Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Kailh Plum 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 Kailh Plum offer distinct options to consider. The Lightning Silver V3 stands out for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a unique typing experience that is both smooth and seamless. With its light diffuser feature enhancing RGB illumination, this switch adds a vibrant touch to any keyboard setup. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum offers a tactile switch experience that feels hefty but lacks a pronounced tactile bump, setting it apart from traditional tactile switches. While its sound profile is described as neutral and enjoyable, the Plum offers a different tactile feel that some users may prefer. 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
70g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Kailh Plum both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, especially when utilizing RGB lighting. However, the Lightning Silver V3 also has a polycarbonate bottom housing, further enhancing its sound profile, while the Plum utilizes a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound.
While the top housing of both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Kailh Plum is made of polycarbonate, offering similar sound characteristics, the difference lies in the bottom housing material. The Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing continues to contribute to its sharp and crisp sound profile. In contrast, the Plum's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. When typing on these switches, the impact of the bottom housing is felt during bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Kailh Plum both excel in providing distinct sound profiles through their housing materials. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches ensures a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, ideal for those who prefer a more defined typing experience. However, the Lightning Silver V3's additional polycarbonate bottom housing enhances its sound profile further, while the Plum's nylon bottom housing offers a different, deeper sound quality. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in keyboard sound and feel.
Weight
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a lighter actuation force compared to the Kailh Plum tactile switch, with 48 grams versus None grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lightning Silver V3 requires 60 grams while the Plum needs 70 grams, making the Plum the heavier option for typing. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may favor the Lightning Silver V3 for its lower actuation force, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum tactile switch may appeal to users who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, the Lightning Silver V3 has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Plum has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Plum switch has a slightly longer distance to travel from top to bottom compared to the Lightning Silver V3. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are currently popular among users looking for faster response times, especially gamers. However, if you prefer a more substantial feel and deeper key press, you may lean towards the Kailh Plum switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and tactile response.
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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This can be appealing for those who enjoy a crisp and bright sound while typing. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum switch provides a more neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of environments and preferences. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is known for its silky smooth typing experience, offering minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This can enhance the overall typing feel and make typing a seamless process. Conversely, the Kailh Plum switch offers a mild and stepped feel, providing a gentle typing experience with a two-stage tactile feedback. This makes the Plum switch approachable to most users and stands in a safe middle-ground zone in terms of tactility.
Considering all the available information, it's clear that the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Kailh Plum switches offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral sound profile with a mild and stepped tactile feel, the Kailh Plum switch could suit your preferences better. Ultimately, both switches provide distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between the two would depend on your individual typing preferences and needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch or the Kailh Plum tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference in sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral sound profile with a mild and stepped tactile feel, the Plum switch could be more suitable. Consider your typing preferences and priorities when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your ideal typing experience.
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