Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Cherry MX Brown both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 stands out for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown is known for its subtle tactility and subdued audio feedback, offering a more gentle typing experience. While the Lightning Silver V3 is ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound and a silky typing feel, the MX Brown is perfect for individuals seeking a quieter and more tactile 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
55g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Cherry MX Brown, it is evident that both switches have distinct characteristics based on their housing materials. The Lightning Silver V3 utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown employs nylon for both the top and bottom housing, generating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite their differences, both switches offer qualities that cater to individual preferences in sound and feel.
One significant difference between the two switches lies in the nature of their housing materials. The polycarbonate used in the Lightning Silver V3's housing is known for its stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the nylon utilized in the Cherry MX Brown's housing is softer and absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in material properties contributes to the distinct sound output and typing experience offered by each switch.
While the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Cherry MX Brown differ in terms of stiffness and sound absorption, both switches share a common goal of providing a satisfying typing experience. Whether it be the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Lightning Silver V3 or the deeper and fuller sound of nylon in the Cherry MX Brown, users can expect a high-quality performance from either switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, it is evident that both switches fall within the medium range of force. The Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly higher actuation force of 48 grams compared to the MX Brown's 45 grams, while the bottom out force of the Lightning Silver V3 at 60 grams is also slightly higher than the MX Brown's 55 grams. This means that the Lightning Silver V3 is slightly heavier to press down on than the MX Brown. However, both switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for those who prefer a medium to medium-light typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the MX Brown the longer of the two switches. The Lightning Silver V3's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the MX Brown's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more pronounced key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is known for its subtlety, with a relatively quiet and gentle tactility during typing. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, with the Lightning Silver V3 being more sharp and percussive, while the MX Brown is more subdued and mellow.
Moving on to feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, offering minimal resistance and enhancing overall typing comfort. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown switch is described as having a textured feel, indicating some degree of friction during key presses. While the Lightning Silver V3 provides a seamless and fluid typing sensation, the MX Brown offers a tactile feedback that some users may prefer for a more pronounced keypress sensation.
In conclusion, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and Cherry MX Brown switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you are looking for a switch with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile and a silky smooth typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with gentle tactility and some noticeable texture during key presses, the Cherry MX Brown switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, both switches are popular choices in the mechanical keyboard community, and you can expect satisfying results with either option depending on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing feel, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the more suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle and quiet typing experience with a gentle tactile bump, the Cherry MX Brown switches may better fit your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what feels and sounds best to you during your typing sessions.
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