Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron Melodic offer distinct experiences. The Lightning Silver V3 is praised for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a unique typing experience that feels silky and seamless. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic brings a rejuvenated take on clicky switches with its buttery smoothness and resonant sound, enhanced by recent advancements like factory lubing and dual-railed stems. If you're looking for a switch that adds a vibrant touch to your keyboard setup, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the way to go. However, if you crave the classic clicky sound paired with smoothness and tactile feedback, the Gateron Melodic might be more up your alley. 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
60g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron Melodic both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing experience. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches ensures a consistent sound profile that is both pleasing to the ear and the eye.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Lightning Silver V3 features polycarbonate, while the Gateron Melodic utilizes nylon. The nylon bottom housing of the Melodic offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a rounder sound profile. The choice between these materials can affect the overall typing experience and the feel of bottoming out a key, as the bottom housing plays a significant role in the sound and feel of the switch.
In conclusion, while both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron Melodic share polycarbonate top housing for a consistent sound profile, their choice of bottom housing material sets them apart. The Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, while the Melodic's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these two switches based on the qualities each housing material brings to the typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality construction and unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it is evident that the Lightning Silver V3 has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Melodic, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium. The lighter actuation force of the Lightning Silver V3 may make it preferable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for long typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the Melodic switch may provide a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the Gateron Melodic clicky switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Everglide switch may appeal to those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Gateron switch may provide a more satisfying depth when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
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 Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy typing experience with a bright and crisp tone. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch features a resonant and crunchy sound, offering a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Lightning Silver V3 focusing on sharpness and brightness, while the Melodic emphasizes a clean and crunchy sound.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Lightning Silver V3 is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance and enhances overall smoothness during keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch is characterized as buttery and invigorating, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations that cater to different typing preferences, with the Lightning Silver V3 emphasizing smoothness and the Melodic focusing on a seamless and immersive typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lightning Silver V3 provides a clacky and high-pitched sound profile with a silky typing experience, while the Melodic offers a resonant and crunchy sound with a buttery and invigorating feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback, users can choose between the sharp and bright typing experience of the Lightning Silver V3 or the clean and immersive typing sensation of the Gateron Melodic. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch or the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky typing experience, then the Lightning Silver V3 may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a resonant and crunchy sound with a buttery or invigorating feel, then the Gateron Melodic could be more suitable. Both switches offer a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium, so you can rely on consistent keypresses with either option. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what sound profile and typing feel resonate with you the most.
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