Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the TTC Speed Silver mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Lightning Silver V3 is renowned for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, offering a silky typing experience with enhanced RGB illumination thanks to its light diffuser feature. On the other hand, the Speed Silver is known for providing a fast and precise typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a pristine sound profile, ideal for those who value efficiency. While the Lightning Silver V3 falls under the categories of 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', and 'Silky', the Speed Silver is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the TTC Speed Silver, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. The top housings of both switches will likely provide a similar sound experience due to the shared material.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Lightning Silver V3 features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which, like its top counterpart, contributes to a sharper sound profile. On the other hand, the Speed Silver utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the TTC Speed Silver may come down to whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile (found in the Lightning Silver V3 with polycarbonate top and bottom housing) or a deeper, fuller sound (offered by the Speed Silver with its nylon bottom housing). Both switches leverage the unique qualities of their housing materials to create distinct auditory experiences, providing enthusiasts with options to tailor their mechanical keyboard setups to their preferences.
Weight
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight option. In comparison, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, putting it in the medium-light category. While both switches fall within the medium range, the Lightning Silver V3 requires a slightly heavier touch for actuation and bottoming out compared to the Speed Silver. This means that users who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Everglide switch, while those who prefer a lighter touch may prefer the TTC option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and TTC Speed Silver linear switches have the same travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of the distance the key travels from the top to the bottom. Users can expect similar results when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. Therefore, there is no significant difference in travel distance between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and TTC Speed Silver linear switches.
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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound, providing a sharp and snappy typing experience with a bright and crisp sound profile. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement that makes it suitable for a variety of settings. While the Lightning Silver V3 offers a more distinctive and unique sound, the Speed Silver provides a more versatile and adaptable option depending on personal preference and surroundings.
Moving on to feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, offering minimal resistance and a seamless key press and release. In comparison, the TTC Speed Silver switch is described as mild and polished, providing a gentler typing experience with smooth key travel and reduced friction. Both switches aim to offer a comfortable and pleasant typing feel, but with slightly different characteristics to cater to different preferences.
Overall, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and TTC Speed Silver switches each bring their own set of subjective qualities to the table when it comes to sound and feel. While the Lightning Silver V3 offers a more pronounced and unique sound profile with a silky smooth typing experience, the Speed Silver provides a neutral sound with a gentler and more polished typing feel. Depending on individual preferences and the desired typing experience, both switches offer distinct advantages that can enhance the overall typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you value a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a fast and precise typing experience with a neutral sound profile and a mild, polished feel, the TTC Speed Silver could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches should be based on your personal preferences and what characteristics you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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