Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. KTT Miaowu
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the KTT Miaowu 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 KTT Miaowu both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 is famous for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a satisfying typing experience with its silky smooth keystrokes. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu stands out for its enhanced stem stability and smoother keystroke action, thanks to its innovative use of POK in the stem. While the Lightning Silver V3 is known for its light diffuser enhancing RGB illumination, the Miaowu offers a bouncy and clacky 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
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
Housing materials
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the KTT Miaowu both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Miaowu's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The difference in materials used for the bottom housing can impact the overall sound and feel of the switch when pressed.
While both switches share the use of polycarbonate in the top housing, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 stands out with its polycarbonate bottom housing. This means that the Lightning Silver V3 will have a consistent sharp, high-pitched sound profile throughout the keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu's nylon bottom housing adds a softer touch to the sound profile, creating a different typing experience. The choice of housing material for both the top and bottom can significantly impact the overall feel and sound of the switch.
In terms of aesthetics and RGB lighting compatibility, both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate in the top housing. The translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for vibrant lighting effects to shine through, enhancing the overall look of the keyboard. However, the difference in bottom housing material between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the KTT Miaowu results in distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound from the polycarbonate housing or a deeper, fuller sound from the nylon housing, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams compared to the KTT Miaowu linear switch's lighter 43 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Lightning Silver V3 requires 60 grams, while the Miaowu only needs 50 grams. This means that typing on the Miaowu switch may feel lighter and require less effort compared to the Lightning Silver V3 switch. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Miaowu, while those looking for a more substantial typing experience might opt for the Lightning Silver V3. Both switches offer different levels of force, so choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the KTT Miaowu linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them popular choices for gamers seeking faster response times. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be noticeable to all users, but those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may find the Miaowu switch more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
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 KTT Miaowu has an MSRP of $4.32 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Miaowu for $3.71.
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, both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the KTT Miaowu switches are described as having a clacky sound profile. The Lightning Silver V3 additionally offers a high-pitched sound, while the Miaowu does not feature this particular characteristic. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference for sound, with the Lightning Silver V3 providing a sharper and crisper tone compared to the Miaowu.
Moving on to feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like sensation and lively feel with keypresses. Again, personal preference will dictate which feel you prefer - a smoother typing experience with the Lightning Silver V3 or a bouncier feedback with the Miaowu switch.
Considering both the sound and feel aspects, it's clear that the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the KTT Miaowu switches offer distinct qualities to cater to different preferences. If you prefer a clacky sound with a high-pitched tone and a silky smooth typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 would be the ideal choice. Alternatively, if you enjoy a clacky sound with a bouncy feedback sensation, the KTT Miaowu switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches provide unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so choosing between them would depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium bottom out force and a clacky, high-pitched sound signature, as well as a silky typing experience with enhanced RGB illumination, then the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smoother keystroke action with stem stability, along with a clacky sound and a bouncy, spring-like feel, then the KTT Miaowu linear switch would be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision will depend on your preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
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