Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Cherry Nixie 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 Nixie both offer unique features and benefits for users to consider. The Lightning Silver V3 stands out for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a distinctive typing experience that can be both satisfying and attention-grabbing. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie is known for its textured and thocky typing feel, with a low-pitched sound profile that appeals to those who prefer a more traditional and substantial typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and qualities that make them appealing to different users. 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
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and Cherry Nixie switches, we can see a clear difference in the materials used. The Lightning Silver V3 features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Nixie utilizes a nylon top housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrast highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the sound produced by a switch.
Moving on to the bottom housing, we see a similar pattern in the differences between the two switches. The Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, enhancing the overall clarity and resonance of the switch. In contrast, the Nixie's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This shows how the choice of bottom housing material can affect the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch.
While the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and Cherry Nixie switches have different housing materials for their tops and bottoms, the overall impact on sound and feel can be similar. Both switches utilize materials that cater to different sound profiles, with the polycarbonate offering a sharper sound and the nylon providing a fuller sound. These differences showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound profile and feel of a switch, catering to different preferences and typists.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, it is clear that the Lightning Silver V3 is lighter in both categories. The Lightning Silver V3 has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a more medium-weight option. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie has an actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, placing it on the heavier end of the spectrum. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Lightning Silver V3 for longer typing sessions, while those seeking a more substantial feel may opt for the heavier Cherry Nixie. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the Cherry Nixie linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lightning Silver V3 offers a quicker and more responsive typing experience, making it ideal for gamers or those who prefer shorter travel distances. On the other hand, the Nixie switch provides a deeper key press, which may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches have their own benefits and it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of 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 Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie 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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is distinctively clacky and high-pitched, offering a sharp and snappy typing experience that is bright and percussive. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying tone that is more bass-heavy and mellow. Depending on personal preference, the Lightning Silver V3 will give a crisp and bright sound, while the Nixie will offer a more rich and deep acoustic feedback.
Moving on to the feel aspect, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is known for its textured feel, which may appeal to users who enjoy a bit of friction when typing. The Lightning Silver V3 will provide a seamless and smooth typing feel, while the Nixie's textured nature adds a unique tactile sensation to the typing process.
Considering all available information, if you prefer a keyboard switch with a clacky and high-pitched sound accompanied by a silky smooth typing feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is the ideal choice for you. Alternatively, if you fancy a switch that produces a thocky and low-pitched sound with a textured typing experience, the Cherry Nixie is the perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams, a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, and a silky smooth typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you favor a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, and a textured typing experience, the Cherry Nixie could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall feel you desire in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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