Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Huano Strawberry Latte each offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 is celebrated for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a vibrant acoustic experience alongside a silky, seamless typing feel. Its innovative light diffuser not only enhances RGB illumination but also adds a dynamic flair to any keyboard setup, making it an appealing choice for gamers and typists who appreciate both aesthetics and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte by Huano presents a super smooth typing experience, utilizing the latest mold technology to strike a balance with its sound profile—offering neither complete silence nor overwhelming resonance. This makes it ideal for users who seek a refined feel without compromising on audible feedback. Ultimately, both switches boast their distinct advantages, attracting different users based on personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you determine which switch is best suited for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Huano Strawberry Latte, distinct differences emerge that shape the sound and feel of each switch. The Lightning Silver V3 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer structure. This material is particularly advantageous for users who prioritize RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for an enhanced illumination effect, making the colors more vibrant. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte features a POK (polyketone) top housing, which excels in providing a smooth feel with its low friction coefficient and delivers a clackier sound profile. The distinct sound characteristics of each material mean that the Lightning Silver V3 may appeal more to those who prefer a clearer auditory feedback, while the Strawberry Latte may cater to users looking for a softer, more tactile experience.
Examining the bottom housings reveals further differences in material and resultant sound profiles. The Lightning Silver V3 employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which aligns with the top housing to reinforce its signature clear and resonant sound. This consistent use of polycarbonate throughout the switch helps create an overall sound profile that leans toward the brighter end of the spectrum. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte uses a nylon bottom housing that absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and rounder auditory feedback during typing. This can create a more satisfying experience for users who favor a solid thock sound over a sharper click. Therefore, even though both switches utilize different combinations of materials, the materials' specific characteristics result in contrasting auditory experiences upon key presses.
While the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Huano Strawberry Latte exhibit different housing materials that can impact sound and feel, it is important to note that the differentiation in materials may yield similar performance outcomes in specific contexts. For example, both switches can be appreciated for their unique auditory feedback, serving the diverse preferences of typists. Users who enjoy a bright, crisp sound may find revelatory experiences with both switches, as each housing can deliver distinct yet pleasing sound qualities. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference; typing lovers may favor the clear tones of polycarbonate in the Lightning Silver V3 or the smooth clackiness of the POK housing in the Strawberry Latte, allowing for a tailored typing experience that still rests on solid performance fundamentals shared between both switches.
Weight
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches present an interesting contrast in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Lightning Silver V3 has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium range. In comparison, the Strawberry Latte is lighter, featuring a lower actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that typists or gamers who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions would likely gravitate towards the Strawberry Latte, while those who desire a more substantial typing experience might favor the heavier Lightning Silver V3. Overall, the different forces indicate that the Everglide switch provides a firmer push feel, whereas the Huano switch offers a softer touch, appealing to different user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches, the Lightning Silver V3 features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Strawberry Latte offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Strawberry Latte has a more pronounced depth when pressed, which can provide a more substantial keystroke feel for users who appreciate that tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal more to gamers who prefer rapid response times and quicker actuation, allowing for faster gameplay. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that combines a shorter travel distance for greater responsiveness, the Lightning Silver V3 is the better choice. Conversely, if you favor a more traditional depth in your keystrokes, the Strawberry Latte is the preferable option.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 delivers a distinctively clacky and high-pitched auditory experience. This sharp and snappy sound signature adds an engaging auditory feedback to your typing, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke sound. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a more balanced sound profile. It strikes a sweet spot that isn’t overly loud or resonant, providing a pleasant acoustic experience that caters to users who may prefer a less intrusive sound while typing. Ultimately, the sound can vary with different keyboard builds and keycaps, but the Lightning Silver V3 will generally offer a brighter and more pronounced sound compared to the milder Strawberry Latte.
In terms of feel, the Lightning Silver V3 is characterized by a silky smoothness, which enriches the typing experience by significantly reducing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This seamless action enhances the pleasure of typing, making it suitable for long sessions. The feel of the Strawberry Latte is currently unknown, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons in this aspect. However, the smoothness of the Lightning Silver V3 establishes a high standard for linear switches, and users might find themselves gravitating towards a similarly smooth feel from the Strawberry Latte if it follows the trend of modern switch design.
In conclusion, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches cater to different acoustic preferences while delivering unique typing experiences. The Lightning Silver V3 stands out with its clacky, high-pitched sound and silky feel, making it one for enthusiasts who enjoy auditory feedback and a smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte offers a balanced sound profile, which may appeal to those who prefer less auditory distraction. While the feel of the Strawberry Latte remains uncertain, it could potentially provide a smooth experience akin to the Lightning Silver V3. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference in sound and tactile response.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Huano Strawberry Latte ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you desire a more tactile and engaging typing experience with a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, the Lightning Silver V3 would be the ideal choice for you. Its clacky and high-pitched sound can bring excitement to your keystrokes, making it great for those who enjoy an audible response while typing or gaming. Additionally, the silky feel of this switch enhances your overall typing experience, making it particularly appealing for long typing sessions or for those who frequently alternate between typing and gaming.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom out force of just 45 grams, the Huano Strawberry Latte would likely suit you better. Its smooth operation coupled with a balanced sound profile means you won't be disturbed by overly resonant noise, providing a more subdued yet satisfying sound environment. This makes it perfect for office settings or quieter environments where you want a pleasant typing experience without drawing too much attention. In short, your decision should revolve around whether you prioritize an expressive sound and a heavier feel, or a lighter touch with a smooth and balanced experience. Choose accordingly based on the context you plan to use your keyboard!
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