Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Cherry MX Red are two popular options to consider. The Lightning Silver V3 by Everglide is renowned for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a silky and seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red is a classic switch from Cherry known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, offering a robust typing experience with a satisfying auditory depth. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that may appeal to different users depending on their preferences. 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
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
In comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and Cherry MX Red housing materials, we see that both use different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Lightning Silver V3 utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red uses nylon for both its top and bottom housings, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. While both materials have their own unique characteristics, the polycarbonate of the Lightning Silver V3 is stiffer and more resonant, whereas the nylon of the Cherry MX Red is softer and absorbs more sound.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and Cherry MX Red offer distinct sound profiles based on their materials. The polycarbonate top housing of the Lightning Silver V3 creates a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the MX Red delivers a deeper and fuller sound, enhancing the typing experience. While the bottom housings of both switches play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of pressing a key, it is the top housing that has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key.
While the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and Cherry MX Red utilize different housing materials, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound profiles. The stiffer polycarbonate used in the Lightning Silver V3 creates a clear and resonant sound, while the softer nylon of the Cherry MX Red absorbs more sound for a rounder tone. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their housing materials, demonstrating how varying materials can influence the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper sound with the Lightning Silver V3 or a deeper sound with the Cherry MX Red, both switches deliver exceptional performance in their own right.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it is evident that the Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams compared to the MX Red's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Lightning Silver V3 is 60 grams, while the MX Red's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Lightning Silver V3 offers a more consistent and tactile typing experience, as it requires a slightly higher force to register a keystroke and bottom out completely. Both switches fall into the category of medium weight, which strikes a good balance between typing comfort and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force, with the Lightning Silver V3 providing a slightly heavier feel compared to the MX Red.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which makes it a shorter option compared to the Cherry MX Red linear switch with a 4 mm travel distance. The Lightning Silver V3 offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it popular among gamers looking for fast-paced gameplay. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red provides a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who like a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Both switches offer different benefits depending on personal preferences, with the Lightning Silver V3 being the shorter option and the Cherry MX Red being the longer one.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy typing experience with a bright and crisp tone. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red linear switch is described as having a thocky and low-pitched sound, providing a deep and satisfying auditory feedback with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Ultimately, if you prefer a more vibrant and sharp sound, the Lightning Silver V3 would be the way to go, while the MX Red would appeal to those who enjoy a deeper and richer sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, offering minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys for a seamless feel. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red is noted for its textured sensation, providing a noticeable friction when typing that may be preferred by some users for a more tactile experience. If you prefer a smoother typing feel, the Lightning Silver V3 would be a solid choice, whereas the MX Red would suit those who enjoy a bit of texture in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lightning Silver V3 provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing feel, while the MX Red delivers a thocky and low-pitched sound with a textured typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose between the two switches to achieve your desired typing experience. If you opt for similar sound and feel characteristics, both switches will ensure a satisfying typing experience with their respective qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing experience, then the Lightning Silver V3 may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a deeper and slightly heavier thocky sound with a textured feel, the Cherry MX Red could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you value most. Happy typing!
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