Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Akko Rosewood stand out as two exceptional options for linear switch enthusiasts, each bringing its own unique charm to the typing experience. The Lightning Silver V3 is celebrated for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, allowing for a lively and engaging typing experience, alongside a silky smooth keystroke that seamlessly glides beneath your fingers. Its innovative light diffuser further enhances RGB illumination, making it a visually striking choice for RGB lovers. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood offers a deeper, thocky sound that delivers a satisfying auditory experience right out of the box, complemented by a finely crafted factory-applied lubricant that ensures smooth operation and comfort. While both switches cater to those who appreciate linear feel, the Lightning Silver V3 emphasizes brightness and agility, while the Rosewood focuses on depth and smoothness. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Akko Rosewood, distinct differences emerge in both performance and sound profile. The Lightning Silver V3 is constructed with polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which offers a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the material's rigidity. This characteristic results in a more resonant keystroke, appealing to users who prefer a clear auditory feedback while typing. Furthermore, polycarbonate’s translucent nature enhances the aesthetic aspect by allowing RGB lighting to shine through beautifully, enriching any setup that emphasizes visual elements.
In contrast, the Akko Rosewood incorporates nylon for both its top and bottom housings, providing a distinctively deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. The Rosewood's design tends to favor users seeking a more muted and tactile typing experience where the auditory feedback prioritizes a less pronounced sharpness compared to polycarbonate switches. This difference in materials not only affects sound but also influences the overall feel of the keystrokes, with nylon providing a more cushioned bottom-out sensation.
The variation in materials—polycarbonate for the Lightning Silver V3 and nylon for the Akko Rosewood—means that both switches cater to different preferences regarding auditory feedback and overall typing experience. However, if one is looking for consistent performance similar to one material despite the other being used, switching techniques and typing styles can be adjusted to optimize output. For instance, incorporating lighter keystrokes with the Akko Rosewood could produce a sound profile closer to that generated by the sharper polycarbonate in the Lightning Silver V3. Consequently, while housed in different materials, both switches can still deliver satisfying typing experiences tailored to their respective sound profiles and aesthetic appeals.
Weight
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Akko Rosewood linear switches exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varied user preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 features an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch that provides a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch offers a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, appealing to users who favor a more effortless typing experience, particularly beneficial during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Due to this variance, the Lightning Silver V3 is classified as the heavier option compared to the lighter Akko Rosewood. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to deliver responsive performance, but users seeking a more substantial feel may prefer the firmer push of the Lightning Silver V3, while those looking for ease of use and reduced fatigue might opt for the Rosewood.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, the differences are quite pronounced. The Lightning Silver V3 features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Rosewood switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Lightning Silver V3 the shorter option, appealing to gamers and users who favor quicker response times due to its more rapid actuation. Conversely, the Rosewood, with its deeper 4 mm travel distance, offers a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for typing or a more tactile experience. Ultimately, if you lean towards responsiveness and speed, the Lightning Silver V3 would be the better choice, whereas the Rosewood would suit those who enjoy a more pronounced key press.
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 Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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 switches are known for their clacky and high-pitched characteristics, producing a sharp and snappy sound that is both crisp and bright. This makes them well-suited for users who appreciate a percussive auditory feedback in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switches create a deep and satisfying thocky sound, resulting from a careful application of lubricant right out of the box. While the Lightning Silver V3 provides a more high-frequency sound signature, the Rosewood offers a richer, bassier tone, catering to different auditory preferences between users.
In terms of feel, the Lightning Silver V3 shines with its silky smoothness, delivering an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance as you press and release keys. This contributes to a seamless and efficient typing motion, appealing to those who prioritize fluidity in their keystrokes. The tactile feedback of the Rosewood switches, however, remains unspecified, so no direct comparison can be made. However, one can expect that Akko switches typically have their own unique characteristics that aim for comfort and enjoyment in typing.
In conclusion, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and Akko Rosewood linear switches serve distinct preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Lightning Silver V3 appeals to those who favor a clackier, high-pitched sound along with an exceptionally smooth feel, while the Rosewood switches resonate with users looking for a deeper auditory experience characterized by a satisfying thock. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual sound and feel preferences, resulting in a personalized typing experience regardless of the distinct characteristics they each possess.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Akko Rosewood linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for sound and feel in your typing experience. If you favor a punchy and engaging sound profile that is characterized by a clacky and high-pitched tone, along with a silky smooth feel, the Lightning Silver V3 would be the better option for you. They are particularly well-suited for those who enjoy a vibrant typing experience and want their RGB lighting to stand out thanks to the switch's unique diffuser. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued auditory experience with a deep, thocky sound, the Akko Rosewood linear switch is an excellent choice due to its lighter bottom out force and the satisfying feel that comes from its factory-applied lubricant. This switch is designed for users who appreciate a quieter, yet still rich typing experience that allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. By assessing your own typing style and sound preferences, you can confidently select the switch that will enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
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