Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Outemu Dustproof Green
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Dustproof Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Dustproof Green. The Lightning Silver V3 is a linear switch that is admired for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. Additionally, its light diffuser enhances RGB illumination, giving your keyboard setup a vibrant touch. On the other hand, the Dustproof Green by Outemu is a clicky switch that offers a different typing experience with its click sound feedback. While the Dustproof Green may not have as many distinctive features as the Lightning Silver V3, it still provides a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer audible feedback. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Dustproof Green, we see that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making them ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. The translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for a visually appealing design, further enhancing the aesthetic of the switches. However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Lightning Silver V3 features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Dustproof Green opts for a nylon bottom housing. This contrast in materials leads to differences in sound profiles, with the nylon bottom housing of the Dustproof Green creating a deeper and fuller sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3.
While the top housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Dustproof Green share similarities in their use of polycarbonate, the bottom housing materials introduce a notable distinction between the two switches. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3 maintains the sharp and clear sound profile associated with this material, while the nylon bottom housing of the Dustproof Green offers a softer and more mellow sound experience. This difference in sound characteristics can impact the overall typing experience and may appeal to different preferences in keyboard enthusiasts. Additionally, the choice of housing materials affects the overall feel of the switches, with the bottom housing playing a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
In summary, the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Dustproof Green showcase the impact that different plastics can have on the sound and feel of mechanical switches. Both switches leverage the benefits of polycarbonate in their top housing to produce a sharp and resonant sound profile ideal for RGB lighting setups. However, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of the Dustproof Green introduces a contrasting sound profile that emphasizes depth and fullness. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, with each offering a unique typing experience based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lightning Silver V3 has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Dustproof Green switch has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile typing feel. This makes it better suited for those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Lightning Silver V3 can provide a quicker response time, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for speed and precision in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Dustproof Green clicky switch may offer a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer a deeper key press. Both switches have their own advantages and it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance.
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 Green 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
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, making it stand out with crisp and bright typing feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch's sound characteristics are unknown. When it comes to the feel, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a silky typing experience, providing smooth key presses and releases. Unfortunately, there is no information available about the tactile feel of the Outemu Dustproof Green switch. Overall, if you prefer a switch with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile along with a silky smooth typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 would be a great choice. However, if you are looking for unknown sound characteristics and tactile feel, the Outemu Dustproof Green switch might also be worth considering. Ultimately, personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams and enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky typing experience, then the Lightning Silver V3 would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, and are looking for a clicky switch without much information on its sound and feel, the Dustproof Green may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for in your mechanical keyboard.