Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Dareu Sky V3 are both linear switches that offer unique features and characteristics. The Lightning Silver V3 from Everglide is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a tactile typing experience that is smooth and seamless. With the added feature of a light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination, this switch brings a vibrant touch to any keyboard setup. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 switches are praised for their neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, striking a balance between comfort and precision for diverse typing preferences. While the Lightning Silver V3 leans towards a more tactile and noticeable typing experience, the Sky V3 offers a more subtle and subdued typing 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
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
4.00 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
While both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Dareu Sky V3 feature polycarbonate top housing, they differ in terms of their bottom housing materials. The Lightning Silver V3 utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, providing a consistent sound profile throughout the keypress. On the other hand, the Sky V3 incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrast in bottom housing material may lead to a slightly different typing experience between the two keyboards, with the Lightning Silver V3 offering a more uniform sound and feel compared to the Sky V3.
Despite the differences in bottom housing material, both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Dareu Sky V3 share the same polycarbonate top housing. This means that users can expect a similar sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing on either keyboard. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for better translucency, making it ideal for those who desire RGB lighting effects on their keyboards. Overall, the similarities in the top housing material between the two keyboards suggest that they may deliver comparable performance in terms of sound quality and aesthetic appeal.
In terms of sound production, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 may offer a more consistent and clear sound profile due to its polycarbonate top and bottom housings. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3's nylon bottom housing may result in a deeper and fuller sound, providing a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two keyboards may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel, with the Lightning Silver V3 offering a more uniform sound and the Sky V3 delivering a richer sound texture.
Weight
In comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role. The Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Sky V3's 40 grams, making it require a bit more force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lightning Silver V3 requires 60 grams, whereas the Sky V3's force is unknown. This means that the Lightning Silver V3 provides a more substantial typing experience when fully pressed. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Sky V3, while the Lightning Silver V3 would be suitable for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming purposes.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Lightning Silver V3 offers a shorter travel distance, making it a preferred option for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Sky V3 provides a slightly deeper key press experience due to its longer travel distance. Both switches offer a different feel when typing or gaming, with the Lightning Silver V3 being the shorter option and the Sky V3 being the longer option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press 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 Dareu Sky V3 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 V3 for $4.76.
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 offers a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, producing sharp and snappy noises when pressed, making it ideal for those who enjoy a crisp and bright sound profile. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch produces a more neutral and subdued sound, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and a dampened sound when pressed. This makes the Sky V3 a versatile option suitable for various typing environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. Ultimately, your choice of board and keycaps will also influence the sound produced by either switch.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is described as offering a silky typing experience, with smooth key presses enhancing overall typing comfort. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch provides a mild typing experience, with gentle key presses that appeal to a wide range of users. Both switches aim to strike a balance between comfort and performance, offering a typing feel that is approachable and enjoyable for all levels of typists.
In conclusion, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and Dareu Sky V3 linear switches each bring unique characteristics to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Lightning Silver V3 is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, accompanied by a silky typing experience, the Sky V3 offers a more neutral and subdued sound, paired with a mild typing feel. Depending on your preferences for sound and typing experience, both switches provide excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a reliable and pleasant typing experience. Similarly, if you enjoy one, you are likely to appreciate the qualities of the other as well, as they both prioritize delivering a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing experience, then the Lightning Silver V3 may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral and subdued sound with a mild and gentle typing experience, then the Dareu Sky V3 could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what characteristics you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch. Choose the one that best suits your needs and enhances your typing experience.
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