Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) are both popular choices, each offering unique features and characteristics. The Lightning Silver V3 boasts a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a seamless typing experience with its silky feel. Additionally, it comes with a light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination, making it a visually appealing option. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro switches are known for their smooth and affordable typing experience, offering buttery smooth keystrokes with a pleasing low-pitched "thock" sound. While the Lightning Silver V3 exudes a clacky and high-pitched vibe, the Milky Red Pro leans towards a buttery and bassy feel. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
52g
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
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) both feature unique housing materials that play a crucial role in determining the sound profile of the switch. The Lightning Silver V3 boasts a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) incorporates a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches also differ in material. The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the qualities of its top housing in providing a sharp and clear sound profile. Conversely, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) features a nylon bottom housing, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound when typing on the switch. This contrast in bottom housing material further highlights the differences in sound profiles between the two switches, with polycarbonate emphasizing clarity and resonance, while nylon tends to offer a more muted and rounded sound.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) will come down to personal preference in sound profile. While the Lightning Silver V3 offers a crisper and sharper sound with its polycarbonate housing, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon housing. Both switches showcase the impact of housing materials on sound profiles, with polycarbonate emphasizing clarity and nylon offering a more absorbent and round sound. Whether you prefer a brighter sound or a more mellow tone, these housing materials play a key role in shaping the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switches both offer a medium actuation force, with the Lightning Silver V3 requiring 48 grams and the Milky Red Pro needing 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lightning Silver V3 is heavier at 60 grams compared to the Milky Red Pro's 52 grams, which is considered medium-light. This means that the Lightning Silver V3 provides a more substantial typing experience due to the heavier bottom out force, while the Milky Red Pro offers a lighter touch for those who prefer a gentler keystroke. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Lightning Silver V3 being suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel, and the Milky Red Pro being ideal for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether you prefer a heavier or lighter actuation and bottom out force for your typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch which has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Lightning Silver V3 offers a quicker response time and is preferred by gamers for its shorter travel distance, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) provides a deeper key press for those who prefer a more substantial feel. Both switches still provide a satisfying typing experience, but the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance.
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 Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 switch is favored for its clacky and high-pitched sound, providing a sharp and crisp auditory feedback when pressed. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Red Pro switch offers a bassy and thocky sound profile, emphasizing a deeper and richer tone during key presses. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference, with the Lightning Silver V3 catering to those who enjoy a more sharp and percussive sound, while the Milky Red Pro appeals to users seeking a smoother and deeper auditory experience.
As for the feel, the Lightning Silver V3 switch is celebrated for its silky smooth typing sensation, offering minimal resistance and enhancing overall typing smoothness. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro switch delights users with its buttery keystrokes, providing a seamless and effortless typing experience. Both switches excel in providing a comfortable typing feel, with the Lightning Silver V3 focusing on a smoother texture and the Milky Red Pro emphasizing a fluid keystroke sensation.
In conclusion, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and Gateron Milky Red Pro switches each have their unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Whether you prefer the clacky, high-pitched sound and silky smooth feel of the Lightning Silver V3 or the bassy, thocky sound and buttery keystrokes of the Milky Red Pro, both switches offer a satisfactory typing experience tailored to individual tastes. Ultimately, users can expect a quality typing experience with either switch, albeit with subtle differences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky typing experience, opt for the Lightning Silver V3. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and budget-friendly option with a low-pitched thocky sound and buttery feel, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is the way to go. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and budget. Choose wisely and enjoy the typing experience tailored to your liking.
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