Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Durock Piano both stand out as top choices. The Lightning Silver V3 is lauded for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a unique typing experience that is both smooth and seamless. On the other hand, the Durock Piano is praised for its proprietary material blend that offers a pleasant linear typing experience with a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature. Each switch brings its own set of characteristics to the table, with the Lightning Silver V3 being categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', and 'Silky', while the Piano is categorized as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', and 'Silky'. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Durock Piano, we can see that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Lightning Silver V3 features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Piano uses a proprietary POM blend for its top housing, offering a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. While both materials aim to enhance the sound produced by the switch, they achieve this in different ways, catering to the preferences of different users.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches also differ in their choice of material. The Lightning Silver V3 utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, similar to its top housing, aiming to create a clear and resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the Durock Piano uses a POM blend for its bottom housing, also focusing on offering a deep and satisfying sound profile. Despite the different materials used, both switches aim to provide a consistent sound experience throughout the keystroke, catering to users who prioritize sound quality in their typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Durock Piano will come down to personal preference in sound profile. While both switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings, they both aim to provide a high-quality sound experience for users. Whether you prefer the sharper, higher-pitched sound profile of polycarbonate in the Lightning Silver V3 or the deep and satisfying sound profile of the proprietary POM blend in the Durock Piano, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Lightning Silver V3 has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Piano, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Piano has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams compared to the Lightning Silver V3's 60 grams. This means that the Piano offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, while the Lightning Silver V3 provides a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming purposes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force for their typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the 4 mm travel distance of the Durock Piano linear switch. The Lightning Silver V3 would provide a quicker and more responsive typing experience, which is favored by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Durock Piano may appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press and a more traditional feel. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so it ultimately depends on personal preference as to which one would be the better choice for individual typing needs.
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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, which provides a sharp, snappy, and bright sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch is characterized by its deep, creamy, and bassy sound signature, offering a richer and lower frequency range during key presses. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, the Lightning Silver V3 will provide a more crisp and percussive sound, while the Piano will offer a smoother and more resonant typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance and providing a seamless key press and release. Conversely, the Durock Piano switch is described as frictionless, offering an effortless and fluid typing experience with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Both switches prioritize smoothness and comfort, with the Lightning Silver V3 emphasizing a silky feel and the Piano emphasizing a frictionless and gliding push feel.
In conclusion, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Durock Piano switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lightning Silver V3 provides a clacky, high-pitched sound with a silky typing feel, the Durock Piano offers a deep, creamy, bassy sound with a frictionless and gliding push feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and typing experience, but both switches are sure to provide a satisfying and unique typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deep, creamy sound with a frictionless and silky feel, the Durock Piano switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on which qualities align best with your typing style and preferences.
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