Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Silent Green both offer unique characteristics worth considering. The Lightning Silver V3 stands out for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, along with a silky smooth typing experience. With the added feature of a light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination, this switch can bring vibrancy to any keyboard setup. On the other hand, the Silent Green is known for its silent operation, perfect for those who prefer a quiet typing experience. While both switches have their strengths, such as the Lightning Silver V3's unique sound profile and the Silent Green's noise reduction, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-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 Silent Green, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings. This choice of material gives both switches a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the keyboards they are used in.
Despite both switches utilizing the same material for their housing components, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Silent Green may still exhibit differences in sound and feel due to other factors such as stem design and spring characteristics. While the housing material plays a significant role in the overall sound profile of a switch, the stem interacting with the housing and the spring inside the switch can also influence the tactile feedback and acoustics. Therefore, although they may share the same housing material, the switches could still offer distinct typing experiences based on additional design elements.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Silent Green may come down to personal preference regarding the specific typing experience one is seeking. Both switches offer a sharp, high-pitched sound profile thanks to their polycarbonate housing materials, making them suitable options for those who prefer a crisper typing sound. However, slight variations in design elements beyond the housing material could lead to nuanced differences in feel and sound between the two switches, providing users with the opportunity to select the one that best aligns with their typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, it is evident that both switches have a similar bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of the pressure needed to fully press the key. However, the Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly higher actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Silent Green's 45 grams. This means that the Lightning Silver V3 requires a slightly firmer press to register a keystroke, while both switches offer the same resistance when the key is fully pressed. For those who prefer a slightly lighter actuation force, the Outemu Silent Green may be the preferred choice, allowing for a smoother typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 may appeal to those who prefer a slightly firmer actuation for a more deliberate typing feel. Ultimately, both switches offer a solid medium weight keypress experience suitable for various typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch boasts a travel distance of 3.4 mm, placing it on the shorter end of the spectrum. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. Gamers seeking a faster response time may gravitate towards the Lightning Silver V3 due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming may lean towards the Outemu Silent Green. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired typing experience.
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 Silent 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
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 bright and percussive. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch does not have any specific sound descriptors provided, so it is difficult to compare the two in this aspect. It is important to note that sound can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, offering minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This feature enhances the overall smoothness of typing, providing a seamless feel with each keystroke. Unfortunately, there is no information available on the feel of the Outemu Silent Green switch, making it challenging to make a direct comparison between the two in this regard.
In conclusion, based on the available information, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch stands out for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, as well as its silky smooth typing feel. While there is a lack of specific details regarding the sound and feel of the Outemu Silent Green switch, it is likely that users can expect a different experience compared to the Everglide switch. Ultimately, personal preference will play a significant role in determining which switch is the best fit for each individual's typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, smooth typing experience, and enhanced RGB illumination, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a silent switch without any specific sound or feel characteristics, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch might be more suitable for your needs. Consider your preferences for sound, feel, and lighting effects when deciding between these two options for your mechanical keyboard. Ultimately, the choice between the Lightning Silver V3 and the Silent Green will depend on your personal preferences and priorities in a keyboard switch.
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