Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the KTT Purple Click offer unique features and typing experiences. The Lightning Silver V3 is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a seamless and silky typing experience. Additionally, the light diffuser enhances RGB illumination, adding a vibrant touch to any setup. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch is recognized for its satisfying click and light keystrokes, offering a perfect balance of tactility without being overwhelming. While both switches have their own distinct characteristics and appeal, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the KTT Purple Click both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Purple Click stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
In terms of sound and feel, the housing materials of the Lightning Silver V3 and the Purple Click play a significant role. The polycarbonate top housing in both switches influences the sound when a key is released, creating a distinct sound profile. This is contrasted by the effect of the nylon bottom housing in the Purple Click, which contributes to the impact and bottom-out sound when a key is pressed. The combination of different housing materials in each switch results in a unique typing experience, with the Lightning Silver V3 offering a crisper and sharper sound and the Purple Click providing a deeper and fuller sound.
While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the KTT Purple Click offer different typing experiences due to their contrasting bottom housing materials. The Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharp and clear sound profile, complementing its top housing for a consistent typing experience. In comparison, the Purple Click's nylon bottom housing adds a depth and roundness to the sound, creating a distinct typing feel. Overall, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, with the top and bottom housing materials playing a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams compared to the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, which has an actuation force of 40 grams making it lighter. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Lightning Silver V3 requires 60 grams of force, while the Purple Click requires 55 grams of force, making the Purple Click slightly lighter in that aspect as well. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-light range, providing a good balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. Depending on personal preference, some users may prefer the slightly heavier actuation force of the Lightning Silver V3 for a more substantial typing experience, while others may opt for the lighter touch of the Purple Click for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on individual typing style and preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch boasts a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the KTT Purple Click clicky switch. The shorter travel distance of the Lightning Silver V3 may be more appealing to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Purple Click's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a bit more travel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and what feels most comfortable for the user. Both switches offer unique experiences that cater to different needs, so you can expect similar results in terms of performance regardless of the travel distance difference.
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 Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 offers a clacky and high-pitched tone, providing a sharp and snappy sound with a touch of brightness. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch produces a crunchy and resonant sound, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves, with a clean and sharp profile. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, but if you prefer a more vibrant and bright sound, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the better choice, while the Purple Click delivers a more immersive and resonant sound profile.
Moving on to feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is known for its silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance and offering exceptional smoothness with each keystroke. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click switch provides an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy, reactive feel. The Purple Click switch also has a stepped tactile sensation, offering a unique two-stage feeling compared to the Lightning Silver V3's seamless typing experience. If you prefer a smoother and more effortless typing feel, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the preferred choice, while the Purple Click offers a more tactile and responsive typing experience.
In conclusion, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lightning Silver V3 provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing experience, while the Purple Click offers a crunchy and resonant sound with an invigorating, stepped tactile feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose between the two switches to achieve a specific typing experience that suits your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, providing a range of options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a switch that provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with a seamless typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 linear switch by Everglide would be an excellent choice. The light diffuser and vibrant RGB illumination add a stylish touch to your keyboard setup. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a satisfying click and a perfect balance of light keystrokes and pronounced tactility, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch would be ideal. Both switches offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences, so choose based on your preference for sound and feel. Ultimately, the decision between the Lightning Silver V3 and the Purple Click will depend on whether you prioritize the sound or the feel of your mechanical keyboard switch.
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