Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, there are key differences to consider. The Lightning Silver V3 is praised for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, while offering a smooth typing experience. Additionally, its light diffuser adds a colorful flair to any keyboard setup. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple switch does not have a specific standout feature mentioned, but it falls under the tactile category. If you prefer a more pronounced bump and feedback while typing, the Outemu Purple may be the way to go. 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
2.00 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
Both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Purple switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for being relatively stiff, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. However, despite both switches utilizing polycarbonate in their top housing, the Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Purple differ in their bottom housing material.
In contrast to the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing, the Outemu Purple switch features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is well-known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound compared to stiffer plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon housing. The difference in bottom housing material between the two switches highlights how the choice of material can impact the overall sound and feel of the switch.
While the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Purple switches share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, the use of different materials for the bottom housing results in distinct typing experiences. The split in housing materials allows for a blend of qualities, with the bottom housing playing a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Whether it's the stiff polycarbonate of the Lightning Silver V3 or the softer nylon of the Outemu Purple, each housing material contributes to the overall typing experience in its own unique way.
Weight
In comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, the actuation force of the Lightning Silver V3 is 48 grams, while the Purple requires 50 grams to actuate. Both switches have a medium actuation force. However, the Lightning Silver V3 has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the bottom out force of the Purple switch is unknown. As for weight, the Lightning Silver V3 is lighter in terms of bottom out force, which may be preferred by users looking for a more prolonged typing or gaming experience. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Purple switch could provide a more robust typing sensation for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for 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 Purple 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. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple switch provides a slightly deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel. Both switches offer their own unique advantages based on travel distance, with the Lightning Silver V3 being the shorter option and the Outemu Purple being the longer option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Purple 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
Overall, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a sharp and snappy typing experience. The switch also offers a silky feel, enhancing the smoothness of typing and minimizing resistance when pressing keys. On the other hand, not much is known about the Outemu Purple tactile switch in terms of sound and feel. Therefore, if you enjoy a clacky, high-pitched sound and a silky typing feel, the Lightning Silver V3 would be a great choice for you. However, if you prefer a different sound or feel, it would be recommended to try out both switches to see which one suits your preferences best. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so you can expect a high-quality performance from either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky and seamless typing feel, then the Lightning Silver V3 may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a different bottom out force, the Outemu Purple switch could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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