Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Everglide Sakura Pink mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 is praised for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a tactile typing experience that stands out. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switches are celebrated for their super light 35g actuation force, making them ideal for those who prefer a delicate typing touch. While the Lightning Silver V3 offers a silky and seamless typing experience with enhanced RGB illumination, the Sakura Pink switches provide a smooth and effortless typing experience with a playful poppy 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
35g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Everglide Sakura Pink, both switches feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings. This means that they will have similar sound profiles, with a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of both switches.
While the top and bottom housings of both switches are made from polycarbonate, it is important to note that the qualities of each housing material will impact different aspects of the switch's performance. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing will affect the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings allows for a more dynamic typing experience, as different aspects of the switch's sound profile are emphasized depending on the direction of key presses.
Overall, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Everglide Sakura Pink both offer a similar typing experience due to their shared use of polycarbonate housing materials. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, while the translucency of the material enhances the visual appeal of the switches, especially when paired with RGB lighting. Whether it's the bottom-out sound influenced by the bottom housing or the key release sound impacted by the top housing, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a higher actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, which has an actuation force of 35 grams. This means that the Sakura Pink switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke, making it a lighter switch in terms of actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the Lightning Silver V3 requires 60 grams while the Sakura Pink requires 45 grams, indicating that the Sakura Pink switch is also lighter in terms of bottoming out. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Sakura Pink switch for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Lightning Silver V3 switch for a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, we find that the Lightning Silver V3 has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Sakura Pink has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Lightning Silver V3 offers a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those looking for faster response times, particularly favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink provides a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which some may find more comfortable for typing or gaming. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their travel distances, catering to different preferences and needs. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or prefer a more substantial keypress sensation.
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 Everglide Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.
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
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, offering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. In contrast, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch is described as producing a muted sound, providing a softer and quieter typing experience. The Lightning Silver V3 offers a silky typing experience, enhancing smoothness and minimizing resistance, while the Sakura Pink is praised for its buttery and creamy feel, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Both switches are easy to press, providing gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate.
Overall, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky typing experience, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch provides a muted sound with a buttery and creamy feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can expect the Lightning Silver V3 to provide a more percussive typing experience, while the Sakura Pink offers a smoother and more fluid keystroke. Ultimately, both switches offer a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, catering to different preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a clacky, high-pitched sound with a silky typing feel, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a muted, buttery, or creamy sound with a frictionless and easy-to-press typing feel, then the Sakura Pink switch could be the perfect fit for your keyboarding needs. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing style and what attributes you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.