Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) 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 Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) are two popular options worth considering. The Lightning Silver V3 by Everglide is characterized by its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, offering a silky typing experience with enhanced RGB illumination thanks to its light diffuser. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro is known for its smooth and buttery goodness, producing a low, "thocky" sound with a satisfyingly thick resistance that makes it ideal for both gaming and typing. Each switch has its own unique qualities and strengths, making them desirable choices for different preferences and uses. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), it is evident that the Lightning Silver V3 utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is clear and resonant. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) incorporates nylon for both its top and bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound overall.
One key point of comparison between the two switches is the different sound profiles produced by their housing materials. While the Lightning Silver V3 with polycarbonate housings offers a sharper and crisper sound, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) with nylon housings provides a deeper and fuller sound experience. These contrasting sound profiles cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate housing in the Lightning Silver V3 allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, adding another layer of customization to the switch.
Although the housing materials of the Lightning Silver V3 and the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) differ in terms of polycarbonate and nylon, respectively, both switches aim to provide a unique typing experience. The split qualities between the top and bottom housing materials offer a balanced sound profile with distinct characteristics. While the Lightning Silver V3 emphasizes a clear and resonant sound, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) focuses on creating a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in typing sound and feel, as well as the desired aesthetic features such as RGB lighting.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, we see that both switches fall into the medium weight category. The Lightning Silver V3 has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. This slight difference in weight may not be noticeable to some users, as both switches offer a similar typing experience. Those who prefer lighter switches may lean towards the Lightning Silver V3 with its slightly lower actuation and bottom out forces, making it a suitable choice for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) provides a slightly heavier push feel, giving users a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference 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 Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Lightning Silver V3 has a shorter travel distance compared to the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3). The shorter travel distance of the Lightning Silver V3 may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) may provide a more substantial keypress feel. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distance, so choosing between them 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 Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.33 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Yellow 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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp sound with each key press. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch offers a low, bassy, and thocky sound that is deep, rich, and satisfying. While the Lightning Silver V3 is more bright and percussive, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) leans towards a smoother, bass-heavy tone. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound profiles and how they complement your specific keyboard and keycap setup.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is known for its buttery and textured feel, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation with a slight friction that some users may prefer for added tactility. Both switches excel in their smoothness, but the Lightning Silver V3 leans towards a more frictionless experience while the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) offers a touch of texture for those who enjoy a bit of feedback while typing.
Overall, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Lightning Silver V3 provides a clacky, high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) delivers a low, thocky sound with a buttery and slightly textured feel. Depending on whether you prefer a sharper, brighter sound or a deeper, bass-heavy tone, and whether you prioritize a completely smooth or subtly textured feel while typing, you can choose the switch that best suits your preferences and enhances your overall typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality options for enthusiasts looking to optimize their mechanical keyboard setups.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a clacky and high-pitched sound signature that offers a silky typing experience with RGB illumination, then the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a budget-friendly switch that excels in both gaming and typing with a low, "thocky" sound and satisfyingly thick resistance, then the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
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