Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HMX Perky present two enticing options for keyboard enthusiasts. The Lightning Silver V3 stands out with its clacky, high-pitched sound signature, offering a delightful auditory feedback that many typists and gamers crave. Its silky-smooth feel and light diffuser enhance RGB lighting, creating an eye-catching setup that is sure to impress. In contrast, the HMX Perky is designed with softer, glittery nylon housings, providing a neutral yet deeply satisfying typing experience. With a shorter travel distance, the Perky allows for a more compact keystroke, making it an attractive choice for those who value efficiency. Both switches have their unique appeal—whether you're drawn in by the vibrant sound and aesthetics of the Lightning Silver V3 or the comfort and speed of the HMX Perky. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
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
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HMX Perky switch configurations highlight the distinct characteristics attributed to their chosen housing materials, polycarbonate and nylon, respectively. The Lightning Silver V3 utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a consistent sound profile that is notably sharper, crisper, and more resonant. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to its ability to reflect sound waves more efficiently, producing a higher-pitched auditory response. This quality is particularly advantageous for users seeking clear sound when typing and gaming, especially with RGB lighting configurations, where the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal by allowing light to pass through vibrantly.
In contrast, the HMX Perky features nylon for both its top and bottom housings. This material, known for its softer properties, is responsible for imparting a deeper and fuller sound profile—the typing experience is characterized by a rounder, quieter, and more muted auditory feedback, as nylon absorbs sound rather than reflecting it. The qualitative differences in the switch's sound experience stem from nylon's ability to dampen vibrations, shifting the focus away from sharp, high-frequency sounds to a more subdued, bass-oriented auditory experience. Consequently, users who prefer a more subdued tone and a less aggressive typing sound will find the Perky particularly appealing.
While the Lightning Silver V3 and HMX Perky utilize different materials for their housings, similar results can emerge depending on personal preferences and use cases. Switches with different housing characteristics can still be tuned for responsiveness; for example, individuals can pair the clear polycarbonate of the V3 with specific keycaps to achieve a desired aesthetic without sacrificing sound quality, while users of the Perky can select keycaps that accentuate its mellow tones for a balanced typing experience. Ultimately, whether by harnessing the sharp clarity of polycarbonate or the warm fullness of nylon, both switches can cater to various user demands in typing feedback and overall sonic profiles based on diverse keyboard setups.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Lightning Silver V3 requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams, compared to the lighter 43 grams of the Perky, making the latter a better option for users seeking a less strenuous typing experience. In terms of bottom out forces, the Lightning Silver V3 also leads with a force of 60 grams, while the Perky has a significantly lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that users of the Perky switch can expect a more effortless typing experience, which may enhance endurance during extended usage, whether for work or gaming. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial feel and feedback during typing may find the heavier forces of the Lightning Silver V3 to be more satisfying. Overall, the HMX Perky linear switch offers a lighter touch, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 provides a medium-level resistance that might appeal to different typing preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HMX Perky linear switches share an identical travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys of either switch, users will experience the same amount of travel, which contributes to a consistent tactile experience. Since their travel distances are equal, users can expect similar results in terms of how the switches feel during typing or gaming. As a result, those who appreciate a smooth linear switch will find both options to provide a comparable feel without any notable difference in the travel distance.
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 HMX Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky for $2.99.
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 switches produce a distinctly clacky and high-pitched sound signature. This makes them ideal for those who enjoy a sharp, crisp auditory feedback with each keystroke. The sound is bright and percussive, contributing to an engaging typing experience, especially in environments where the satisfying click can be appreciated. In contrast, the HMX Perky switches lack a specific sound profile in the available information, so their acoustic qualities remain undefined. Therefore, users can expect that the lightning-fast responsiveness of the Lightning Silver V3 will come at the expense of any definitive auditory characteristics from the Perky switches.
Regarding feel, the Lightning Silver V3 is celebrated for its silky smoothness, providing a seamless and enjoyable typing experience that minimizes any resistance during key presses. This quality can significantly enhance productivity and comfort over long typing sessions. On the other hand, the available details do not specify the tactile characteristics of the HMX Perky switches, leaving an unknown variable for those interested in how they might compare in terms of feel. The differing design elements—like the Perky's softer nylon housing—suggest it might offer a unique typing sensation, but without specific descriptions, it is hard to draw direct comparisons.
In conclusion, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HMX Perky linear switches present contrasting experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Lightning Silver V3 stands out with its clacky, high-pitched auditory feedback and silky smooth typing feel. Meanwhile, while the Perky's sound profile remains a mystery, its softer housing indicates a potential for a satisfying experience of its own. If customers value a lively sound and exceptional smoothness, the Lightning Silver V3 will excel, but those open to exploring new sensations might find the Perky switches worthwhile, despite the unknown qualities. Ultimately, personal preference will guide one's choice between these two linear options.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HMX Perky linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you enjoy a more tactile and engaging typing experience, appreciate a clacky high-pitched sound, and favor a medium actuation force of 60 grams, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the perfect match for you. Its silky feel and unique light diffuser are especially appealing if you want both aesthetics and performance in your keyboard setup. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer touch with a lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams, the HMX Perky linear switch could be more suitable. The Perky offers a neutral and condensed typing experience, making it a good choice if you prioritize comfort and speed over auditory feedback. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so consider your needs, whether it's a vibrant sound and smooth feel or a lightweight, satisfying action, before making your final decision.
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