Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Durock Sea Glass both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 is characterized by its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a smooth and seamless typing experience with the added bonus of a light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switches from Durock come in aesthetically pleasing pastel colors and offer a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness when typing, despite their smoothness and easy-to-press nature. While the Lightning Silver V3 offers a more traditional typing experience, the Sea Glass switches provide a lighter and more frictionless feel. 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
62g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Durock Sea Glass, it is clear that there are significant differences in the sound profiles they produce. The polycarbonate top and bottom housings of the Lightning Silver V3 create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, whereas the polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top and bottom housings of the Sea Glass offer a more pleasant and brighter sound profile. This contrast in sound characteristics can greatly influence the overall typing experience and user preference.
While the Lightning Silver V3 leans towards a sharper and more defined sound profile due to its polycarbonate housing, the Sea Glass provides a unique blend of materials that results in a softer and brighter sound. This difference in sound quality may appeal to different users based on their preferences for typing feel and acoustics. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the Lightning Silver V3's housing allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through, providing an added aesthetic appeal that may not be present in the Sea Glass switch.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Durock Sea Glass switches offer an enhanced typing experience with distinct sound profiles. While the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper sound, the Sea Glass's unique blend of materials produces a brighter and more pleasant sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference in sound, feel, and aesthetic considerations.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, the actuation and bottom out forces are relatively similar. The Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly higher actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Sea Glass's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Sea Glass at 62 grams is higher than the Lightning Silver V3's 60 grams. Both switches fall into the medium weight category, providing a balanced typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Sea Glass more to their liking, while those who prefer a slightly heavier feel may lean towards the Lightning Silver V3. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in typing experience and desired force sensitivity.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Lightning Silver V3 offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Sea Glass. A shorter travel distance is often preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches offer a different feel due to their travel distances, so it ultimately depends on personal preference when deciding which one to choose.
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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 best described as clacky and high-pitched, offering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound profile is crisp, bright, and percussive, making it stand out in a typing environment. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch produces a uniquely hollow sound signature due to its proprietary material blend. While the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors like the keyboard and keycaps used, the Sea Glass switch definitely adds a distinctive auditory aspect to your typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is known for offering a silky typing experience. This means that the switch provides an exceptionally smooth feel when typing, enhancing overall smoothness and minimizing resistance. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is described as being frictionless and feathery, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. This light actuation force reduces finger fatigue and makes typing comfortable for extended periods, appealing to users looking for a gentle and smooth typing feel.
Overall, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch excels in providing a clacky and high-pitched sound signature along with a silky typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a crisp and smooth typing feel. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offers a uniquely hollow sound profile and a frictionless, feathery typing experience that minimizes resistance and finger strain. Both switches have their own distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, but users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either option based on their specific sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Durock Sea Glass linear switches, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you appreciate a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a dry, wispiness with a hollow sound and a frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press typing feel, the Durock Sea Glass switch could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so the final decision should be based on what best aligns with your typing style and preferences.
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