Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HC Studio Roselle both offer unique characteristics worth exploring. The Lightning Silver V3 stands out for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, its light diffuser enhances RGB illumination, making it visually appealing. On the other hand, the Roselle impresses with its smooth and frictionless feel, attributed to its material blend. It also emits a subtle low-pitched sound while typing, adding a touch of sophistication. Each switch offers distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HC Studio Roselle, it is evident that they both offer distinct sound profiles. The Lightning Silver V3 boasts a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, known for creating a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. On the other hand, the Roselle features a POM top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. This contrast in sound characteristics makes these switches suitable for different preferences and typing environments.
Despite their differences, there are similarities in the housing materials of the Lightning Silver V3 and the Roselle. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, offering a clear and resonant sound profile. This material is particularly beneficial for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency. Additionally, although the Roselle's POM housing provides a unique sound profile best suited for users who prefer a deeper and more muted typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate counterpart also offers a pleasing sound that appeals to those seeking a sharp and crisp sound when typing.
The impact of the housing material on the overall typing experience is another point of comparison between the Lightning Silver V3 and the Roselle. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed, influencing how tactile and satisfying each keystroke is. Conversely, the top housing material affects the sound produced when releasing a key, adding a layer of auditory feedback to the typing experience. Understanding these differences in the housing materials of the two switches can help users make an informed decision based on their preferences for sound profile and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 48 grams compared to the HC Studio Roselle linear switch's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lightning Silver V3 requires 60 grams, which is heavier than the Roselle's 52 grams. Overall, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a slightly heavier typing experience than the Roselle. Lighter switches like the Roselle may be preferable for those looking for a more effortless typing experience, especially during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the heavier Lightning Silver V3 may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial and deliberate keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HC Studio Roselle linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Lightning Silver V3 being on the shorter end. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Lightning Silver V3 due to its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more robust key press may opt for the Roselle with its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, providing a more responsive typing or gaming experience.
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 HC Studio Roselle has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Roselle for $4.70.
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 linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound, providing a sharp and crisp typing experience that is bright and percussive. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offers a subtle, low-pitched sound signature, giving a deeper and richer tone to key presses. While the Lightning Silver V3 produces a more pronounced and sharp sound, the Roselle delivers a mellower and more bass-heavy tone. Depending on personal preference, one may prefer the vibrant and clacky sound of the Lightning Silver V3 or the smooth and low-pitched sound of the Roselle.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle switch is described as frictionless, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with fluid travel. Additionally, the Roselle is noted for its mild typing experience, offering a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Depending on the desired level of smoothness and typing effort, one may prefer the silky feel of the Lightning Silver V3 or the frictionless and mild feel of the Roselle.
In conclusion, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 produces a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky typing experience, while the Roselle delivers a low-pitched sound with a frictionless and mild typing feel. Both switches offer distinct characteristics that may appeal to different users based on their sound and feel preferences. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches would depend on whether one prefers a sharper, crisper sound with minimal resistance (Lightning Silver V3), or a deeper, more mellow sound with a fluid typing experience (Roselle).
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HC Studio Roselle linear switches, you should consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a clacky, high-pitched sound with a silky typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 is the choice for you. However, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and appreciate a smooth, low-pitched sound with a frictionless typing experience, the Roselle would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific qualities that align with your personal preferences and typing style.
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