Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch that enhances your typing experience, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Jwick Splash Brothers offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Lightning Silver V3, renowned for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, delivers a silky typing feel that many users cherish. Its innovative light diffuser not only enhances RGB lighting but also adds a vibrant touch to your keyboard setup, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a visually pleasing environment. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers embrace a more understated approach with their creamy and subtle sound signature, paired with a shorter activation point and long pole stem that provide a snappy and bouncy typing experience. This switch is invaluable for fast typists who appreciate efficiency and precision. While both switches are linear and share appealing qualities, they cater to distinctly different typing experiences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Jwick Splash Brothers both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in similarities in sound profile and aesthetic appeal. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when keys are pressed. This quality makes both switches well-suited for users who prioritize clarity in sound, particularly in RGB-enabled setups where the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the lighting effects. Since both switches share the same material for their top housing, users can expect a similar auditory experience when typing, characterized by resonant and bright sound feedback.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the two switches diverge, with the Lightning Silver V3 composed of polycarbonate while the Splash Brothers employs nylon. This difference significantly alters the sound profile and typing experience. Nylon’s softer composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience, which contrasts with the higher-pitched resonance produced by the polycarbonate found in the Lightning Silver V3’s bottom housing. As users engage with each switch, the inherent qualities of the bottom housing will primarily affect bottom-out sound and feel—producing a more rounded auditory response with the Splash Brothers, compared to the brightness delivered by the Lightning Silver V3.
Ultimately, the variance in bottom housing materials between the Lightning Silver V3 and the Splash Brothers illustrates how housing choices impact the overall typing experience, even when the top housings are the same. The combination of a polycarbonate top and a nylon bottom in the Splash Brothers provides a unique blend of auditory characteristics, appealing to those who desire a rich sound without sacrificing clarity. On the other hand, the purely polycarbonate configuration of the Lightning Silver V3 promises a sharper sound, which may attract users seeking a more crisp and resonant typing experience. While both switches can achieve pleasing results, the specific auditory nuances differ based on the combination of the materials used in each housing.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emphasize their respective typing experiences. The Lightning Silver V3 has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium option that strikes a balance between lightness and sturdiness. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch features a bottom out force of 48 grams, but its actuation force remains unknown. With a bottom out force that matches its actuation, users can expect a notably lighter feel when typing or gaming with the Splash Brothers, which can facilitate longer sessions without fatigue. Consequently, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a sturdier experience with its heavier bottom out force, while the Jwick Splash Brothers appears to be ideal for those who prefer a more effortless keystroke, ideal for prolonged use. Thus, while the Lightning Silver V3 is heavier overall, the unknown actuation force of the Splash Brothers suggests it could potentially deliver an equally satisfying yet lighter experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches, the Lightning Silver V3 features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Splash Brothers comes in at 3.5 mm. This makes the Lightning Silver V3 the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that gamers often prefer for quicker response times. In contrast, the Splash Brothers’ 3.5 mm travel distance allows for a deeper press, which may appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced tactile experience when typing. Ultimately, if you're looking for faster actuation and a less abrupt feel, the Lightning Silver V3 is the better choice; however, if you favor a slightly more substantial depth in your keystrokes, the Splash Brothers would be more suitable.
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 Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 per 10 switches.
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 is characterized by its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, producing sharp, bright tones with each keystroke that can evoke a crisp and attention-grabbing auditory response. This vibrant sound is suited for users who prefer a more pronounced audio experience while typing. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers offers a more neutral sound profile, making them versatile for various environments. Their moderate sound levels provide a more subdued auditory experience, which can be appealing for those who might find the sharper notes of the Lightning Silver V3 overwhelming, particularly in shared or quieter spaces. Overall, the sound of these switches provides distinct experiences; one is celebratory and lively, while the other leans towards the understated.
Regarding the feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 provides a silky smooth typing experience, allowing for fluid key presses with minimal resistance. This smoothness can enhance comfort during extended typing sessions, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a seamless feel. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers deliver a more complex tactile sensation through their combination of mild, snappy, and bouncy characteristics. This range allows for a dynamic typing experience, where the user feels more engaged with the act of typing, thanks to the responsiveness and slight rebound effect of the switches. Therefore, while the Lightning Silver V3 focuses on a consistently smooth experience, the Splash Brothers offer a multi-faceted feel that provides varied feedback.
In conclusion, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches appeal to different preferences in both sound and feel. The Lightning Silver V3 is ideal for those who want a bright and clacky auditory experience combined with a silky typing sensation, while the Splash Brothers cater to users who prefer a milder sound coupled with a more dynamic and engaging feel. When considering these switches for a keyboard setup, the choice largely depends on personal preference regarding the auditory and tactile aspects of typing, which can lead to satisfying results tailored to individual needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches depends largely on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a more tactile and auditory feel when typing, the Lightning Silver V3, with its clacky, high-pitched sound and silky smooth action, may be the ideal choice for you. Its 60-gram bottom-out force provides a comfortable yet firm resistance that can enhance your typing experience, particularly if you enjoy a lively sound profile and engage in activities such as gaming or writing, where feedback plays a significant role. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a more mild and versatile sound, the Jwick Splash Brothers might be more up your alley. With a bottom-out force of just 48 grams, these switches offer a bouncy and snappy feel that makes them suitable for long typing sessions and shared workspaces, where a neutral sound profile is beneficial. The creamy sound signature adds to their charm, making them approachable whether you are a beginner or an advanced typist. Ultimately, consider your typing habits, the environments in which you’ll be using the keyboard, and the auditory and tactile feedback that feels best to you to make the right decision between these two exciting options.
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