Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, a linear switch, with the Outemu Red Panda, a tactile switch, it becomes evident that these switches offer distinct typing experiences. The Lightning Silver V3 stands out for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a seamless and silky typing feel. On the other hand, the Red Panda offers a light-medium amount of tactility, along with a unique mix of bassier bottom-out sound and clackier top-out sound. The Red Panda is known for its thocky feeling while typing. While the Lightning Silver V3 adds a vibrant touch to any setup with its light diffuser feature, the Red Panda provides a different auditory experience with its raindrop-like bottom-out sound. Both switches have their own appeal, but diving deeper into their individual characteristics can help you make the best decision for your specific typing preferences.
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
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Red Panda both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiff plastic that resonates sound effectively. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 has a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Red Panda features a nylon bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Red Panda produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the sharper sound of the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Lightning Silver V3.
Despite the differences in bottom housing material, both the Lightning Silver V3 and Red Panda switches capitalize on the benefits of polycarbonate top housings. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a clear and resonant sound profile, making both switches suitable for those looking for a crisper typing experience. However, the nylon bottom housing in the Red Panda offers a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile when compared to the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing. This contrast in bottom housing material gives each switch a unique feel and sound when typing.
Overall, the choice between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Red Panda will come down to personal preference in sound and feel. While both switches share the benefits of polycarbonate top housings for a clear and resonant sound profile, the different bottom housing materials provide distinct typing experiences. Those looking for a sharper sound may prefer the Lightning Silver V3 with its polycarbonate bottom housing, while users seeking a deeper and fuller sound may lean towards the Red Panda with its nylon bottom housing. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have a similar bottom out force of 60 grams, providing users with a consistent typing experience in terms of keypress depth. However, the Lightning Silver V3 has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Red Panda's 50 grams, making it slightly easier to trigger keystrokes. This difference in actuation force may result in a slightly faster typing speed and more effortless keystrokes on the Lightning Silver V3. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier actuation force for their typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for their quicker response times. The Lightning Silver V3 linear switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial feel when typing. However, the difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches is relatively minor, and users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for those who prioritize travel distance in their mechanical keyboard switches.
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 Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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 known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, giving a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This creates a crisp and bright typing experience that can be quite percussive. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offers a light-medium amount of tactility with a thocky bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. This results in a more deep and rich sound compared to the Lightning Silver V3. When it comes to feel, the Lightning Silver V3 provides a silky typing experience, offering exceptional smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In contrast, the Red Panda offers a mild typing experience, providing a gentle feel that is approachable to most users. Overall, the Lightning Silver V3 and Red Panda switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound along with a silky smooth typing experience, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light-medium amount of tactility with a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound, then the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is the way to go. Consider your sound and feel preferences carefully when deciding between these two switches to ensure the best typing experience tailored to your personal liking.
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