Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron Oil King both offer unique qualities worth considering. The Lightning Silver V3 stands out for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, along with a silky typing experience and enhanced RGB illumination thanks to its light diffuser. On the other hand, the Oil King impresses with its buttery smoothness and a sound profile akin to a dark chocolate bar snapping, offering a creamy and polished typing experience. Each switch brings its own set of characteristics ['Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky'] and ['Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Silky', 'Bassy', 'Buttery', 'Polished'] respectively. 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
55g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron Oil King both showcase unique housing materials that greatly impact the sound profile and feel of the switches. The Lightning Silver V3 features a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is also ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Oil King utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Despite their differences, both switches offer distinct auditory experiences based on their respective housing materials.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Lightning Silver V3 boasts a polycarbonate construction, mirroring the qualities of its top housing with a sharper and crisper sound profile. This consistency throughout the switch provides a coherent sound experience when typing. Conversely, the Gateron Oil King incorporates a proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which delivers a pointed yet not overly sharp sound profile, resulting in a satisfying clacky sound. While the bottom housing of each switch may vary in material, both contribute significantly to the overall sound and feel of the keypress.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall typing experience, it becomes evident that each material plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of the switch. The properties of the bottom housing primarily influence the bottom-out sound and feel of the keypress, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing the key. Despite the difference in material composition between the Lightning Silver V3 and the Oil King, both switches are designed to optimize the sound profile and tactile feedback for a unique typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it is evident that the Lightning Silver V3 is lighter while the Oil King is heavier. The Lightning Silver V3 has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is slightly lighter than the Oil King's actuation force of 55 grams and bottom out force of 65 grams. The difference in force between the two switches may result in a slightly different typing experience for users. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Lightning Silver V3, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Oil King for its heavier forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, as both switches offer a medium to medium-heavy feel that can cater to different user preferences.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Oil King linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Lightning Silver V3 provides a shorter travel distance compared to the Oil King. The shorter travel distance of the Lightning Silver V3 is beneficial for gamers looking for faster response times, as it reduces the distance the switch travels from top to bottom. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Oil King may appeal to individuals who prefer a deeper and more substantial key press. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on individual preferences, with the Lightning Silver V3 catering to those seeking a shorter travel distance and the Oil King catering to those seeking a longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prioritizes speed and responsiveness or a more substantial key press feel.
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 Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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 switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, characterized by sharp and snappy tones that are crisp and bright when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King switch provides a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, resulting in a more mellow and rich tone reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences that cater to different preferences, with the Lightning Silver V3 providing a more percussive sound and the Oil King offering a deeper, more bass-heavy sound.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is known for its silky typing experience, offering exceptionally smooth key presses that minimize resistance and enhance overall typing comfort. The Gateron Oil King switch, on the other hand, is described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished, providing a smooth and buttery keystroke experience that feels effortless and uniform. Both switches excel in providing a premium typing feel, with the Lightning Silver V3 emphasizing smoothness and the Oil King focusing on a luxurious, glide-like sensation.
In conclusion, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lightning Silver V3 delivers a clacky, high-pitched sound and a silky typing experience, the Oil King provides a dark chocolate bar snapping sound and a creamy, buttery keystroke feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer premium options that cater to a variety of typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will result in similar high-quality performance, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers and enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound profile with a silky typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a low-pitched and bassy sound with a creamy and buttery feel, the Gateron Oil King could be a more suitable option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what kind of typing experience you value most. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what appeals to you the most.
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