Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Haimu Neo White mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that they both offer unique features catered to different preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 is favored for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White switches provide a smooth and satisfying typing experience with its medium weight and reduced total travel. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Haimu Neo White both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for being a relatively stiff plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound profile when used in switch housings. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. The similarity in material for the top housing suggests that both switches are likely to offer a similar auditory experience in terms of sound clarity and pitch.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Lightning Silver V3 boasts a polycarbonate bottom housing, matching the top housing material, while the Haimu Neo White features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is considered a classic switch housing material, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of the Neo White results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper and crisper sound produced by the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing.
Ultimately, the choice of housing material for the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Haimu Neo White plays a significant role in the sound profile and feel of each switch. While both switches share the benefits of a polycarbonate top housing for clear and resonant sound, the difference in bottom housing material offers a distinct auditory experience. The Lightning Silver V3's matching polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a consistent sound profile, while the Neo White's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and more subdued sound. Whether a sharper or fuller sound is preferred may influence the preference between these two switch options.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, we can see some differences. The Lightning Silver V3 has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Neo White has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that the Lightning Silver V3 is lighter in terms of actuation force, but heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Neo White. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Lightning Silver V3 for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Neo White with its slightly heavier bottom out force. Overall, both switches offer similar results with their medium actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences in typing feel.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Haimu Neo White linear switch. While both switches provide a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter distance. Gamers may appreciate this feature for rapid key presses during gameplay. On the other hand, the Neo White's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying and deliberate keystroke for those who prefer a bit more depth in their typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing style.
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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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 that many users find satisfying. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement that can suit a wide range of users. Ultimately, sound preference is subjective, and whether you prefer the sharpness of the Lightning Silver V3 or the neutrality of the Neo White will depend on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance and enhances overall smoothness. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White switch provides a mild typing experience, with a gentle feel that is approachable to most users. Both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Lightning Silver V3 emphasizing smoothness and the Neo White focusing on a balanced middle-ground feel. Ultimately, the feel of a switch is highly personal, so it is recommended to try out both switches to see which one suits your preferences best.
In conclusion, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and Haimu Neo White linear switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth feel, while the Neo White offers a neutral sound and a mild typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on the user's preferences. If you enjoy one switch, you may find similar results in the other due to their focus on providing a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch or the Haimu Neo White linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences in sound and feel. If you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky typing experience, then the Lightning Silver V3 would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience with slightly reduced total travel, then the Haimu Neo White switch would be the better option. Both switches offer a medium bottom out force, so it really comes down to the specific characteristics that appeal to you the most. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make based on what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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