Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preference, and two popular options are the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Cherry MX Purple RGB. The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is a linear switch celebrated for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, delivering a silky, seamless typing experience that many gamers and typists relish. Its unique light diffuser not only heightens the aesthetics of RGB setups but also enhances the overall engagement. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches offer a tactile experience characterized by a short, medium-strength bump, making them well-suited for users who enjoy that satisfying feedback with each keystroke, an aspect that keyboard enthusiasts particularly appreciate, thanks to their collaboration with Glarses. While the Lightning Silver V3 may attract those seeking a smooth and audible typing experience, the MX Purple RGB could be the go-to for those who prefer tactile confirmation while typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB feature distinctly different materials for their respective top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles during use. The Lightning Silver V3 is constructed with polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material's rigidity enhances resonance, allowing for a more pronounced auditory feedback when the switches are engaged. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB utilizes nylon for its top housing, a classic choice that provides a softer, deeper, and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and more muted auditory experience, which contrasts sharply with the crisp tones delivered by polycarbonate.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials of these switches accentuate their sound characteristics further. The Lightning Silver V3 again uses polycarbonate, aligning with its top housing properties to deliver a clear and resonant sound. This uniformity in material allows for a cohesive auditory experience that emphasizes the sharpness of each key press. Conversely, the MX Purple RGB opts for nylon in both the top and bottom housings, which leads to a consistent deep and warm sound signature through the interaction of both components. The choice of nylon in both instances serves to fortify the switch’s overall auditory profile, creating a uniform sound that is distinctly different from that of the polycarbonate housed switches.
Ultimately, the experience of typing on each switch is shaped significantly by the materials used in their housings. For the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, the use of polycarbonate for both top and bottom pieces results in a bright and clear sound profile that resonates well with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB, with its consistent nylon construction across both housings, provides a more subdued and rich auditory experience. While the material properties lead to different sounds, users can expect to engage with a tactile and responsive feel, making it hard to go wrong with either choice depending on personal sound preferences.
Weight
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Lightning Silver V3 has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch that provides a noticeable resistance when pressed. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch has a slightly lighter actuation force at 45 grams; however, its bottom out force remains unspecified, leaving a gap in our understanding of its overall tactile experience. As a result, the Lightning Silver V3 is the heavier switch, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel while typing or gaming. Those who value a lighter feel for extended typing sessions might gravitate towards the Cherry MX Purple RGB, although its performance during bottom out remains uncertain. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different preferences in actuation feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 offers a clearer specification for those who desire defined resistance.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch measures 3.4 mm, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance indicates that the Everglide switch is the shorter option, making it potentially more responsive—ideal for gamers seeking quicker activation and faster response times. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch provides a deeper, more traditional feel that may appeal to users who prefer a tactile experience while typing. Ultimately, if someone wants a switch that offers a snappier performance, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is the better choice; however, those who value a more pronounced key press may opt for the Cherry MX Purple RGB due to its longer 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 Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 stands out with its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, producing a sharp and percussive tone that many enthusiasts love. This lively sound profile can add a layer of excitement to typing or gaming sessions, particularly for those who prefer a more vibrant auditory feedback. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB does not have a specific sound profile detailed in the provided information, making it difficult to directly compare their acoustic qualities. However, it's important to remember that the overall sound experience is heavily influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard’s build quality and choice of keycaps, so users may still achieve satisfying results with either switch.
Regarding feel, the Lightning Silver V3 is characterized by its silky smoothness, which ensures a seamless and enjoyable typing experience. This enhanced smoothness minimizes resistance and allows for more fluid key presses, contributing to a comfortable and efficient typing session. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch, while not explicitly defined in terms of feel, is known for its refined tactile experience with a short, medium-strength bump. This tactile feedback can provide a satisfying sensation that some typists and gamers appreciate, but without further specifics, it’s hard to determine how it compares directly with the Lightning Silver V3 in terms of overall typing comfort.
In conclusion, both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches cater to distinct preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Lightning Silver V3 appeals to those who enjoy a vibrant, clacky sound and a silky feel, creating an engaging user experience. Meanwhile, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers its own unique tactile feedback that may resonate well with users who prefer a noticeable bump in their keystrokes, even though its auditory characteristics are unclear. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on the individual’s sound and feel preferences, and both can yield satisfying results with the right keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switches and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a lighter, smoother typing experience with a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, the Lightning Silver V3 is an excellent choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams ensures a delightful balance between comfort and responsiveness, making it ideal for fast typists or gamers who appreciate a quick actuation without the distraction of tactile bumps. Additionally, the vibrant RGB light diffusion enhances your keyboard's aesthetics, allowing for a personalized setup that looks as good as it feels. On the other hand, if you prefer a more defined feedback while typing, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches provide a refined tactile experience with a noticeable bump. Although their bottom-out force is unspecified, the tactile response can help you maintain typing accuracy, making them suitable for incorporating into productivity-focused setups or for users who revel in a more traditional feel with each keystroke. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize smoothness and sound over tactile feedback or vice versa, creating a typing experience that genuinely enhances your mechanical keyboard enjoyment.
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