Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the SP-Star Duck offer distinct typing experiences. The Lightning Silver V3 is praised for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a seamless typing experience with added vibrancy through its light diffuser feature. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switches offer a more subtle tactile feel, with a clean and crispy sound profile and a gentle tactility. While the Lightning Silver V3 is categorized as 'Clacky' and 'High-pitched', the Duck switches are described as 'Neutral' and 'Mild'. Both switches have their unique appeal depending on personal preferences - the former for those who enjoy a more vibrant typing experience, and the latter for a smoother and subtle tactile feedback. 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
58g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
One key difference between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the SP-Star Duck is in their housing materials. Both keyboards feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when the keys are pressed. The translucent nature of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for RGB lighting purposes. However, the bottom housings of the two keyboards differ. The Lightning Silver V3 utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, while the SP-Star Duck opts for a different material. This means that the sound and feel when pressing down on keys will be influenced by the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing, whereas the SP-Star Duck's bottom housing will offer a different experience.
In terms of aesthetics, both the Lightning Silver V3 and the SP-Star Duck benefit from the use of polycarbonate top housings for their clear, translucent appearance. This allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects to shine through, enhancing the overall look of the keyboard. While both keyboards share this feature, the choice of housing material for the bottom side of the keyboard can make a noticeable difference in the typing experience. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound profile, which may be more pronounced in the Lightning Silver V3 due to its consistent use of polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck's alternative material for the bottom housing may provide a unique feel and sound compared to the Lightning Silver V3.
Overall, the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the SP-Star Duck play a significant role in shaping the typing experience for users. While both keyboards feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and crisp sound profile, the choice of material for the bottom housing can result in varying sound and feel when typing. Whether one prefers the consistent use of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings of the Lightning Silver V3 or the potentially distinct typing experience offered by the SP-Star Duck, it is important to consider how the housing materials contribute to overall keyboard performance and personal preference.
Weight
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the SP-Star Duck tactile switch which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Lightning Silver V3 at 60 grams and the Duck at 58 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Lightning Silver V3 makes it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Duck provides a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Both switches offer a medium level of resistance, providing a good balance between typing comfort and feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it slightly shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the SP-Star Duck tactile switch. In terms of responsiveness, the Lightning Silver V3 may be preferred by gamers looking for a faster response time due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Duck switch with its longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press. Both switches offer a different feel and response, catering to different preferences in keyboard switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual preference for travel distance and 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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switch offers a more neutral sound profile, with a clean and crispy sound when pressed. Both switches focus on providing a pleasant auditory experience while typing, but the Lightning Silver V3 leans towards a more distinct and sharp sound, while the Duck offers a more subtle and moderate sound quality.
When it comes to feel, the Lightning Silver V3 switch is known for its silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall smoothness. In contrast, the SP-Star Duck switch is described as providing a mild and buttery typing sensation, offering a gentle and approachable feel to most users. Both switches aim to offer a comfortable and seamless typing experience, with the Lightning Silver V3 focusing on smoothness and the Duck focusing on a more gentle tactile feedback.
Overall, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch and SP-Star Duck switch offer different but equally appealing qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a sharper and more distinct sound profile with a silky smooth typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued sound profile with a mild and buttery feel, the SP-Star Duck switch would be a suitable option. Ultimately, both switches provide quality typing experiences, and the choice between them would depend on personal preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound with a smooth typing feel, the Lightning Silver V3 would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience with a gentle tactility and clean sound profile, the SP-Star Duck switch would be the better option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference for sound and feel when typing.
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