Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. HMX Poro

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a significant role in enhancing the overall typing experience, and two noteworthy options worth exploring are the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HMX Poro. The Lightning Silver V3, known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, offers a distinct auditory experience alongside a silky, seamless typing feel, making it a great choice for those who enjoy an engaging sound profile coupled with exceptional RGB illumination thanks to its unique light diffuser. In contrast, the HMX Poro stands out with its meticulously lubricated design, providing an effortlessly smooth typing experience characterized by a satisfyingly poppy sound. Although both switches fall within the linear category, the Lightning Silver V3 tends to emphasize a more vibrant audio response, while the Poro focuses on a quieter, gliding action suitable for prolonged typing sessions. Understanding these nuances can help you determine which switch aligns with your 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

Everglide Lightning Silver V3 Linear

HMX Poro Linear

$5.55

$4.10 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HMX Poro utilize two different types of materials for their switch housings: polycarbonate and nylon, respectively. The Lightning Silver V3 incorporates polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This stiffer plastic enhances the clarity and resonance of the sounds produced by each keystroke, making it particularly beneficial for users who enjoy a crisp audio feedback. Moreover, the translucent quality of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting setups, allowing vibrant colors to shine through the switch housing. In contrast, the HMX Poro employs nylon, a softer material known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper, fuller audio experience. The inherent acoustic properties of nylon create a muted, rounded sound profile, which may appeal to users who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback.

Despite their differences in material, the impact of the housing on the overall sound experience is nuanced. In the Lightning Silver V3, both the top and bottom housings being polycarbonate ensures a consistent clarity across both the bottom-out and release sounds of the switch. On the other hand, the Poro’s nylon housing influences these characteristics by providing a softer feel and sound when bottoming out, while the top nylon housing dampens the sound produced during the release phase. Thus, while the two switches deliver different auditory experiences due to their differing materials, both designs can still yield effective results based on user preferences—whether one seeks a more pronounced feedback or a more muted sound.

Ultimately, users will feel the distinct qualities when typing on either switch, depending on the material properties. The polycarbonate of the Lightning Silver V3 is designed to provide notably crisp feedback, enhancing the gaming or typing experience for those who favor sharp auditory cues during use. In contrast, the nylon housing of the HMX Poro contributes a smoother, quieter operation, catering to those who prefer a subtle sound profile. This divergence results in two unique typing engagements, yet both switches offer the potential for enjoyment and satisfaction. Users can achieve a tailored auditory experience in either case, depending on their preference for sound characteristics, reinforcing the array of choices available within mechanical keyboard options.

Weight

When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HMX Poro linear switches, the actuation and bottom out forces indicate distinct preferences for typists and gamers. The Lightning Silver V3 has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, characterizing it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the HMX Poro features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a more accessible option for those who prefer less resistance while typing or gaming. Consequently, users who favor a lighter switch might find the Poro more comfortable for extended use, while those who appreciate a heftier keyboard experience may lean towards the Lightning Silver V3. Overall, with the Lightning Silver V3 being heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Poro, users can expect a more substantial feel from the former, while the latter provides a lighter, more effortless typing experience.

Travel distance

The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch exhibit distinct travel distances that influence their overall feel and response. The Lightning Silver V3 features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HMX Poro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. As such, the Lightning Silver V3 is the shorter option, which may cater to users seeking faster response times and increased responsiveness, particularly favored by gamers. On the other hand, the HMX Poro, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced and substantial key press, offering a more traditional feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches should be guided by individual preferences regarding keypress depth and response characteristics.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is characterized by its clacky and high-pitched qualities, resulting in a sharp, bright, and percussive noise when engaging the keys. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more lively and crisp acoustic experience while typing. The clacky nature of these switches lends itself well to both gaming and typing scenarios, where each keystroke can be distinctly heard. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switches present a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile, thanks to their ultra-light actuation force. While the specifics of their sound are less detailed, the combination of their light actuation and lubricated movement likely creates a joyful auditory feedback, although it may be less intense than the Lightning Silver V3's pronounced clack.

When it comes to the feel, the Lightning Silver V3 excels with its exceptionally silky typing experience. This smoothness minimizes key resistance, allowing for effortless keystrokes that glide with ease. The design promotes a seamless interaction with the keyboard, enhancing the overall typing experience significantly. Similarly, the HMX Poro switches are meticulously lubricated for an effortless glide, suggesting a smooth and satisfying feel as well; however, explicit descriptions of the tactility are not provided. Given these characteristics, both switches seem to cater to users who appreciate a smooth typing experience, although the Lightning Silver V3 may provide a distinct edge in clarity during usage.

In conclusion, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and HMX Poro linear switches exhibit some commonalities in their smooth typing experience, they differ in their sound profiles, with the Lightning Silver V3 offering a sharper and more pronounced auditory feedback. Both switches target users looking for silky smooth keystrokes, yet the heightened clack and high pitch of the Everglide may appeal to those seeking a more vibrant auditory experience. If sound quality is a primary consideration, the choice would depend on individual preference for the clackiness and pitch level, so opting for either will yield a satisfying typing experience grounded in smoothness.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HMX Poro linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback combined with a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 is the switch for you. Its clacky and high-pitched sound signature adds an engaging element to your keyboard while the medium bottom-out force of 60 grams provides a satisfying, yet not overly taxing, keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with minimal resistance and possibly quieter operation, the HMX Poro is an excellent choice. With a bottom-out force of only 50 grams, you'll experience a delightfully effortless glide, complemented by a magically smooth typing feel. Overall, your selection should reflect whether you value a lively auditory ambiance and tactile sensation (Lightning Silver V3) or prioritize a light, fluid keystroke experience (HMX Poro).

Mentioned in this article

Everglide Lightning Silver V3 Linear

$5.55

$4.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Poro Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more