Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. KTT Rose
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the KTT Rose switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the KTT Rose mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two distinct options. The Lightning Silver V3 offers a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a silky and seamless typing experience along with enhanced RGB illumination due to its light diffuser feature. On the other hand, the KTT Rose switches boast progressive springs for a substantial yet not heavy typing experience, offering a unique sensation reminiscent of bassy raindrops. While both switches have their own unique characteristics and benefits, choosing between them ultimately depends on your personal preferences 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the KTT Rose both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through. On the other hand, the bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3 is also made of polycarbonate, while the Rose's bottom housing is constructed from nylon. This difference in materials results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings, as nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics.
While both switches share the use of polycarbonate in their top housings, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3's bottom housing also utilizes polycarbonate, enhancing its overall sound profile with a clear and resonant tone. Conversely, the KTT Rose's nylon bottom housing adds a different dimension to the sound experience, providing a rounder and duller sound that may appeal to those looking for a softer typing experience. The split between different housing materials in the two switches highlights how the top and bottom housings can impact the overall feel and sound of a switch, with the bottom housing having more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
In terms of aesthetics, both switches benefit from the use of clear polycarbonate top housings, which enhance the visual appeal of the switches, especially when paired with RGB lighting. The choice between polycarbonate and nylon for the bottom housing ultimately depends on personal preference, with polycarbonate offering a sharper sound profile and nylon providing a deeper and fuller sound. Whether opting for the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 or the KTT Rose, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different typing preferences, making them stand out in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the KTT Rose linear switch, it is evident that both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range. The Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Rose, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Rose requires a heavier force of 63.5 grams, while the Lightning Silver V3 bottoms out at 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, but the Rose may be preferred by those who enjoy a firmer keystroke, while the Lightning Silver V3 may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the KTT Rose linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lightning Silver V3 will provide a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for speed. On the other hand, the KTT Rose switch with a longer travel distance may offer a more satisfying tactile sensation for those who enjoy a deeper key press. Both switches have their advantages depending on individual preferences, with the Lightning Silver V3 being the shorter option and the KTT Rose being the longer one. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance.
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 Rose comes in at $3.01 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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound experience, creating a sharp and snappy typing sound that is crisp and bright. On the other hand, the KTT Rose linear switch provides a low-pitched and bassy tone, offering a more mellow and substantial sound profile that resembles the soothing sound of raindrops. Depending on personal preference, the Lightning Silver V3 would be more suitable for those who enjoy a sharper and more percussive sound, while the Rose switch would appeal to those looking for a deeper and mellower typing experience.
Regarding feel, the Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is noted for its silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance and providing an exceptionally smooth feel when pressing and releasing keys. In contrast, the KTT Rose linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a gentle touch that falls in a safe middle-ground zone, ensuring that both sound and feel are approachable to most users. Whether one prefers a smoother and refined typing feel or a gentler and more relaxed touch, both switches offer distinct qualities in terms of tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and KTT Rose linear switches offer unique and subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lightning Silver V3 excels in providing a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing feel, the KTT Rose switch delivers a low-pitched and bassy sound paired with a mild and polished typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinctive characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. Overall, users can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience with either switch, ensuring that they will receive similar results in terms of quality and performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 or the KTT Rose linear switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference for typing experience. If you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing feel, then the Lightning Silver V3 may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a low-pitched and neutral sound with a mild and polished typing feel, then the KTT Rose switches might be more suitable for your preferences. Consider the bottom out forces, sound profiles, and typing feels described to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what type of typing experience you desire most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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