Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Cold Plum are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, but they offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 is celebrated for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, along with its silky typing experience and vibrant RGB illumination due to its light diffuser. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum boasts a thocky sound profile and smooth keystroke, thanks to its fully nylon construction, making it a favorite among enthusiasts seeking a unique typing feel. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, but ultimately the choice between them comes down to personal preference. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
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 and the Outemu Cold Plum both use different materials for their top and bottom housing components. The Lightning Silver V3 utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, creating a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Cold Plum uses nylon for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softness absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
While the top and bottom housings of the Lightning Silver V3 and Cold Plum differ in material, they both offer unique benefits to the overall sound and feel of the switch. The polycarbonate top housing of the Lightning Silver V3 is ideal for creating a more transparent sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting. Conversely, the nylon top housing of the Cold Plum produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the typing experience. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide a satisfying sound profile for users.
In conclusion, the choice of housing material for a switch significantly impacts the sound and feel of typing. The split between top and bottom housings allows each material to contribute its unique qualities to the overall switch experience. Whether it be the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Lightning Silver V3 or the deeper, fuller sound of nylon in the Cold Plum, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing feel and sound. Ultimately, understanding the differences in housing materials can help users make an informed decision when choosing a keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it is evident that the Lightning Silver V3 is the lighter option. With an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, it offers a medium level of resistance. On the other hand, the Cold Plum switch has a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, but the Lightning Silver V3 may be preferred by those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, while the Cold Plum may be better suited for individuals who appreciate a more substantial push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, we can see that the Lightning Silver V3 has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Cold Plum has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which is preferred by gamers for faster response times. The difference of 0.1 mm may not be very noticeable to most users, but if you prefer a slightly shallower feel, the Cold Plum might be the better option. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bit more depth in your keystrokes, the Lightning Silver V3 with its slightly longer travel distance could be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
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 Outemu Cold Plum comes in at $3.10 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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp auditory feedback that is bright and percussive. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is described as offering a thocky sound profile, delivering a more deep and satisfying typing experience. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the Lightning Silver V3 will provide a more sharp and snappy sound compared to the Cold Plum.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, offering minimal resistance when pressing keys and enhancing the overall typing feel. In comparison, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch does not have a specific descriptor for its typing feel. However, given its nylon construction, users can expect a smooth keystroke that provides a satisfying tactile feedback.
In conclusion, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Cold Plum switches offer different sound and potentially similar feel characteristics, both can provide an enjoyable typing experience for enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as well as other factors such as keyboard build and keycaps used. Whether you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky typing feel or a thocky sound with a smooth keystroke, both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a clacky, high-pitched sound with a silky typing experience, then the Lightning Silver V3 may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy a thocky sound profile with a smooth keystroke, then the Outemu Cold Plum may be more suited to your preferences. The decision ultimately comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are seeking. Consider these factors carefully before making your selection.
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