Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Outemu Phoenix
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Phoenix switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Phoenix offer distinct features catering to different preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 is a linear switch known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a seamless typing experience with a light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Phoenix stands out as a clicky switch with an under-skirt click mechanism, offering a unique crystalline and sparkling sound profile. While the Lightning Silver V3 may appeal to those looking for a silky typing experience, the Phoenix is ideal for those seeking a crunchy and polished feel. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Overall, both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Phoenix utilize polycarbonate material for their housing components, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate plastic, which enhances resonance and ensures a clear auditory experience. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, adding to the aesthetic appeal of these mechanical keyboard switches.
While both switches feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings, the distribution of these components may vary between the two models. The qualities of the housing materials in the Lightning Silver V3 and the Phoenix are split between the top and bottom, impacting different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing has a more significant effect on the sound produced when a key is released. Despite these differences in distribution, both switches ultimately deliver a similar level of sharpness and clarity in sound due to their shared use of polycarbonate material.
In conclusion, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Phoenix are comparable in their use of polycarbonate for both top and bottom housing components. The stiffness and translucency of polycarbonate contribute to a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile, suitable for users seeking an enhanced typing experience. Whether it be for RGB lighting aesthetics or sound precision, both switches offer a consistent performance due to their shared choice of housing material.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, it is evident that they both have a medium weight in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Lightning Silver V3 has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Phoenix has an actuation force of an unknown amount and a bottom out force of 62 grams. In this case, the Lightning Silver V3 is lighter in terms of actuation force, but both have similar bottom out forces. Some users may prefer the Lightning Silver V3 for its lighter actuation force, which allows for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the Phoenix for a stronger push feel during typing, providing a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances, which is favored by gamers for quicker response times. Choosing between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference - if you prefer a bit more depth and tactility, opting for the Lightning Silver V3 with its longer travel distance might be the better choice. However, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Phoenix switch with its slightly shorter travel distance could be more suitable. In either case, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches.
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 Phoenix comes in at $4.15 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
In terms of sound, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a clacky and high-pitched experience, producing sharp and snappy sounds that are bright and percussive. On the other hand, the Phoenix clicky switch is described as crunchy, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. Both switches provide unique sound profiles that can enhance your typing experience, depending on personal preference and setup.
When it comes to feel, the Lightning Silver V3 is known for its silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This offers an exceptionally smooth feel that can enhance overall typing comfort. In contrast, the Phoenix clicky switch is described as polished, providing a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback that can cater to different user preferences and typing styles.
Overall, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Phoenix switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Whether you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth feel, or a crunchy sound with a polished and refined tactile feedback, both switches provide unique options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences in sound and feel, and both can deliver satisfying results for different typing experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that offers a clacky and high-pitched sound signature with a silky typing experience, then the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more unique clicky switch with a crystalline and sparkling feel and sound profile, then the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch would be the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound and feel when typing, as both switches offer different experiences that cater to different preferences.
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