Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Crystal Brown offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Lightning Silver V3, a linear switch lauded for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, promises a smooth and silky typing experience, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who appreciate rapid key presses and responsiveness. Additionally, its innovative light diffuser enhances RGB illumination, giving your keyboard setup a visually striking edge. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown, classified as a tactile switch, provides a pronounced bump during actuation, allowing for more tactile feedback, which can greatly benefit those who prefer a more traditional typing feel. While both switches have their compelling attributes—be it the vibrant aesthetic of the Lightning Silver V3 or the tactile engagement of the Crystal Brown—each serves a specific purpose that may appeal to different users. 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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 Outemu Crystal Brown switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in similar sound profiles characterized by clarity and crispness. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, which contributes to a higher-pitched, more resonant sound when the keys are activated. The translucency of the polycarbonate also enhances the visual appeal of RGB lighting, making these switches particularly appealing for users who prioritize aesthetic customizability in their keyboard setups. Therefore, both switches are likely to deliver a similar auditory experience during typing, generating sharp and clear feedback due to the properties of the polycarbonate material.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials differ significantly between the two switches. The Lightning Silver V3 employs polycarbonate for the bottom housing as well, while the Crystal Brown features a nylon bottom housing. The choice of nylon in the Outemu Crystal Brown results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Lightning Silver V3 maintains the same sharper sound signature as its top housing, leading to a more consistent auditory experience across both housings. This divergence means the tactile and auditory feedback experienced during bottoming out will differ between the two switches, with the Crystal Brown having a more subdued and rounded sound while the Lightning Silver V3 maintains its crispness.
When considering the overall user experience, it is important to note how the different housing materials can influence the tactile feedback and sounds produced during use. In the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, both the top and bottom polycarbonate housings combine to create a more unified sound profile, characterized by high-pitched nuances and clarity. Conversely, the Outemu Crystal Brown's combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom results in a unique blend where the top housing delivers crisp sounds while the nylon bottom offers a richer, fuller sound when bottoming out. This interplay of materials produces a distinct experience when typing, with users of the Crystal Brown may benefit from a more balanced touch at the cost of the sharper audio feedback found in the Lightning Silver V3.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, we find notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Lightning Silver V3 features an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Crystal Brown is slightly lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Lightning Silver V3 requires a bit more force to trigger a keystroke and to fully press down compared to the Crystal Brown. Consequently, the Everglide switch caters to users who prefer a stronger tactile feedback and a more substantial typing experience, while the Outemu switch may be favored by those who seek a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Overall, the Lightning Silver V3 is heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces, making it less suited for sustained use by those who prefer lighter switches.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Lightning Silver V3 offers a shorter actuation distance, which can be beneficial for gamers seeking faster response times, as the shorter distance allows for quicker key presses. In contrast, the Crystal Brown switch's longer 4 mm travel distance provides a more pronounced bottoming out, which some users may find more satisfying and suitable for typing tasks where feedback is essential. Overall, if you're looking for rapid actuation, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is the better choice, whereas the Outemu Crystal Brown may cater to those who appreciate a deeper feel in their key presses.
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 Crystal Brown 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 features a clacky and high-pitched sound signature that is both sharp and crisp. This auditory characteristic not only provides immediate feedback with its percussive nature but can also add an engaging energy to the typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a lively sound profile. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown does not have a specified sound quality, meaning its acoustic presence is more of an unknown or potentially less pronounced aspect. However, the Lightning Silver V3's vibrant sound can make it particularly appealing, especially in environments where sound is an integral part of the typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Lightning Silver V3 is renowned for its silky texture, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes any resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This smooth action allows for rapid typing and is likely to be appreciated by those who value a fluid and effortless keystroke. The Crystal Brown, on the other hand, lacks any specified tactile qualities. Without further information, it remains uncertain how the tactile feel of the Crystal Brown compares, leaving it as a potentially more ambiguous option for newcomers seeking tactile feedback in their switches.
In conclusion, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 offers a distinct auditory and tactile experience characterized by its clacky sound and silky feel, appealing to users who prioritize a lively and smooth typing environment. The Outemu Crystal Brown's qualities remain unspecified, making it a less defined choice for users who may be looking for specific sound or feel characteristics. Ultimately, if you appreciate vivid sound and seamless key presses, the Lightning Silver V3 is a strong contender, while the Crystal Brown may require further exploration to uncover its true typing dynamics.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound. If you enjoy a smooth, seamless feel and appreciate a clacky, high-pitched auditory feedback, the Lightning Silver V3 is an excellent option. With its 60-gram bottom-out force, it provides a satisfying balance of resistance during each keystroke, making it suitable for fast-paced gaming or typing where articulation and speed are important. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter switch and desire a more subdued experience without a distinct sound profile, the 55-gram Crystal Brown would be a better fit. While it may lack some vocal character compared to the Lightning Silver, it's a solid choice for quieter environments or longer typing sessions where comfort is prioritized. In essence, consider what aspects matter most to you: the tactile flair and RGB enhancements of the Lightning Silver V3 or the quieter, lighter touch of the Crystal Brown.
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