Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Outemu Dustproof Blue
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Dustproof Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Dustproof Blue offer unique experiences catering to different preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 is a linear switch cherished for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, producing a silky typing experience. On the other hand, the Dustproof Blue switch from Outemu is a clicky switch, known for its satisfying tactile feedback and audible click. While the Lightning Silver V3 provides a seamless typing experience with enhanced RGB illumination, the Dustproof Blue offers a tactile response for those who enjoy the clicky sound. 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
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 the Outemu Dustproof Blue both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for RGB lighting. However, the bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3 is also made of polycarbonate, while the Dustproof Blue utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Nylon produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of housing materials, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Dustproof Blue share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, which both contribute to a sharp and clear sound profile ideal for RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in the bottom housing material. The Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing adds to the overall sound profile with its stiffness, while the Dustproof Blue's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its absorption of sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials results in a slightly different typing experience between the two switches.
Overall, the choice between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Dustproof Blue comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing in both switches provides a similar sharp and clear sound, but the difference in bottom housing materials – polycarbonate for the Lightning Silver V3 and nylon for the Dustproof Blue – offers distinct typing experiences. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with stiff polycarbonate or a fuller sound with softer nylon, both switches have qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch. The Lightning Silver V3 requires 48 grams of force to activate a keystroke and 60 grams to bottom out, making it a medium switch in terms of weight. On the other hand, the Dustproof Blue switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Lightning Silver V3 for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Dustproof Blue. Both switches provide similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, offering a range of options for different preferences.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Lightning Silver V3 offers a slightly quicker key press response time compared to the Dustproof Blue. Gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness may prefer the Lightning Silver V3 for its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper key press feel may lean towards the Dustproof Blue with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer different tactile experiences due to their varying travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for typing or gaming.
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 Dustproof 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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch stands out for its clacky and high-pitched characteristics, providing a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp and bright. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch's sound profile is unknown, so it's hard to make a direct comparison. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Lightning Silver V3 is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance and offering an exceptionally smooth feel while typing. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available about the feel of the Dustproof Blue switch. However, if you enjoy a smooth and seamless typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the more suitable choice for you in this aspect.
In conclusion, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch offers a unique combination of clacky and high-pitched sound qualities, along with a silky smooth typing feel. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch are unknown, opting for the Lightning Silver V3 may provide you with a satisfying typing experience with its distinct sound and feel. Remember to consider your personal preferences and the overall setup of your keyboard when choosing between these switches for the best results.
Conclusion
Therefore, when considering whether to choose the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch or the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal 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 ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and do not mind a lack of specific sound and feel descriptors, the Dustproof Blue could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you value most.
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