Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Durock Medium Tactile both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 is praised for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a seamless and silky typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile stands out for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, giving it a jelly-like sound signature. While the Lightning Silver V3 boasts enhanced RGB illumination with its light diffuser, the Medium Tactile offers a more accented and polished typing experience. 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
65g
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
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Durock Medium Tactile both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Medium Tactile stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches share polycarbonate top housings, the Lightning Silver V3 and the Medium Tactile differ in their bottom housing material. The Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing continues to contribute to the sharp and clear sound profile of the switch. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile's nylon bottom housing enhances the switch's typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound. The split in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switch allows each material to impact different aspects of the sound and feel when typing.
In terms of housing materials, the Lightning Silver V3 and the Medium Tactile offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The polycarbonate top housing of both switches provides a sharp and resonant sound, ideal for users who prefer a higher-pitched typing experience. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Medium Tactile offers a softer and fuller sound that may appeal to those seeking a deeper typing sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch differ in terms of weight. The Lightning Silver V3 has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Medium Tactile switch, whose actuation force is unknown. However, the bottom out force of the Lightning Silver V3 is 60 grams, while the Medium Tactile switch has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Lightning Silver V3 provides a lighter typing experience, making it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch offers a more substantial typing feel, which may be preferred by those looking for a stronger push sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, we see that the Lightning Silver V3 has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Medium Tactile has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Lightning Silver V3 would be preferred by those looking for a shorter travel distance for quicker response times, especially gamers. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch would appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press feel with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer different typing experiences based on their respective travel distances, catering to different preferences and needs.
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 Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile 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
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is distinct for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy typing experience with crisp and bright tones. This switch also offers a silky feel, delivering an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch is recognized for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, offering an accented and stepped feel that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. This switch produces a jelly-like sound signature that complements its tactile feedback.
Overall, the Lightning Silver V3 and the Medium Tactile switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Lightning Silver V3 provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky typing feel, the Medium Tactile offers a jelly-like sound with an accented and stepped tactile experience. Depending on whether you prefer a sharper sound or a more pronounced tactile feel, these switches can enhance your typing experience in different ways. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance and distinct features that can elevate your keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a switch with a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, as well as a silky typing experience, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch may be more suited to your preferences. Consider the bottom out force of each switch as well, with the Lightning Silver V3 having a medium 60 gram force and the Medium Tactile having a medium-heavy 65 gram force. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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