Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Ocean each offer unique advantages that cater to different preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 stands out for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a satisfying typing experience. Produced by Haimu, these linear switches offer a silky, seamless feel while typing and feature a light diffuser that enhances RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean is a tactile switch that excels in offering a tactile bump during keypresses, providing feedback to the typist. 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
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Ocean both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for switch housings. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 uses a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Outemu Ocean utilizes a nylon bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Outemu Ocean elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3.
In terms of sound characteristics, the top and bottom housing materials play a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience of a switch. The impact of the bottom housing material is more noticeable in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. With the nylon bottom housing of the Outemu Ocean, one can expect a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3. On the other hand, the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key, with polycarbonate providing a crisper sound compared to nylon.
While both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Ocean offer unique characteristics with their housing materials, they both share the benefits of using polycarbonate in their top housings. This includes creating a sharp, high-pitched sound profile that is resonant and clear. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Despite their differences in bottom housing material, both switches offer a premium typing experience with their carefully chosen housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, it is clear that the Lightning Silver V3 is the lighter option with an actuation force of 48 grams, compared to the Ocean's 55 grams. The bottom out force of the Lightning Silver V3 is also lighter at 60 grams, while the Ocean's bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Lightning Silver V3, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, individuals looking for a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Outemu Ocean with its slightly heavier actuation force. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, providing users with options based on their typing style and comfort preferences.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Ocean tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lightning Silver V3 offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. In contrast, the Ocean switch provides a more satisfying depth due to its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who like a more tactile feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for either a faster response or a more pronounced key press. Both switches offer different experiences due to their varying travel distances, so users will need to decide based on their typing style and preference for key feel.
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 Ocean 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 signature, providing a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, information regarding the sound profile of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is unknown. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Lightning Silver V3 is recognized for its silky smooth typing experience, offering minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This results in an exceptionally smooth typing feel that enhances overall typing comfort. Unfortunately, there is no available information on the tactile feel of the Outemu Ocean switch.
In conclusion, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch delivers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, along with a silky smooth typing experience. While information on the sound and feel qualities of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is unavailable, it is suggested that if you enjoy the characteristics of the Lightning Silver V3, you may find similar results with the Ocean switch. As with any mechanical keyboard switch selection, personal preference and typing experience will ultimately play a significant role in determining the ideal choice for an individual user.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who enjoys a clacky and high-pitched sound while typing and values a smooth, seamless typing experience, then the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a bottom out force of None grams, and are more interested in the tactile feedback of a switch rather than the sound it produces, then the Outemu Ocean tactile switch would be a better fit for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
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