Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the SP-Star Polaris Gray both offer unique qualities worth exploring. The Lightning Silver V3 is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a silky typing experience with added RGB illumination through its light diffuser. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switches offer a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile. While the Lightning Silver V3 is categorized as clacky, high-pitched, and silky, the Polaris Gray falls under low-pitched, neutral, mild, thocky, and polished. Each switch has its own appeal and can cater to different preferences. 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
67g
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
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
Both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the SP-Star Polaris Gray utilize polycarbonate for their top and bottom housing materials. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches offer similar qualities in terms of sound production and aesthetics when it comes to their housings.
Despite both switches sharing the same housing material, the Lightning Silver V3 and the Polaris Gray may still differ in terms of design and overall performance. The specific construction of each switch, including factors such as spring weight, stem, and lubrication, can greatly impact the overall typing experience. While they may offer similar sound profiles due to their polycarbonate housing, users may notice variations in feel and responsiveness between the switches based on these additional characteristics.
In conclusion, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the SP-Star Polaris Gray boast similar housing materials with polycarbonate, it is important to consider the overall design and components of each switch to determine the best fit for individual preferences. The qualities brought by the top and bottom housing materials, such as sound profile and aesthetics, may be shared between the switches, but the overall typing experience can still vary based on the unique features of each model. Ultimately, users should consider factors beyond just the housing material when selecting a switch to ensure it aligns with their desired typing feel and preferences.
Weight
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a lighter actuation force at 48 grams compared to the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Polaris Gray is heavier at 67 grams compared to the Lightning Silver V3's 60 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range of force, providing a good balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. If you prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the Lightning Silver V3 may be more suitable, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Polaris Gray. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, we find that the Lightning Silver V3 has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm while the Polaris Gray has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Lightning Silver V3 provides a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray offers a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
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 SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is characterized by a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy typing experience that is bright and percussive. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offers a clean and clacky sound with a low-pitched and thocky vibe, producing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone when pressed. When it comes to feel, the Lightning Silver V3 is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Polaris Gray switch provides a mild and polished feel, offering a gentle and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, while both switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities, the Lightning Silver V3 leans towards a sharper and more high-pitched sound with a silky typing experience, while the Polaris Gray provides a cleaner and clacky sound with a low-pitched and thocky feel. Depending on personal preference for sound and typing feel, users can choose between the two switches to achieve their desired mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, experimenting with different switches, keycaps, and keyboard setups will allow users to find the perfect combination that suits their typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switches, consider the specifics of each switch to make the best choice for your typing preferences. If you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 might be the ideal option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and clean sound profile with a mild and polished feel, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and bottom out force to ensure the most enjoyable typing experience.
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