Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron Mini i 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 Mini i stand out as two popular options with distinct characteristics. The Lightning Silver V3, a linear switch, is praised for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, offering a silky typing experience with a unique light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i, a tactile switch, provides gentle tactility in each keystroke, striking a balance with a fairly muted sound profile ideal for office settings. While the Lightning Silver V3 is perfect for those seeking a smooth and vibrant typing experience, the Gateron Mini i is designed for comfortable and quiet typing sessions in a professional setting. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron Mini i both have distinct housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, perfect for users who prefer a more defined typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i's nylon top housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound, making it well-suited for those who enjoy a more rounded typing sound. While their top housing materials differ in terms of sound characteristics, both switches offer unique typing experiences for users looking for specific sound profiles.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which also contributes to its sharp and clear sound profile. This consistency in housing materials throughout the switch ensures a cohesive typing experience, with a focus on maintaining a crisp sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, creating a more impactful bottom-out sound and feel. This difference in bottom housing materials highlights how each switch can offer a distinct typing experience based on the chosen housing material.
While the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron Mini i have different top and bottom housing materials, they each excel in delivering unique sound profiles based on their materials. The split between top and bottom housing materials allows users to experience varying sound characteristics when typing on these switches. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile or a deeper, fuller sound, both switches offer distinct typing experiences based on their housing materials. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Mini i's lighter 40 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Lightning Silver V3 requires 60 grams while the Mini i only needs 50 grams. Some may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Mini i for a smoother typing experience, especially for longer sessions. However, others may find the slightly heavier forces of the Lightning Silver V3 to provide a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience, whether it be lighter or heavier.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch have a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, they both offer a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that users can expect consistent results in terms of keypress feel and performance, regardless of whether they choose the Lightning Silver V3 or the Mini i. The travel distances of both switches allow for a comfortable typing experience with a relatively short actuation distance, making them suitable for those who prefer a quicker and more responsive keypress.
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 Mini i comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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 Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch offers a more neutral sound profile, suitable for a variety of environments due to its moderate actuation force requirement. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities, with the Lightning Silver V3 being more sharp and percussive, while the Mini i provides a more muted and subtle typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Lightning Silver V3 switch offers a silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall smoothness. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped, providing a spring-like feedback sensation with gentle resistance and a light typing feel. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations, with the Lightning Silver V3 focusing on smoothness and the Mini i providing a more lively and responsive typing experience.
Overall, the Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch offer contrasting subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lightning Silver V3 provides a clacky and high-pitched sound signature with a silky smooth feel, the Gateron Mini i offers a more neutral sound profile with a bouncy and easy-to-press tactile sensation. Depending on personal preference and typing style, users can choose between these two switches to achieve their desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switches and Gateron Mini i tactile switches, consider your preferences and needs carefully. If you prioritize a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral sound profile and seek a bouncy, easy-to-press, and mild tactile feel, the Gateron Mini i switches could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, whether you opt for the Lightning Silver V3 or the Mini i, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Make sure to test them out firsthand to determine which switch aligns best with your typing habits and preferences.
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