Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron New North Pole V2 mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches with unique characteristics to offer, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. The Lightning Silver V3 is praised for its clacky and high-pitched sound, providing a tactile typing experience that some users may find satisfying. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 is known for its polished and creamy feel, with a frictionless typing experience that appeals to those seeking a smooth and seamless glide. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
Both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron New North Pole V2 feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings, which create a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This results in a more resonant sound when typing, particularly beneficial for those who enjoy a more tactile experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enables RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the switches. In terms of sound and feel, users can expect similar results from both switches due to their shared housing material.
However, despite their similarities in housing material, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron New North Pole V2 may still have subtle differences in sound and feel. These variances could potentially be attributed to other factors such as stem design, spring weight, or overall build quality. Therefore, while both switches may offer a similar level of sharpness and clarity in sound, individual preferences may lead users to prefer one over the other based on these additional features. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference and typing style.
In conclusion, the use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron New North Pole V2 showcases the benefits of this material in creating a distinct sound profile and aesthetic appeal. The shared housing material ensures that users can expect a similar typing experience from both switches, with a focus on sharpness and clarity in sound. While differences may exist in other elements of the switches, such as stem design or build quality, the polycarbonate housing sets a solid foundation for a satisfying typing experience in either case.
Weight
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Lightning Silver V3 requiring 60 grams and the New North Pole V2 needing 62.5 grams. This means that while the actuation force is slightly lighter for the Lightning Silver V3, the bottom out force is slightly heavier for the New North Pole V2. The difference in forces may result in a slightly different typing experience, with the Lightning Silver V3 feeling slightly lighter to type on compared to the New North Pole V2. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. With the Lightning Silver V3 having a shorter travel distance, it may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer it. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and the feel of the key press.
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 Gateron New North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the New North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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 switch offers a clacky and high-pitched experience, producing sharp and crisp sounds when pressed. This can give a satisfying and percussive feedback to typists who enjoy a more tactile sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch's sound profile is not explicitly described in the provided information. However, based on the removal of the rubber dampener, it may result in a crisper typing sound compared to its predecessor. Both switches may deliver similar results in sound depending on other factors such as keyboard design and keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This can provide a comfortable and seamless typing feel for extended use. In contrast, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch is described as polished, creamy, and frictionless, suggesting a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel. Typists looking for a buttery and seamless typing sensation may prefer the feel of the New North Pole V2 switch.
Overall, both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches have their unique qualities in sound and feel. The Lightning Silver V3 offers a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky typing experience, while the New North Pole V2 provides a crisper typing sound with a polished, creamy, and frictionless feel. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, users can choose between the two switches to enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, both switches aim to deliver a satisfying and enjoyable typing performance for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a clacky, high-pitched sound signature, as well as a silky typing experience, then the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a similar bottom out force but without a rubber dampener for a crisper typing experience, and enjoy a polished, creamy, or frictionless feel, then the Gateron New North Pole V2 is the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific sound, feel, and typing experience that best suits your preferences and needs.
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