Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Akko Penguin offer distinct characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Lightning Silver V3, a linear switch, is renowned for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a tactile typing experience that is both smooth and seamless. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin, a tactile switch, is designed for those who prioritize a quiet workspace, offering a rounded tactile bump for a satisfying feedback without the noise. While the Lightning Silver V3 excels in its vibrant RGB illumination and unique light diffuser, the Penguin stands out for its balanced weight, making it ideal for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Standard
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Akko Penguin, it is evident that they differ significantly in terms of the materials used. The Lightning Silver V3 features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. In contrast, the Penguin utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to the softer nature of nylon. These differences in materials lead to distinct auditory experiences when typing on the switches.
Moving on to the bottom housing of the switches, the contrast between the Lightning Silver V3 and the Akko Penguin continues. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3 also contributes to a sharp and clear sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Penguin adds to a deeper and fuller sound experience. This difference in material properties affects the overall typing feel and sound produced by each switch, catering to different preferences of users who prioritize sound and feel in their mechanical keyboards.
When analyzing the combination of top and bottom housing materials in each switch, it is clear that the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Akko Penguin offer distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. While both switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings, each material brings unique qualities to the overall sound and feel of the switch. Whether a user prefers the stiffer and crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Lightning Silver V3 or the deeper and fuller sound of nylon in the Akko Penguin, both switches offer a customized typing experience based on the housing materials used.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is evident that the Lightning Silver V3 requires a slightly higher actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Penguin's 43 grams. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of pressure needed to fully press the keys. The Lightning Silver V3 offers a slightly heavier actuation force, which may appeal to users who prefer a bit more resistance for a more controlled typing feel. On the other hand, the Penguin's lighter actuation force could be favored by those who prefer a lighter touch for long typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance on the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is slightly longer at 3.4 mm compared to the Akko Penguin tactile switch's 3.3 mm. While the difference may seem minimal, it can affect the overall typing or gaming experience for users. The Lightning Silver V3 may provide a slightly deeper press, which can be preferred by those who like a bit more feedback or resistance when typing. On the other hand, the Penguin's slightly shorter travel distance could appeal to those looking for a quicker and more responsive keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preference and typing style. Both switches offer a unique feel, but the Lightning Silver V3 may be better suited for those who prefer a bit more depth, while the Akko Penguin may cater to those seeking a faster actuation.
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 Akko Penguin has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Penguin for $3.10.
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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, producing sharp and snappy noises when pressed. This can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive, providing an auditory feedback that some users may find pleasing. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is known for its muted and neutral sound profile, creating a softer and quieter noise compared to traditional mechanical switches. The Penguin switch offers a more subtle and gentle sound, making it ideal for quiet environments such as offices where noise reduction is a priority.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch boasts a silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall typing feel. The switch offers an exceptionally smooth key press, providing a seamless typing experience for users. Conversely, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is described as polished and mild, offering a smooth and refined keystroke with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Penguin provides a feathery and subtle tactile bump, ensuring a comfortable typing experience with minimal finger fatigue, suitable for prolonged typing sessions.
Overall, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch emphasizes a clacky sound profile and a silky smooth typing experience, perfect for users who enjoy a sharp and bright auditory feedback combined with a seamless key press. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch focuses on a muted and neutral sound profile with a polished and mild feel, catering to users who prefer a quieter typing experience with a refined keystroke. Each switch offers unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their individual typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch or the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you are looking for a switch with a clacky and high-pitched sound signature that provides a silky typing experience, then the Lightning Silver V3 may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a fairly rounded tactile bump with a muted and quiet profile, perfect for office environments or those seeking a gentle typing experience, then the Akko Penguin switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches have their unique characteristics and cater to different preferences, so consider what qualities and features are most important to you when making your decision.
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