Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Cream Blue 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 Outemu Cream Blue offer distinct experiences. The Lightning Silver V3 is a linear switch, known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a silky and seamless typing experience. It also features a light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Cream Blue is a clicky switch with no specific standout feature listed. While the Lightning Silver V3 may appeal to those looking for a unique and vibrant typing experience, the Cream Blue could be a solid choice for those who prefer a more traditional clicky feel. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Cream Blue, one can see a stark difference in the materials used. The Lightning Silver V3 features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. On the other hand, the Cream Blue boasts a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to nylon's softer and more sound-absorbent properties. This contrast in materials leads to a noticeable difference in the sound produced by the switches when typing.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Lightning Silver V3 utilizes polycarbonate once again, providing a sharp and clear sound profile. This matches the top housing and ensures consistency in sound throughout the typing experience. In contrast, the Cream Blue incorporates a nylon bottom housing, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its top housing. This difference in bottom housing material further distinguishes the typing experience between the two switches, with the Cream Blue offering a more rounded sound when bottoming out keys.
While the top and bottom housings of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Cream Blue differ in material, they both contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The polycarbonate top and bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3 results in a sharp, clear, and resonant sound, while the nylon top and bottom housing of the Cream Blue produces a deeper and fuller sound. These contrasting qualities can impact the sound and feel of typing on each switch, providing users with distinct experiences based on the housing materials used. Overall, understanding the differences in housing materials can help individuals choose the right switch for their typing preferences.
Weight
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Lightning Silver V3 requires 60 grams while the Cream Blue needs 65 grams, making the Cream Blue the heavier option. Both switches fall under the medium category for actuation force, but the Cream Blue leans towards the medium-heavy side for bottom out force. These differences in force can impact the typing experience for users, with the Lightning Silver V3 providing a slightly lighter touch, ideal for longer typing sessions, while the Cream Blue offers a more robust and tactile typing feel. Ultimately, the user's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience will determine which switch is more suitable for their needs.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lightning Silver V3 would provide a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which can be beneficial for gamers looking for speed and precision. On the other hand, the Cream Blue switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a more substantial keypress feel for those who prefer a deeper actuation. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference, with the Lightning Silver V3 offering a shorter travel distance for faster response times, while the Cream Blue clicky switch provides a bit more tactile feedback with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual typing or gaming preferences.
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 Cream Blue 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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch stands out for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature. These switches produce a sharp, snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive, making for an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, details about the sound quality of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch are unknown. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is praised for its silky smooth typing experience. These switches offer minimal resistance and a seamless pressing and releasing of keys, enhancing overall typing comfort. In contrast, specific information about the tactile feel of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch is not available. Again, individual preferences on the typing experience can vary based on personal taste and typing style.
Considering the available information, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch excels in providing a clacky, high-pitched sound profile and a silky smooth typing feel. While the sound and feel qualities of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch remain undisclosed, it is possible that users seeking a similar auditory and tactile experience could achieve comparable results with the Everglide Lightning Silver V3. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing satisfaction.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound with a smooth typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Cream Blue could be more suited to your needs. Remember that your typing experience is personal, so take into account what sound and feel you prefer when making your decision.
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