Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade 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 Yellow Jade mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately boils down to your typing preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 is prized for its clacky, high-pitched sound that adds a unique flair to your typing experience, along with a silky smooth feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches offer a quiet, tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound and a punchy tactile bump. 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, we see that both switches have different materials for the top and bottom housings. The Lightning Silver V3 features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, enhanced by its stiffness. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade has a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature. This contrast in sound profiles suggests that the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience for users of these switches.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Lightning Silver V3 once again utilizes polycarbonate, resulting in a clear and resonant sound when pressing down on the switch. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to the sharpness and clarity of the sound produced. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade switches employ a nylon bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound profile. This difference in sound quality between the two switches could appeal to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking distinct typing experiences.
Ultimately, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches have different housing materials for their top and bottom components, the overall sound profiles they produce are contrasting. The polycarbonate top and bottom housings of the Lightning Silver V3 create a sharper and more resonant sound, while the nylon top and bottom housings of the Silent Yellow Jade result in a deeper and fuller sound. Whether one prefers a crisper typing experience or a softer one, both switches offer unique sound profiles that can cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard users.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, we find that the Lightning Silver V3 has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Silent Yellow Jade's 50 grams. However, the Lightning Silver V3 requires a higher bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Silent Yellow Jade has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range of actuation force, but the Silent Yellow Jade leans towards the medium-heavy side when it comes to bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Lightning Silver V3, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may find the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the 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, slightly longer than the travel distance of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch at 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for their quick response times. The Lightning Silver V3 may offer a slightly more substantial key press feel due to its longer travel distance, while the Silent Yellow Jade provides a slightly quicker actuation due to its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference, with the Lightning Silver V3 offering a slightly longer press and the Silent Yellow Jade providing a slightly faster 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 Yellow Jade 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 characterized by its clacky and high-pitched qualities, providing a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp and bright. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offers a quiet typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, thanks to its factory-lubed design and unique translucent jade yellow housing. Depending on personal preference, the Lightning Silver V3 may be more appealing for those who enjoy a sharper sound profile, while the Silent Yellow Jade is ideal for those seeking a quieter typing experience with a tactile bump.
As for 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. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available regarding the tactile feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch. It is important to note that the feel of a switch can greatly impact the overall typing experience, so it is recommended to try both switches if possible to determine which one suits your preferences best.
In conclusion, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch stands out for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, as well as its silky smooth typing feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offers a quiet typing experience with a tactile bump, but specific information about its sound and feel is limited. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. It is best to test both switches to see which one aligns best with your personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, consider the characteristics of each switch to match your preferences. If you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound signature with a silky typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter, tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound and a punchy tactile bump, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound and feel when typing. Happy keyboarding!