Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Silver mechanical keyboard switches, both switches fall under the linear category but offer different features for users to consider. The Lightning Silver V3, produced by Everglide, is well-known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a distinct typing experience. Additionally, these switches offer a silky smooth typing feel and come with a unique light diffuser that enhances RGB illumination, making them a great choice for those looking to add a vibrant touch to their keyboard setup. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver switch does not have any specific standout features mentioned, which may appeal to users looking for a more straightforward and standard linear switch option. 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
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
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Silver both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This material is ideal for switches that prioritize sound quality, especially when combined with RGB lighting for a visually appealing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This contrast in housing materials between the two switches may result in different typing experiences based on the emphasis on sound quality versus feel.
In terms of sound characteristics, the polycarbonate top housing of both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Silver offers a similar sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile. However, the difference lies in the bottom housing material, with the Lightning Silver V3 utilizing polycarbonate and the Outemu Silver featuring nylon. This results in a split in sound quality and feel, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Both switches offer unique typing experiences based on the combination of their housing materials, catering to different preferences in sound profile and tactile feedback.
Overall, the choice between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Silver comes down to personal preference in typing experience. If you prioritize a sharper and crisper sound profile, the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate housing may be more appealing to you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and fuller sound profile with softer tactile feedback, the Outemu Silver's nylon bottom housing could be the better option. Regardless of the choice, both switches offer quality materials that contribute to an enhanced typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it is clear that the Lightning Silver V3 is the lighter option with an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver is the heavier choice with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range in terms of actuation force, but the Outemu Silver leans towards the medium-heavy side when it comes to bottom out force. This means that the Lightning Silver V3 may provide a slightly lighter typing experience compared to the Outemu Silver, which could be preferable for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Silver linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lightning Silver V3 is preferred by gamers for its faster response times due to the shorter travel distance, while the Outemu Silver may appeal to those who prefer a deeper and more substantial key press. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distance, so choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness. Overall, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Outemu Silver linear switch, providing a quicker key press experience for those who prioritize speed in their typing or gaming.
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 Silver 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, bright, and percussive auditory experience when typing. In contrast, there is no specific information available about the sound characteristics of the Outemu Silver linear switch. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch offers a silky typing experience, characterized by exceptional smoothness and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. On the other hand, there is no information provided regarding the tactile feel of the Outemu Silver switch.
Considering the information presented, it is evident that the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Silver switches have distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lightning Silver V3 is praised for its clacky sound and silky smooth feel, there is limited information available about the subjective qualities of the Outemu Silver switch. As a newcomer, if you are looking for a switch with a unique sound profile and a smooth typing experience, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 may be a suitable option. If you are unsure about the Outemu Silver switch, it is recommended to seek additional feedback or reviews from experienced users to make an informed decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a unique sound signature with a clacky and high-pitched sound, along with a smooth typing experience and enhanced RGB illumination, then the Lightning Silver V3 may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and do not have specific preferences for sound or feel, the Outemu Silver could be a suitable option. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences and priorities in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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