Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Cherry MX Silent Red both offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Lightning Silver V3 stands out for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a smooth and seamless typing sensation. Additionally, its light diffuser adds a vibrant touch to any keyboard setup, making it visually appealing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red maintains the satisfying typing experience of the MX Red switch but with the added benefit of operating silently. This makes it perfect for noise-sensitive environments where a quieter sound profile is preferred. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Cherry MX Silent Red, it's clear that they both have distinct properties that affect the sound profile of the switches. The Lightning Silver V3 utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red features nylon for both the top and bottom housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
However, if we were to compare the top and bottom housings individually, the differences become more apparent. The Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound when pressing down on a key, while the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel. These variations in housing materials play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of each switch.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Cherry MX Silent Red offer unique sound profiles that cater to individual preferences. Whether it's the sharp and crisp sound of the polycarbonate housing in the Lightning Silver V3 or the deep and full sound of the nylon housing in the Cherry MX Silent Red, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, we find that the Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams compared to the MX Silent Red's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lightning Silver V3 requires 60 grams while the MX Silent Red's bottom out force is unknown. The actuation force of both switches falls within a similar range, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, the heavier bottom out force of the Lightning Silver V3 may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Lightning Silver V3 is the shorter option, providing a quicker response time that may be preferred by gamers looking for fast input feedback. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red offers a slightly longer travel distance, which could potentially be more comfortable for those who prefer a deeper keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired typing experience.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is renowned for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and bright sound when typing. This can create a lively and engaging typing experience, especially for users who enjoy a more crisp and percussive sound. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch offers a muted and thocky sound, designed to minimize noise for quiet environments. The MX Silent Red's low-pitched sound profile aims to deliver a deep and rich tone while reducing the traditional clicky noise associated with mechanical keyboards. When it comes to feel, the Lightning Silver V3 is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, ensuring minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red is described as having a textured feel, which may provide a slightly different tactile sensation for users who prefer a bit of friction in their key presses. Overall, both switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities tailored to different preferences, with the Lightning Silver V3 emphasizing a clacky and high-pitched sound paired with a silky feel, and the Cherry MX Silent Red focusing on a muted, low-pitched sound alongside a textured typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Lightning Silver V3 catering to those who enjoy a more vibrant and lively sound, while the Cherry MX Silent Red is ideal for noise-sensitive environments that prioritize a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your specific preferences for sound and feel, ensuring that you select the switch that best suits your typing style and environment.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, along with a silky and smooth typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a silent operation with a slightly heavier feel and muted sound profile, the MX Silent Red would be more suitable, especially in noise-sensitive environments. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and the overall typing experience you desire in your mechanical keyboard.
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