Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. SP-Star RedBlue
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the SP-Star RedBlue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the SP-Star RedBlue both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 stands out for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a tactile typing experience that many enthusiasts appreciate. On the other hand, the RedBlue linear switches are known for their medium-light typing feel and relatively low-pitched sound profile, offering a smoother and more neutral typing experience. While the Lightning Silver V3 boasts a light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination, the RedBlue switches are described as thocky and polished. 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
57g
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
Both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the SP-Star RedBlue utilize polycarbonate for both their top and bottom housing, which means that they will likely produce similar results in terms of sound profile and overall feel. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a clear and resonant typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it perfect for switches that utilize RGB lighting, ensuring a visually appealing keyboard setup.
However, if we were to compare the two switches based on their housing materials, the slight differences in design and construction might lead to subtle variations in sound and feel. The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 may have a slightly different sound profile compared to the SP-Star RedBlue due to variations in the way the polycarbonate is molded and assembled. These small differences could result in a unique typing experience for each switch, appealing to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the SP-Star RedBlue will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetics. Both switches offer the benefits of using polycarbonate housing, such as a sharper sound profile and compatibility with RGB lighting. Whether you prioritize a crisper sound when pressing down on the key (from the bottom housing) or when releasing it (from the top housing), both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, we can see that the Lightning Silver V3 is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. On the other hand, the RedBlue switch has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it slightly lighter in comparison. Both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, providing a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. If actuation force is a critical factor for a user, the Lightning Silver V3 might be the preferred choice for a slightly heavier typing experience. However, if someone prefers a lighter touch with a lower bottom out force, the RedBlue switch would be the better option for prolonged typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the RedBlue, making it more ideal for those who prefer a quicker response time when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the RedBlue offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Lightning Silver V3 providing a faster and more responsive typing experience, while the RedBlue offers a slightly more tactile and deliberate keystroke.
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 RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
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 distinctive and clacky high-pitched sound that is sharp and percussive when pressed. This sound profile provides a crisp and bright typing experience that stands out. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch is known for its low-pitched and more neutral sound, offering a mellow and bass-heavy tone with a thocky quality that produces a deep and satisfying sound. The choice between the two switches would depend on whether you prefer a sharper, high-pitched sound with the Lightning Silver V3 or a softer, more neutral sound with the RedBlue.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, offering minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This switch provides an exceptionally smooth and seamless typing feel that enhances overall comfort during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch is described as offering a mild and polished typing experience. The switch presents a gentle typing feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. The polished finish of the switch ensures smooth key travel with reduced friction.
In conclusion, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Lightning Silver V3 provides a clacky, high-pitched sound and a silky smooth typing feel, the RedBlue switch offers a low-pitched, thocky sound with a mild and polished typing experience. Both switches provide unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so choosing between them would ultimately depend on your personal preference for sound and feel. Overall, both switches are designed to deliver a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you will get similar results in terms of performance and quality.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch or the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, you should take into account your preferences for sound and feel. If you value a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, along with a silky typing experience, then the Lightning Silver V3 may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a low-pitched sound with a mild and polished feel, the RedBlue switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience appeals to you the most, whether it be a sharper and brighter sound or a more mellow and gentle feel. Consider these factors carefully before making your final decision on which switch to go with for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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