Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and SP-Star Polaris Purple stand out with their distinct features. The Lightning Silver V3 is a linear switch known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, offering a smooth typing experience complemented by a light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple is a tactile switch that provides a satisfying tactile bump during typing, with a snappy sound profile. While the Lightning Silver V3 offers a silky typing experience with vibrant RGB lighting, the Polaris Purple delivers a polished tactile 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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the SP-Star Polaris Purple, it is clear that both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both keyboards. Additionally, the stiffness of polycarbonate plastic contributes to a more resonant sound profile, perfect for those looking to enhance their typing experience. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a customizable touch to the overall look of the keyboard.
While both the Lightning Silver V3 and the Polaris Purple share the same housing material, the key differences lie in their design and color options. The Lightning Silver V3 features a sleek silver design, catering to those who prefer a more modern and minimalist look. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple offers a bold purple color option, appealing to users who want a pop of color on their desk setup. Despite these differences, both keyboards provide the same clear and resonant sound profile, thanks to the use of polycarbonate in their housings.
Overall, the choice of housing material plays a crucial role in the sound and feel of a keyboard. With both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the SP-Star Polaris Purple utilizing polycarbonate for their housings, users can expect a consistent typing experience with a sharp, crisp sound profile. Whether one prefers the silver elegance of the Lightning Silver V3 or the vibrant purple of the Polaris Purple, both keyboards offer a high-quality construction that enhances the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, it is clear that they both fall within the medium to medium-heavy range in terms of actuation and bottom out force. The Lightning Silver V3 has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Polaris Purple, which has a None gram actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Polaris Purple is heavier at 67 grams compared to the Lightning Silver V3 at 60 grams. This means that the Lightning Silver V3 may provide a lighter typing experience, which could be preferable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Polaris Purple offers a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. In either case, users can expect similar results in terms of force required for key presses, ensuring a consistent typing experience regardless of the switch chosen.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Polaris Purple has a longer travel distance compared to the Lightning Silver V3. The shorter travel distance of the Lightning Silver V3 may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Polaris Purple may provide a more satisfying and tactile typing experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance in a mechanical keyboard.
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 Purple 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 Purple 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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is characterized by a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, giving a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This can create a bright and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch offers a more neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. Both switches will deliver satisfying sound feedback, but the Lightning Silver V3 will provide a more distinct and vibrant sound compared to the Polaris Purple.
Moving on to feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is known for its silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall smoothness. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch offers a mild and polished feel, providing a gentle and refined typing experience with reduced friction. While both switches offer a comfortable and approachable typing feel, the Lightning Silver V3 focuses more on the smoothness of the typing experience, while the Polaris Purple excels in providing a balanced and refined feel.
In conclusion, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch offer different but equally appealing qualities. The Lightning Silver V3 is ideal for those seeking a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing experience, while the Polaris Purple is a great choice for individuals looking for a neutral sound profile and a gentle, polished typing feel. Ultimately, both switches will provide satisfying typing experiences, so choosing between them will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a clacky, high-pitched sound profile, along 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 slightly heavier bottom out force and a tactile typing experience with a snappy sound profile, along with a polished and mild feel, the Polaris Purple switch could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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