Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Milk Blue offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 is praised for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a satisfying typing experience that is smooth and seamless. Additionally, its light diffuser adds a vibrant touch to any keyboard setup, making it visually appealing as well. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue switch is known for its clicky nature, offering tactile feedback with each keypress. While the Milk Blue switch may not have as many standout features as the Lightning Silver V3, it still provides a reliable and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between linear and clicky switches comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
N/A
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 Milk Blue both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. In contrast, the Milk Blue's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. While the top and bottom housings of these switches differ, each material brings unique qualities to the overall sound and feel of typing on the switch.
Both switches showcase the benefits of using polycarbonate in the top housing, as it enhances the sound profile by creating a sharper and crisper tone. The use of polycarbonate is especially advantageous for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as the translucency of the material allows the lighting to shine through. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue's nylon bottom housing offers a different typing experience, with a deeper and fuller sound that is characteristic of softer plastics. This demonstrates how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the sound and feel of a switch, with polycarbonate and nylon providing distinct qualities that cater to different preferences.
In terms of functionality, the top and bottom housings play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience of these switches. The Everglide Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate top and bottom housings work together to create a clear and resonant sound profile, with the top housing affecting the sound when a key is released and the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the Outemu Milk Blue's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings splits the qualities of each material between the top and bottom of the switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference, with the polycarbonate and nylon housings offering distinctive sound profiles that cater to different typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, it is evident that the Lightning Silver V3 requires a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Milk Blue's 50 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Lightning Silver V3 is slightly heavier at 60 grams, while the Milk Blue's bottom out force is unknown. This means that while the Lightning Silver V3 offers a more lightweight typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out, the Milk Blue's actuation force is slightly heavier, but its bottom out force remains a mystery. Depending on personal preference, some may opt for the lighter actuation force of the Lightning Silver V3 for extended typing sessions, while others may prefer the stronger push feel of the Milk Blue for a more substantial typing experience. Regardless, both switches offer a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, it is evident that the Lightning Silver V3 has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Milk Blue's 4 mm. The Lightning Silver V3 offers a quicker response time, making it preferred by gamers looking for faster reactions. On the other hand, the Milk Blue provides a more substantial depth with its longer travel distance, making it a suitable option for those who prefer a more pronounced key press feel. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their travel distance, catering to different preferences and needs. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for either a shorter or longer 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 Milk 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 is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy typing experience that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch's sound qualities are unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is described as offering a silky typing experience, characterized by a smooth and seamless feel with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Unfortunately, the information on the tactile feel of the Outemu Milk Blue switch is not provided, making it challenging to contrast the two switches directly. However, if you prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 may be more suitable for you.
In conclusion, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch stands out for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, as well as its silky typing feel. While we lack specific information on the sound and feel of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, it's important to consider your personal preferences when choosing between these two options. Ultimately, both switches may offer similar results in terms of their subjective qualities, so it may come down to personal preference and the overall keyboard setup you aim to achieve.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when considering whether to choose the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch or the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and priorities. If you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound profile with a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, then the Lightning Silver V3 may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with an undefined bottom out force that offers a different typing experience, the Milk Blue switch could be a better fit. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what type of typing experience and sound profile you prefer in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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