Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Silent Ocean mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Lightning Silver V3 is celebrated for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, offering a unique typing experience that is both seamless and silky. Additionally, the light diffuser feature enhances RGB illumination, making it a vibrant choice for any keyboard setup. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch offers a silent typing experience without any specific standout features. While the Lightning Silver V3 may appeal to those who enjoy a more tactile and audible typing experience, the Silent Ocean switch could be favored by those seeking a quieter 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
45g
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
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 Silent Ocean feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing. Despite both switches having the same material for their top housing, the differences in their bottom housing materials will affect the overall typing experience.
While the Lightning Silver V3 utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, the Outemu Silent Ocean incorporates a nylon bottom housing. The nylon material of the Silent Ocean provides a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than polycarbonate. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper and crisper sound produced by polycarbonate. The split in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switches will impact the typing experience, with the bottom housing having more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of the typing experience. While both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Silent Ocean use polycarbonate for their top housing, their differing bottom housing materials result in distinct sound profiles. The stiffer polycarbonate in the Lightning Silver V3 creates a sharper sound, while the softer nylon in the Silent Ocean produces a deeper sound. Understanding the impact of housing materials on switch performance can help users make informed decisions when selecting a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, the actuation forces are relatively similar with the Lightning Silver V3 being slightly heavier at 48 grams compared to the Silent Ocean's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lightning Silver V3 requires 60 grams, while the Silent Ocean needs 65 grams, making it slightly heavier in this aspect. The weight of a switch can impact typing comfort and endurance, with lighter switches allowing for longer typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more substantial typing experience. Overall, both switches offer a medium to medium-heavy feel, with the Lightning Silver V3 being slightly lighter in actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Silent Ocean.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Lightning Silver V3 has a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Ocean. The difference may not seem significant, but for users who prioritize quicker response times and faster actuation, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress and a longer distance to bottoming out might prefer the Silent Ocean switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and typing needs.
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 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
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. This switch offers a seamless typing experience with a silky feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of typing and minimizing resistance. In contrast, information on sound and feel qualities for the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is not available. If you prefer a switch with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the Lightning Silver V3 would be a suitable choice for you. However, if you are looking for a silent switch option without sound and feel information provided, it is recommended to try out both switches to see which one aligns with your personal preferences. Ultimately, both switches may provide a similar typing experience if they share qualities such as smoothness and lack of tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, consider choosing the Lightning Silver V3 if you prefer a medium bottom out force, a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, and a silky typing experience. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a sharp and crisp sound when typing and desire a smooth typing feel. On the other hand, opt for the Silent Ocean if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force.
Mentioned in this article
