category, the Lightning Silver V3 is described as 'High-pitched' and 'Silky', whereas the Master is characterized as 'Mild' and 'Polished'. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Dareu Master, one can see a clear distinction in the sound profiles they produce. The Lightning Silver V3 features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Master boasts a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. This highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound experience of a keyboard.
Moving on to the bottom housing of these keyboards, the same trend can be observed. The Lightning Silver V3 utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing to create a clear and resonant sound profile, while the Master's POM bottom housing produces a pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum. This difference in sound profile between the two keyboards showcases the versatility and impact of different housing materials on the overall typing experience.
When considering how the top and bottom housings interact in a keyboard, it becomes evident that the qualities of each housing material are split between the two. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This demonstrates how the combination of different housing materials in a keyboard can create a dynamic and multifaceted typing experience, with each material contributing its own unique qualities to the overall sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, we can see some differences. The actuation force of the Lightning Silver V3 is slightly higher at 48 grams compared to the Master's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Lightning Silver V3 is also higher at 60 grams, while the Master's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Lightning Silver V3 requires a slightly heavier touch for both triggering a keystroke and pressing all the way down compared to the Master switch. In terms of weight, the Lightning Silver V3 would be considered the heavier option, which may cater to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Master switch's lighter actuation force could be preferred by those looking for a lighter typing feel for longer typing sessions. Both switches offer different experiences, so choosing between them would depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same amount of travel distance. Both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of how far the keys travel from the top to the bottom. Users can expect similar results and feelings when typing on a keyboard equipped with either the Lightning Silver V3 or the Master linear switch.
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 Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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 and Dareu Master switches both offer a clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. However, the Lightning Silver V3 is also noted for its high-pitched sound, adding a crisp and bright element to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Master switch strikes a medium weight for its users, delivering a classic clacky sound profile that is sure to please those looking for a more traditional keyboard sound. Ultimately, both switches will provide satisfying auditory feedback, with the Lightning Silver V3 offering a slightly higher-pitched tone.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is praised for its silky smooth typing experience. These switches minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys, enhancing the overall smoothness of typing. In contrast, the Dareu Master switch provides a mild and polished feel, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. With reduced friction and smooth key travel, the Master switch ensures a sleek and refined typing feel that is approachable to most users.
Overall, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and Dareu Master linear switches each offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Lightning Silver V3 provides a clacky and high-pitched sound along with a silky smooth feel, the Dareu Master delivers a classic clacky sound and a mild, polished typing experience. Depending on whether you prefer a higher-pitched sound or a more traditional feel, you can achieve satisfying results with either switch option. Ultimately, both switches offer excellent quality and performance, ensuring a pleasurable typing experience for users.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch or the Dareu Master linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force and enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, along with a silky typing experience, then the Lightning Silver V3 may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a classic clacky sound with exceptional smoothness, then the Dareu Master switch might be more suited to your tastes. Both switches offer unique qualities and features that cater to different preferences, so make sure to consider what matters most to you when making your decision.
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