Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) mechanical keyboard switches, it all comes down to personal preference and what you value in a switch. The Lightning Silver V3 is praised for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, offering a tactile typing experience that is silky and seamless. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen (V2) stands out for its extremely quiet sound profile, providing a smooth and pillowy feel to each keystroke. While the Lightning Silver V3 enhances RGB illumination with its light diffuser, the Silent Frozen (V2) boasts a variety of descriptors including 'creamy', 'buttery', and 'muted'. 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
39g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
Overall, both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) utilize polycarbonate materials for their top and bottom housing components. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance in the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches featuring RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing.
While both switches share similar housing materials, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) may differ in design and construction, leading to subtle variations in sound and feel. The distribution of the top and bottom housing qualities in a switch can impact the overall typing experience. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. These differences in housing construction may result in nuanced differences in typing feedback and sound between the two switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) may come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and aesthetics. Both switches offer the benefits of polycarbonate housing materials, resulting in a clear and resonant sound profile. Whether you prioritize the impact of the bottom housing on bottom-out sound and feel or the influence of the top housing on key release sound, each switch provides a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences. Consider your preferences in sound, feel, and visual appeal when selecting between these two switches for your keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch to the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, there are notable differences. The Lightning Silver V3 has a higher actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Silent Frozen (V2) with 39 grams, making the latter a lighter option. In terms of bottom out force, the Lightning Silver V3 requires 60 grams while the Silent Frozen (V2) only needs 43 grams, indicating that the Silent Frozen (V2) is also lighter in this aspect. Those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming may find the Silent Frozen (V2) more appealing, as it allows for a smoother and potentially faster typing experience. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 may be preferred by those looking for a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Ultimately, the weight of the actuation and bottom out forces plays a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience and preference of the user.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, we can see that the Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Silent Frozen (V2) has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular for gamers seeking faster response times. However, the subtle difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different feel when typing or gaming. Those who prefer a more responsive key press may lean towards the Lightning Silver V3, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes may opt for the Silent Frozen (V2). Ultimately, choosing between the two switches comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable to the individual user.
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 TTC Silent Frozen (V2) has an MSRP of $8.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Frozen (V2) for $5.33.
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 offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, creating a sharp and bright sound when pressed. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) provides a thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound, resulting in a deep and bass-heavy tone while minimizing noise. If you prefer a more crisp and percussive sound, the Lightning Silver V3 would be the way to go, whereas if you prefer a quieter and more mellow sound, the Silent Frozen (V2) would be a better choice.
Moving on to feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is praised for offering a silky typing experience, enhancing the smoothness of keystrokes by minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In contrast, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) is described as creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished, providing a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation with reduced finger fatigue. If you enjoy a lighter and more effortless typing experience, the Silent Frozen (V2) would be a great fit, while the Lightning Silver V3 would be preferred if you value a exceptionally smooth typing feel.
Overall, when considering the subjective qualities of sound and feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch offers a clacky, high-pitched sound with a silky typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch provides a thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound with a creamy and buttery typing feel. Depending on your preference for sound and typing experience, you can choose between a sharper, brighter sound with enhanced smoothness or a deeper, more quiet sound with a luxurious, buttery feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so selecting between the two would ultimately depend on your personal preferences for sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, you should consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prioritize an extremely quiet and smooth typing experience with a light bottom out force, the Silent Frozen (V2) could be the better option for you. Ultimately, both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and environment.
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