Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up for comparison are the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and Sarokeys Purple Sakura. The Lightning Silver V3 is a linear switch known for its clacky, high-pitched sound signature and seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura is a tactile switch offering a snappy response and a decadently buttery downstroke. While the Lightning Silver V3 provides a light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination, the Purple Sakura strikes a delicate balance of tactility without being overpowering. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffness of polycarbonate creates a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3. The nylon material is softer and absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound overall.
Although the top housing of both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura is made of polycarbonate, the difference in the bottom housing material creates a distinction in their sound profiles. The Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp and crisp sound associated with the material, while the Purple Sakura's nylon bottom housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound. This shows how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound experience of a switch. The split in housing materials highlights how the qualities of each material contribute to different aspects of the switch's sound when typing.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile of these switches. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper sound, the differentiation in bottom housing material results in a distinct sound experience. The stiffness of polycarbonate in the Lightning Silver V3 contrasts with the softer and more absorbing nature of nylon in the Purple Sakura, creating a unique typing experience for each switch. Understanding the impact of housing materials on sound can help users make informed choices based on their preferences for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, it can be seen that they are quite similar in terms of weight. The Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Purple Sakura's 50 grams, but both switches have the same bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of how much force is needed to press the keys all the way down. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Lightning Silver V3 for longer typing sessions, while others may appreciate the slightly heavier feel of the Purple Sakura for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for their faster response times. The Lightning Silver V3 offers a slightly more substantial keypress with its longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more tactile sensation when typing. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura provides a quicker and more abrupt keypress, which can be advantageous for quick and precise movements in gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
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 that is sharp and crisp when pressed, providing a bright and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura provides a neutral sound profile that is mild and unobtrusive, suitable for various environments and preferences. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Lightning Silver V3 leaning towards a more vibrant and energetic typing sound, while the Purple Sakura offers a softer and more subdued typing sound.
When it comes to feel, the Lightning Silver V3 is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance and providing an exceptionally smooth keystroke. In contrast, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura is described as buttery and snappy, offering a fluid and responsive typing sensation with a gentle touch. Both switches provide distinct tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience, with the Lightning Silver V3 focusing on smoothness and effortless keystrokes, while the Purple Sakura offers a balance between tactility and responsiveness.
Overall, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lightning Silver V3 excels in providing a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing experience, while the Purple Sakura offers a neutral and mild sound profile with a buttery and snappy feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, users can choose between the energetic and vibrant typing experience of the Lightning Silver V3 or the soft and responsive keystrokes of the Purple Sakura. Both switches provide quality performance and are suitable for various typing preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch or the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for sound and feel. If you prefer a switch with a clacky and high-pitched sound signature that offers a silky typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a more neutral sound profile and a buttery, mild, and snappy feel, the Purple Sakura switch would be the way to go. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider which qualities are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer a quality typing experience, so you can't go wrong with either choice.
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