Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Everglide Oreo offer distinct typing experiences. The Lightning Silver V3 is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a seamless and silky typing experience. With a unique light diffuser feature, these switches enhance RGB illumination, adding a vibrant touch to any keyboard setup. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switches offer a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. They strike a balance between satisfying keystrokes and comfortable typing, with a subtle and mellow sound profile. Both switches have their own unique qualities that appeal to different preferences. 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
55g
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
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
Both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Everglide Oreo feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings, providing a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetics of the switches. In terms of sound and feel, the qualities of the polycarbonate material are evenly distributed between the top and bottom housings, impacting both the bottom-out sound and feel as well as the sound when releasing a key.
While both switches share similar housing material properties, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Everglide Oreo may differ in terms of color and design. The Lightning Silver V3 may have a clear housing to showcase the RGB lighting more effectively, while the Oreo may have a different color or design to distinguish itself visually. However, regardless of any cosmetic differences, both switches will ultimately provide a similar sound profile and typing experience due to their shared use of polycarbonate material for both the top and bottom housings.
In conclusion, the use of polycarbonate in the top and bottom housings of both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Everglide Oreo ensures a consistent and high-quality sound profile and typing experience. The stiffness of the polycarbonate material contributes to a sharp and crisp sound, while the translucency allows for RGB lighting to enhance the overall aesthetic. Whether you choose the Lightning Silver V3 or the Oreo, you can expect a premium typing experience with a satisfying sound profile, making either switch a great choice for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, we can see that the actuation force of the Lightning Silver V3 is slightly heavier at 48 grams compared to the Oreo's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lightning Silver V3 requires 60 grams, which is heavier than the Oreo's 55 grams. This means that the Lightning Silver V3 provides a slightly more substantial typing experience compared to the Oreo. In terms of weight, some may prefer the lighter actuation force and bottom out force of the Oreo for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the heavier forces of the Lightning Silver V3 for a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Everglide Oreo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Oreo tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lightning Silver V3. The difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall typing or gaming experience. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Lightning Silver V3 with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Oreo tactile switch. Both switches offer a different feel and response, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on individual preference.
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 Everglide Oreo has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Oreo for $4.19.
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 characterized by its clacky and high-pitched nature, providing an auditory experience that is sharp, crisp, and percussive. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers a more subtle and mellow sound profile, with a chirpy twist that sets it apart from other switches. Both switches will produce satisfying sound profiles, but the Lightning Silver V3 will have a sharper and brighter tone compared to the Oreo's more subdued sound.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is renowned for its silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance and providing an exceptionally smooth keypress. Conversely, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers a tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. Described as accented and stepped, the Oreo switch strikes a balance between tactile feedback and comfort, offering a satisfying keystroke without being overwhelming.
Overall, when considering the subjective qualities of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, it is important to note that they cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Lightning Silver V3 delivers a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing experience, while the Oreo offers a more subtle, mellow sound profile with a medium tactile feel. Depending on whether you prefer a sharper sound with smooth keypresses or a softer sound with tactile feedback, choosing between these two switches will provide a unique typing experience tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch that offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile with a silky smooth typing experience, then the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a crisp and responsive bump at the top followed by a cushioned bottom out feeling, along with a subtle, mellow sound profile, then the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is the way to go. Consider your sound and feel preferences carefully when selecting between these two switches to ensure that you get the typing experience that best suits your needs and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles, so choose wisely based on what matters most to you.