Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Gateron North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron North Pole V2 stand out as excellent options for different reasons. The Lightning Silver V3 is praised for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a satisfying typing experience with a silky feel. Additionally, its light diffuser enhances RGB illumination, making it a visually appealing choice for customization enthusiasts. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 is known for its gummy and creamy typing feel, offering a deep and muted sound profile that is both satisfying and polished. While both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, it's essential to delve deeper into their individual attributes to determine the best fit for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron North Pole V2, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound, making it an ideal material for creating a satisfying typing experience. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches.
Despite both switches featuring polycarbonate top and bottom housings, there may still be subtle differences in the overall sound and feel of typing on each switch due to variations in manufacturing processes or design specifics. The qualities of the housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing having more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. This division of qualities can result in slight variations in the typing experience between the two switches, even though they share the same housing material.
Overall, the use of polycarbonate in the housing materials of both the Lightning Silver V3 and the North Pole V2 contributes to a consistent and high-quality typing experience. The clear and resonant sound profile created by the stiffer plastic enhances the tactile feedback of each keypress, resulting in a satisfying typing feel. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to both switches. While there may be slight differences in the typing experience between the two switches, the shared use of polycarbonate ensures that users can expect similar results in terms of sound profile and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, it is evident that the North Pole V2 is slightly heavier in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Lightning Silver V3. The Lightning Silver V3 has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the North Pole V2 has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range, but the North Pole V2 can be considered medium-heavy in comparison. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for long periods of time, the Lightning Silver V3 may be more suitable. However, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the North Pole V2. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lightning Silver V3 would provide a quicker response time for gamers, while the North Pole V2 would offer a bit more depth to the key press. Both switches fall within the range of short travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for a faster typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
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 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 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 is known for its clacky and high-pitched characteristics, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound profile is crisp, bright, and percussive, offering a distinct auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 switch is described as subdued, providing a dampened and more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. The deep and muted sound profile of the North Pole V2 creates a more understated typing experience. It is important to note that the actual sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, offering minimal resistance and a seamless key press and release. This enhanced smoothness contributes to a comfortable and effortless typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 is known for its gummy tactile feedback, giving a unique typing feel that is likened to bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. Additionally, the creamy, bouncy, and polished feel of the North Pole V2 switches adds to the overall typing experience, providing a smooth and responsive key press with a spring-like feedback.
In conclusion, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and Gateron North Pole V2 switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lightning Silver V3 stands out for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature and silky typing feel, the North Pole V2 switch provides a more subdued sound profile and a gummy, creamy, bouncy, and polished typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, users can choose between the more vibrant and sharp characteristics of the Lightning Silver V3 or the softer and chewier typing experience of the North Pole V2. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switches, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a clacky, high-pitched sound with a silky typing feel, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy a subdued, gummy sound with a creamy, bouncy typing feel, the North Pole V2 could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific sound profile and typing feel that align with your personal preferences and typing style. Happy typing!
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