Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Silent Grey stand out for their distinct characteristics. The Lightning Silver V3 is praised for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a unique typing experience that is smooth and seamless. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey offers a quieter typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump for added feedback. While the Lightning Silver V3 is geared towards those who enjoy audible feedback and vibrant RGB illumination, the Silent Grey is ideal for individuals seeking a satisfying yet silent typing experience. 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
65g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
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 Silent Grey feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances the lighting effects. However, while both switches share this common housing material, the Lightning Silver V3's top housing will influence the sound when a key is released, whereas the Silent Grey's top housing will have a similar impact on the sound profile but may differ in feel when typing.
In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which maintains the sharper, crisper sound profile associated with the material. This bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the polycarbonate used in the Lightning Silver V3.
In summary, while the top housing of both the Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Silent Grey may offer similar sound profiles due to their shared polycarbonate material, the bottom housing of each switch provides distinct differences in sound and feel. The stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3 contributes to a sharper sound upon key press, while the softer nylon bottom housing of the Silent Grey produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and typing feel.
Weight
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch's 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lightning Silver V3 requires 60 grams while the Silent Grey needs 65 grams, making the Silent Grey the heavier option for both actuation and bottom out forces. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Lightning Silver V3 for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Outemu Silent Grey for a stronger typing experience. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy force range, providing a balanced typing experience for different preferences.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, we find that the Lightning Silver V3 has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Silent Grey has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Lightning Silver V3 may be preferred by gamers for its faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Silent Grey may provide a more satisfying depth for some users. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Silent Grey offering a slightly longer press compared to the Lightning Silver V3. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key response.
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 Grey 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 best known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy typing experience with a crisp and bright tone. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is designed to provide a quiet typing experience without sacrificing tactile feedback, making it a great option for those who prefer a more subdued sound profile. Depending on your preference for sound, the Lightning Silver V3 will give you a more pronounced and vibrant typing sound, while the Silent Grey will offer a quieter and more tactile experience.
In terms of feel, the Lightning Silver V3 is described as providing a silky smooth typing experience, reducing resistance when pressing and releasing keys to enhance overall typing comfort. Conversely, details on the specific feel of the Outemu Silent Grey switch are not available. For those seeking a switch that offers smoothness and minimal resistance, the Lightning Silver V3 would be the preferred choice based on the information provided.
Taking into account the available information, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and Outemu Silent Grey switches offer distinct qualities in sound and feel. If you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound with a smooth typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience with tactile feedback, the Outemu Silent Grey switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on individual preferences for sound and feel in mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump, the Outemu Silent Grey switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel when typing.
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