Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Silent White 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 White stand out as popular linear switch options. The Lightning Silver V3 is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, along with a silky typing experience. Additionally, the light diffuser feature enhances RGB illumination for a vibrant touch. On the other hand, the Silent White switch doesn't have specific standout features mentioned but is known for its silent operation. Choosing between these switches may come down to personal preference and typing experience desired. 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
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
While both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Silent White switches feature polycarbonate top housings, the key difference lies in the material used for the bottom housing. The Lightning Silver V3 utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which, like its top counterpart, contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent White switches incorporate a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This contrast in bottom housing materials can impact the overall typing experience, with the polycarbonate bottom housing emphasizing clarity and resonance, while the nylon bottom housing focuses on a more mellow and rounded sound.
When comparing the switches based on their housing materials, it is evident that the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and Outemu Silent White offer distinct sound profiles due to their different bottom housing materials. The stiffer polycarbonate used in both the top and bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3 contributes to a consistent and sharp sound, ideal for those seeking a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent White's combination of a polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing creates a unique blend of sharpness and depth in sound, catering to individuals who prefer a fuller and more subdued typing sound.
Despite their differences in bottom housing materials, both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and Outemu Silent White switches share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings. This consistency in material for the top housing ensures a similar higher-pitched and crisper sound profile for both switches. Whether you choose the Lightning Silver V3 with its polycarbonate bottom housing for a sharper sound or the Silent White with its nylon bottom housing for a deeper sound, the top housing material guarantees a certain level of clarity and resonance in the typing experience across both switches.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, we find that the Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly higher actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Silent White's 45 grams. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that while the Silent White may require slightly less force to trigger a keystroke, both switches provide a similar typing experience when it comes to bottoming out. For those who prefer a lighter keystroke, the Silent White may be the better option, while those looking for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Lightning Silver V3. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation force and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, slightly longer than the Outemu Silent White linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their quicker response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users. Those who prefer a more abrupt and responsive feel may lean towards the Lightning Silver V3, while those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may find the Silent White more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference based on the 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 White 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 profile, producing sharp and snappy sounds that are crisp and bright. This can add a unique auditory experience to typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White linear switch's sound profile is unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare in this aspect. In terms of feel, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance and providing a seamless keypress feel. Again, the feel of the Outemu Silent White switch is unknown, making it challenging to draw a comparison.
Overall, while the Lightning Silver V3 excels in producing a clacky and high-pitched sound, as well as offering a silky smooth typing experience, the information available for the Outemu Silent White switch is limited. If both switches are similar in terms of feel or sound, opting for either could potentially yield comparable results. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may depend on personal preference regarding sound and feel, as well as any additional features or factors that may influence the decision-making process.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a clacky and high-pitched sound signature with a smooth typing experience along with enhanced RGB illumination, then the Lightning Silver V3 would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a silent switch without specific sound or feel preferences, the Silent White might suit your needs better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and additional features such as RGB lighting.
Mentioned in this article
