Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) stand out for their unique features and qualities. The Lightning Silver V3 is praised for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a satisfying typing experience with a silky smooth feel. Additionally, its light diffuser enhances RGB illumination, adding a pop of color to any setup. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is a tactile switch perfect for users who prefer a medium bump and a quiet typing experience, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments. While the Lightning Silver V3 offers a clacky and vibrant typing experience, the Silent T1 provides a tactile and subdued alternative. 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
67g
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), it can be seen that both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting in switches. However, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) diverges with a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
The difference in bottom housing materials between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing on these switches. While both switches share the qualities of a polycarbonate top housing, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) stands out with its nylon bottom housing that contributes to a deeper sound profile. This split in housing materials means that the bottom housing will influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing will have more influence on the sound when releasing a key. This distinction can result in a unique typing experience based on the combination of housing materials used in each switch.
In terms of housing materials, the unique qualities of polycarbonate and nylon in the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) provide enthusiasts with different sound profiles and typing experiences. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing in both switches contributes to a clear and resonant sound, especially when showcasing RGB lighting. However, the softer nylon bottom housing in the Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a fuller and deeper sound profile compared to the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing. Ultimately, the housing materials chosen for a switch can significantly impact its overall sound and feel, making it essential for enthusiasts to consider these factors when selecting a switch for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Weight
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offer different experiences when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Lightning Silver V3 requires a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Silent T1, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silent T1 is heavier at 67 grams, while the Lightning Silver V3 bottoms out at 60 grams. This means that the Silent T1 provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the Lightning Silver V3 offers a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. Both switches offer their own unique benefits, with the Silent T1 being ideal for those who prefer a heavier feel and the Lightning Silver V3 catering to those who like a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The difference in travel distance between the two switches may not seem significant, but it can have an impact on the typing experience. The Lightning Silver V3 may offer a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which can be preferred by gamers looking for speed. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) may provide a more tactile and satisfying typing experience with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent T1 (Shrimp) for $5.57.
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 linear switch is characterized by a clacky and high-pitched noise when pressed, offering a sharp and bright sound profile ideal for those who enjoy a more percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is known for its muted and subdued audio feedback, making it a great choice for users looking for a more discreet and noise-sensitive option. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on whether you prefer a louder and crisper sound or a softer and quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, providing minimal resistance and enhancing overall typing comfort. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offers a stepped, accented, and polished feel, providing a tactile response that is not overwhelming yet still distinct and satisfying. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Lightning Silver V3 focusing on smoothness and the Silent T1 providing a more nuanced and tactile keystroke. Deciding between the two would depend on whether you prefer a smoother typing feel or a more tactile and responsive typing experience.
In conclusion, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Lightning Silver V3 provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth feel, the Silent T1 offers a muted sound and stepped, accented, and polished tactile experience. Choosing between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for, whether it be a louder and smoother feel or a quieter and more tactile response.
Conclusion
To summarize, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a clacky, high-pitched sound signature, then the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a smooth and seamless typing experience with enhanced RGB illumination. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a muted sound profile, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) would be more suitable. These switches provide a padded bottom-out feel with subdued audio feedback, making them ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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