Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the KTT Mint both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a seamless typing experience with a light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination. On the other hand, the KTT Mint boasts a satisfyingly smooth linear switch with a poppy thockiness due to its long pole stem, offering a light and fleeting type feel. While the Lightning Silver V3 may appeal to those who enjoy a louder sound and vibrant lighting effects, the KTT Mint may be more suitable for individuals looking for a quieter and smoother 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Lightning Silver V3 and the Mint feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is especially useful for switches that plan to showcase RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for a more vibrant display. However, the Mint's nylon bottom housing offers a different typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3.
In terms of aesthetics, both switches benefit from the clear housing design that comes with polycarbonate material. This allows for a sleek and modern look, especially when paired with RGB lighting effects. However, the Mint's nylon bottom housing adds a classic touch to its overall design, offering a different visual appeal compared to the Lightning Silver V3's uniform polycarbonate construction. While the top and bottom housings play a role in the overall sound profile of each switch, the choice between polycarbonate and nylon ultimately comes down to personal preference and desired typing experience.
Despite their differences in bottom housing material, the Lightning Silver V3 and the Mint both deliver quality sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The split between the bottom and top housing materials allows for a unique typing experience, with the qualities of each material impacting the switch's sound profile in distinct ways. Whether you prefer the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper and fuller sound of nylon, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience that is sure to enhance any mechanical keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, it is evident that the Lightning Silver V3 requires slightly higher force for both actuation and bottom out compared to the Mint. The Lightning Silver V3 has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Mint has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. This difference in force may result in a slightly lighter typing experience with the Mint compared to the Lightning Silver V3. However, both switches fall within the medium to medium-light force range, providing users with a balanced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the KTT Mint linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lightning Silver V3 offers a more responsive typing experience, ideal for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Mint switch provides a deeper key press feel, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel. If you prefer a shorter travel distance for quicker response times, the Lightning Silver V3 is the way to go. If you prefer a longer travel distance for a more robust key press, the KTT Mint switch would be the better option.
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 Mint comes in at $2.91 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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with a crisp and bright tone. On the other hand, the KTT Mint linear switch offers a low-pitched, more bass-heavy and mellow tone, creating a satisfyingly smooth typing experience with a poppy thockiness. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on whether you prefer a sharper or a mellower sound when typing.
Moving on to feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is described as offering a silky smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In contrast, the KTT Mint switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, with a more gentle and approachable feel that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone. Both switches prioritize smoothness in typing, but the Lightning Silver V3 may offer a more seamless and refined typing experience compared to the Mint, which emphasizes a balance between comfort and precision.
Overall, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and KTT Mint linear switches offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Lightning Silver V3 stands out for its clacky and high-pitched sound, paired with a silky smooth typing experience, while the KTT Mint offers a satisfyingly smooth and poppy thockiness, with a mild and polished typing feel. Choosing between these switches would depend on whether you prioritize a sharper, more refined sound with seamless typing (Lightning Silver V3) or a mellow, balanced sound with a gentle typing experience (KTT Mint). In any case, both switches provide quality options that can enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile along with a silky typing experience, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a poppy thockiness, smooth linear feel, and a lighter bottom out force, the KTT Mint linear switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for sound, typing feel, and bottom out force. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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