Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Dareu Sky POM, both of which are linear switches. The Lightning Silver V3 is praised for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a seamless typing experience with its silky feel and enhanced RGB illumination thanks to its light diffuser. On the other hand, the Sky POM stands out for its premium quality made from POM material while remaining budget-friendly, offering a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that may appeal to different preferences and needs. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
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 spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Dareu Sky POM, it is clear that both switches have distinct characteristics based on their top housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing of the Lightning Silver V3 creates a sharp, high-pitched sound profile, while the POM top housing of the Sky POM produces a deeper and more muted sound. Both materials offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with polycarbonate lending itself to a clearer and resonant sound, and POM offering a more subdued and rich sound.
Moving on to the bottom housings of these switches, we see a similar pattern of contrasting characteristics. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3 contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Sky POM elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound, while the softer nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. These differences in material composition play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of each switch.
When considering how the top and bottom housings interact with each other, it becomes evident that the qualities of each material are distributed across the switch. Pressing down on the switch will highlight the characteristics of the bottom housing, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while releasing the key will emphasize the qualities of the top housing. While the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Dareu Sky POM have different housing materials, their design allows for a balanced blend of sound profiles that cater to various preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
Comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, the actuation force of the Lightning Silver V3 is 48 grams, while the actuation force of the Sky POM is 40 grams. This makes the Sky POM the lighter option in terms of actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the Lightning Silver V3 requires 60 grams, while the Sky POM's bottom out force is unknown. This makes the Lightning Silver V3 the heavier option when it comes to bottoming out. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may lean towards the Sky POM for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may prefer the Lightning Silver V3 for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, we find that the Lightning Silver V3 has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Sky POM's 3.8 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter distance. Gamers who prioritize speed and rapid keystrokes may prefer the Lightning Silver V3 for its fast actuation. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feel and a deeper press may lean towards the Sky POM with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference based on whether you prioritize speed or depth in your 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 Dareu Sky POM has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky POM for $4.98.
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 known for its clacky and high-pitched sound, providing a sharp, snappy, and crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, which tends to be more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches have their own unique sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on personal preferences and setup.
In terms of feel, the Lightning Silver V3 switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Sky POM switch, on the other hand, is described as buttery and creamy, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Both switches aim to deliver a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, enhancing the overall typing feel and satisfaction for the user.
Overall, both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Dareu Sky POM linear switches offer distinctive sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Lightning Silver V3 excels in providing a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky typing experience, the Sky POM stands out with its low-pitched sound and buttery, creamy feel. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, allowing for a customized and enjoyable mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, you should consider the factors that are most important to you. If you prefer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, and a smooth typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with no specified bottom out force, a clacky sound, and a buttery, creamy, or silky typing feel, then the Dareu Sky POM switch may be the better option for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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