Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the KTT Pine. The Lightning Silver V3 is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a unique typing experience that is silky and seamless. With the added feature of a light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination, this switch offers a vibrant touch to any keyboard setup. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switches are medium-heavy, buttery smooth, and designed for effortless typing. With a polished, factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction, these switches provide a smooth key travel experience. Each switch has its own unique characteristics and benefits, but diving deeper beyond generalities will help you determine the best switch for your individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Overall, both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the KTT Pine switches utilize polycarbonate for both their top and bottom housings. This choice of material leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to these switches. However, despite these similarities, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the KTT Pine may differ in other aspects such as switch type, actuation force, and key travel distance.
In terms of sound and feel, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches will impact the sound when a key is released, creating a clear and resonant tone. Conversely, the bottom housing will have more of an impact on the sound when a key is pressed down, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. This division of housing materials allows for a balance between the sound and feel of the switches, providing a unique typing experience for users. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings ensures consistency in sound and feel across the entire switch.
While the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the KTT Pine switches share the same housing material, the overall typing experience may still differ between the two due to other design elements. Factors such as actuation force, switch type, and key travel distance can greatly impact the feel and performance of a switch. It is important for users to consider not only the housing material but also these other characteristics when choosing between the Lightning Silver V3 and the KTT Pine switches to find the best fit for their preferences and typing style. Ultimately, both switches offer the benefits of polycarbonate housing, providing a sharp and crisp sound profile that is especially enhanced with the use of RGB lighting.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. In terms of actuation force, the Lightning Silver V3 requires 48 grams, while the Pine requires 45 grams, making the Pine slightly lighter in this aspect. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lightning Silver V3 has a force of 60 grams, while the Pine has a force of 58 grams, making the Lightning Silver V3 slightly heavier in this regard. Both switches fall under the category of medium weight switches, providing a balance between a light typing experience for extended periods and a stronger push feel for a more impactful typing experience. Overall, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out force from both switches, with minor differences in weight preference.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, we find that the Lightning Silver V3 has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Pine has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Lightning Silver V3 offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers. On the other hand, the Pine switch provides a more satisfying depth when pressed, making it a better option for those who prefer a more substantial feel. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on personal preference, with the Lightning Silver V3 catering to those who prioritize speed and the Pine catering to those who prefer a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key feel.
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 KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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, offering a sharp and snappy experience that is bright and percussive. In comparison, the KTT Pine linear switch is described as bassy and low-pitched, providing a deeper and richer sound profile with a mellow tone. Depending on personal preference, the Lightning Silver V3 may appeal to those who enjoy a crisper and brighter sound, while the Pine may be preferred by individuals looking for a deeper and more bass-heavy tone.
Moving on to feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is recognized for its silky typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth feel with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switch is described as buttery and creamy, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless, effortless, and uniform. Both switches offer a premium typing sensation, with the Lightning Silver V3 focusing on smoothness and the Pine on a more luxurious and lubricated feel.
In conclusion, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and KTT Pine linear switches each have their own unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 excels in providing a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky typing experience, while the Pine offers a bassy and low-pitched sound with a buttery and creamy feel. Ultimately, both switches are well-designed options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking high-quality switches with distinct qualities that enhance their typing experience. Whether you choose the Lightning Silver V3 or the Pine, you can expect a premium experience that meets your specific sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, consider the factors of sound and feel. If you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bassy and low-pitched sound with a buttery or creamy typing feel, the KTT Pine switch could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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