Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Bsun Olive. The Lightning Silver V3 is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, offering a silky typing experience with a light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination. In contrast, the Bsun Olive switches stand out with their all-POM housings and deliver a resonant, deep sound along with pronounced tactile feedback, thanks to a unique design and long pole stem. While the Lightning Silver V3 is categorized as clacky, high-pitched, and silky, the Olive is characterized as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
45g
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
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 features a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for RGB lighting, making it a visually appealing option. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive comes with a POM top housing that produces a deeper and relatively more muted sound compared to polycarbonate. This unique sound profile adds a different character to typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 also utilizes polycarbonate, echoing the qualities of the top housing with a sharper and crisper sound profile. This consistency throughout the housing materials ensures a coherent sound experience when typing. Conversely, the Bsun Olive features a POM bottom housing, adding to the deeper and more muted sound profile of the switch. This combination of housing materials creates a distinct typing sound that may appeal to those looking for a quieter typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Bsun Olive ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While both switches offer unique qualities in their housing materials, the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate housing may provide a more consistent and clear sound profile throughout. In contrast, the Bsun Olive's mix of POM housing materials offers a deeper and more muted sound, appealing to those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing sound.
Weight
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch both have medium actuation forces, with the Lightning Silver V3 requiring 48 grams and the Olive requiring 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lightning Silver V3 is lighter with 60 grams compared to the Olive's heavier 65 grams. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Lightning Silver V3 for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Olive for a stronger push feel. Overall, both switches provide a similar actuation force but differ in bottom out force, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on the keys of a keyboard equipped with either of these switches. However, it is important to note that the Lightning Silver V3 is a linear switch, providing a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback, while the Olive is a tactile switch, offering a noticeable bump when actuated. This difference in feel may be a deciding factor for users when choosing between the two switches, as some may prefer the smoothness of a linear switch while others may prefer the feedback of a tactile switch.
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 Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound that is sharp, bright, and percussive, providing a crisp auditory experience during typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive tactile switch delivers a resonant and deep sound that is distinct and sets it apart from other switches, creating a rich and satisfying auditory experience. The choice of sound is subjective and can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is known for its silky smooth typing experience, offering minimal resistance and enhancing the overall smoothness of key presses. In contrast, the Bsun Olive tactile switch provides a pronounced tactile feedback with a medium actuation force, creating an invigorating and snappy typing sensation that is both immersive and satisfying. The Olive switch also features a unique design with a long pole stem that contributes to a sharp bottom-out, adding to its distinctive feel.
Overall, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch offer different sound and feel experiences, both switches provide high-quality performance in their respective categories. Whether you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky typing feel or a deep resonant sound with pronounced tactile feedback, both switches are designed to enhance your typing experience and cater to different preferences. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel when it comes to mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a light and clacky typing experience with a high-pitched sound, as well as enhanced RGB illumination with a silky smooth feel, then the Lightning Silver V3 may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch with a deep and resonant sound, pronounced tactile feedback, and a crisp bottom-out, then the Bsun Olive switch would be a great fit for your typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
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