Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, a linear switch, to the Kailh Sage, a clicky switch, it becomes evident that each switch offers a unique typing experience. The Lightning Silver V3 is renowned for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a silky and seamless typing experience. Its light diffuser adds a vibrant touch to any keyboard setup, making it a popular choice for users seeking a visually appealing option. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage offers a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavy weight and refreshingly sharp clickiness. While the Lightning Silver V3 is characterized as clacky, high-pitched, and silky, the Sage is categorized as invigorating, sharp, and crunchy. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences in terms of typing feel and sound. 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
70g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Kailh Sage feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through beautifully. However, while the top housings are the same material, the bottom housings differ, with the Lightning Silver V3 using polycarbonate and the Sage using nylon.
The use of polycarbonate in the Lightning Silver V3's bottom housing continues the trend of creating a sharp and crisp sound profile, matching the characteristics of the top housing. In contrast, the Kailh Sage's choice of a nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material may have a noticeable impact on the overall typing experience, with the bottom-out sound and feel influenced by the material used.
Overall, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Kailh Sage both feature polycarbonate top housings for a similar sound profile, their choice of different materials for the bottom housing sets them apart in terms of the overall typing experience. The Lightning Silver V3 provides a consistent and sharp sound profile throughout, while the Kailh Sage offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon bottom housing. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, users may find one switch more appealing than the other based on these differences in housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it is evident that the Lightning Silver V3 is the lighter option with an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. In contrast, the Kailh Sage is the heavier option with an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. The Lightning Silver V3 provides a more moderate typing experience with its medium actuation and bottom out forces, making it suitable for those who prefer a balance between lightness and resistance. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage offers a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy bottom out force, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch have slightly different travel distances. The Lightning Silver V3 has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Sage has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, which is preferred by gamers for faster response times. The difference of 0.2 mm may not be significant to most users, but those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may find the Sage more to their liking. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, providing a quick and responsive typing 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 Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25 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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched characteristics, providing a sharp and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch offers a crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Lightning Silver V3 emphasizing sharpness and brightness, while the Sage delivers a refreshing and sharp clickiness. The sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Kailh Sage switch is characterized as invigorating and sharp, providing pronounced feedback and a reactive feel. The Sage switch features a strong and crisp tactile bump, offering a distinct sensation with each keypress. While the Lightning Silver V3 focus on smoothness and minimal resistance, the Sage switch prioritizes feedback intensity and a snappy typing experience.
In conclusion, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch each offer their own unique sound and feel profiles. Those looking for a clacky and high-pitched typing experience may prefer the Lightning Silver V3, while individuals seeking a crunchy and invigorating feel with pronounced feedback may lean towards the Kailh Sage switch. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and the overall typing experience desired. Both switches offer quality construction and features that will appeal to different users based on their preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when selecting a keyboard switch, consider the unique qualities of each option to determine the best fit for your typing preferences. If you prefer a smooth and seamless typing experience with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavy weight and sharp clickiness, the Kailh Sage clicky switch could be more suited to your preference. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preference for sound and feel while typing.
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