Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the SP-Star Meteor White offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 is renowned for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a unique typing experience that is both smooth and seamless. Additionally, the light diffuser enhances RGB illumination, adding a vibrant touch to any keyboard setup. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White is known for its subdued and gentle linear switch, making it easy to push and producing a soft, pitter-patter sound profile. While the Lightning Silver V3 exudes a more lively and energetic feel, the Meteor White offers a more neutral 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
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the SP-Star Meteor White, it is evident that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Lightning Silver V3 features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, while the Meteor White incorporates a nylon top and bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Lightning Silver V3 creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, suitable for those who prefer a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Meteor White produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, providing a more muted and rounded typing sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches offer contrasting experiences due to their different materials. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3 contributes to the sharp and crisp sound profile, enhancing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing of the Meteor White absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder typing experience. This showcases how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the overall sound and feel of a mechanical switch.
While the top and bottom housings of the Lightning Silver V3 and Meteor White vary in material, they each offer unique benefits to the typing experience. The distinct sound profiles achieved by the polycarbonate and nylon housings cater to different preferences, with the former providing a clear and resonant typing sound, and the latter offering a deeper and fuller sound. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience, showcasing the importance of material choice in the construction of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, there are some notable differences. The Lightning Silver V3 has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium level of resistance. On the other hand, the Meteor White does not specify its actuation force, but has a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Lightning Silver V3. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Meteor White may be the better option, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, for those who prefer a more substantial push feel, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will 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, while the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Meteor White switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Lightning Silver V3. The difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the feel and responsiveness of the switch when typing or gaming. Those who prefer a quicker response time may opt for the Lightning Silver V3 with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press experience may lean towards the Meteor White with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White 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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, creating a sharp and snappy sound when pressed that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a gentle, pitter-patter sound profile that is more subdued and thocky, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Lightning Silver V3 switch is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, reducing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In contrast, the Meteor White switch offers a mild and polished feel, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. This smooth and refined finish results in reduced friction and smooth key travel for a sleek typing experience. Both switches offer different but equally enjoyable typing experiences depending on personal preference.
Overall, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and SP-Star Meteor White linear switches each have their own unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Lightning Silver V3 leans towards a sharper, more vibrant sound and a silky smooth feel, the Meteor White offers a softer, more subdued sound and a mild, polished typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to individual preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that users will get similar results regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Lightning Silver V3 and the Meteor White switches, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued and gentle sound with a mild and polished typing feel, the Meteor White switch could be the better fit. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what qualities resonate most with you.
Mentioned in this article
