Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. SP-Star Meteor Orange
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and SP-Star Meteor Orange stand out for their unique features and characteristics. The Lightning Silver V3 is a linear switch that is best known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange is a tactile switch, loved for its gentle tactility and neutral sound profile, offering a different feel during typing. While the Lightning Silver V3 offers a smooth and seamless typing experience with enhanced RGB illumination, the Meteor Orange provides a soft and seductive tactility coupled with a polished sound profile. Each switch has its own strengths and appeals, making them suitable for different preferences and needs. 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
57g
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
Nylon
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 SP-Star Meteor Orange, it is clear that they both have distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Lightning Silver V3 utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This stiffer plastic creates a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange features a nylon top and bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound quality.
While the Lightning Silver V3 and the SP-Star Meteor Orange have different housing materials for their top and bottom, they both offer unique sound profiles due to their specific material compositions. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3 enhances the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, contributing to its crisp and sharp sound profile. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Meteor Orange absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound when typing on the switch. On the other hand, the top housing of each switch influences the sound when releasing a key, with the polycarbonate top housing of the Lightning Silver V3 producing a sharper sound compared to the rounder sound of the nylon top housing of the Meteor Orange.
Overall, the choice between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the SP-Star Meteor Orange comes down to personal preference regarding sound profile and typing experience. The polycarbonate housing of the Lightning Silver V3 offers a sharp and crisp sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a high-pitched typing experience. In contrast, the nylon housing of the Meteor Orange provides a deeper and fuller sound, ideal for those looking for a more mellow typing experience. While the materials may differ, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, it is clear that there are noticeable differences between the two. The Lightning Silver V3 has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Meteor Orange, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Lightning Silver V3 has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, whereas the Meteor Orange has a lighter bottom out force of 57 grams. The actuation force of the Lightning Silver V3 provides a more responsive typing experience, while the Meteor Orange offers a lighter touch for a smoother typing experience. Both switches offer a medium force overall, but the Lightning Silver V3 leans towards a heavier typing feel, while the Meteor Orange leans towards a lighter touch. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter compared to the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lightning Silver V3 offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange provides a deeper key press, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and 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 SP-Star Meteor Orange has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor Orange for $5.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched characteristics, producing a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch offers a more neutral sound profile with a soft and seductive tactility. The Meteor Orange switch is described as having a thocky sound, which is deep, rich, and satisfying, while the Lightning Silver V3 provides a more vibrant and high-pitched sound experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles, so choosing between them would depend on personal sound preferences and the overall setup of the keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, offering minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. On the contrary, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is described as providing a mild and polished typing experience, with a gentle tactility that falls into a safe middle-ground zone. The polished finish of the Meteor Orange switch ensures smooth key travel and reduced friction, contributing to an overall refined typing feel. While both switches offer smooth typing experiences, the Lightning Silver V3 emphasizes this quality with its silky feel, while the Meteor Orange switch focuses on a gentle and polished typing sensation.
Considering the subjective qualities of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, it's evident that they each have their own unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Lightning Silver V3 is praised for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature and silky smooth typing experience, the Meteor Orange stands out with its neutral sound profile, gentle tactility, and polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and the overall typing experience desired. Both switches offer exceptional qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can achieve a satisfying typing experience regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle and soft tactile experience with a neutral sound profile, the Meteor Orange could be the perfect match. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and what features matter most to you. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your overall typing experience.
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