Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Lotus mechanical keyboard switches, a distinct difference lies in their sound signature and typing experience. The Lightning Silver V3, a linear switch, is celebrated for its clacky and high-pitched sound, offering a unique typing sensation with a silky smooth feel. Additionally, its light diffuser enhances RGB illumination, making it visually appealing. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus, also a linear switch, lacks a specific standout feature but is known for its reliability and consistent performance. While the Lightning Silver V3 may appeal to those who enjoy a tactile and audibly satisfying typing experience, the Outemu Lotus may be preferred by those prioritizing durability and dependability. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
pom
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Lotus, it is clear that they each offer distinct advantages. The polycarbonate top housing of the Lightning Silver V3 brings a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, ideal for those looking for a more defined and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Lotus offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more rounded and mellow typing sound. While both materials have their strengths, they cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3 mirrors the qualities of its top housing, providing a sharp and clear sound profile. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Lotus offers a deeper and fuller sound, enhancing the overall typing experience with a more absorbent and muted sound profile. The differences in the bottom housings contribute to the overall sound and feel of each switch, catering to users who prefer a specific sound profile.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Lotus differ, they both offer unique benefits to the typing experience. Whether you prefer the sharp and crisp sound of polycarbonate or the deep and full sound of nylon, both switches provide distinct qualities that enhance the overall typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in sound profile and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch to the Outemu Lotus linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Lightning Silver V3 has a medium actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a balance between responsiveness and feedback. In contrast, the Lotus offers a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it easier to type for extended periods without causing fatigue. Those who prefer a lighter, more effortless typing experience may lean towards the Lotus, while users who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Lightning Silver V3. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, as both offer unique advantages in terms of weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Lotus linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. The difference of 0.1 mm may not be significant to most users, but if you prefer a slightly deeper press, the Lightning Silver V3 might be the better choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy the quicker actuation of a shorter travel distance, the Outemu Lotus could be the ideal option for you. Overall, both switches offer a modern design with shorter travel distances that cater to different preferences in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
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 Lotus 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 with a crisp and bright tone. On the other hand, there is no specific information available for the Outemu Lotus linear switch's sound profile. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard build and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Lightning Silver V3 is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, offering minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In contrast, there is no information provided for the feel of the Outemu Lotus linear switch. Both switches may offer a smooth typing experience, but without specific details on the Lotus switch, it is difficult to directly compare their feel.
Overall, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is known for its clacky sound, high-pitched tone, and silky feel, making it a popular choice for those seeking a tactile and smooth typing experience with vibrant RGB illumination. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Lotus linear switch are unknown, if looking for similar results to the Lightning Silver V3, one may consider factors such as sound and feel preferences, as well as compatibility with their keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, it really comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, and a silky smooth typing experience, then the Lightning Silver V3 may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and are not particularly concerned with sound or feel descriptions, then the Lotus could be a suitable option. Ultimately, it's important to consider what features are most important to you in a keyboard switch when making your decision.
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