Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 is lauded for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a tactile typing experience that is both smooth and seamless. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) boasts resonant and clacky notes, accompanied by a factory lube job that enhances the smoothness of each keystroke. While both switches offer a silky typing experience, they differ in their sound profiles and level of 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
52g
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
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This allows for a clear and resonant sound, especially when using RGB lighting. In contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has a POM top housing, known for producing a deeper and more muted sound profile. This creates a unique sound experience that differs from the more clear and sharp sound of polycarbonate.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Lightning Silver V3 utilizes polycarbonate, similar to its top housing. This results in a consistent sound profile throughout the switch, with a sharper and crisper sound when bottoming out a key. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) features a nylon bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3.
Overall, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 offers a more consistent and sharp sound profile throughout the switch, thanks to its use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings. In contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) provides a unique and deeper sound experience, with a combination of POM and nylon housings creating a more varied sound profile between the top and bottom of the switch. While both switches offer high-quality materials and distinct sound characteristics, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, we can see some differences. The Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly higher actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Strawberry Wine's 45 grams, making it a bit heavier in this aspect. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lightning Silver V3 requires 60 grams while the Strawberry Wine only needs 50 grams, making the Strawberry Wine the lighter option in this category. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Strawberry Wine may be the better choice, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 may appeal to those who prefer a bit more resistance for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switches both have a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making them identical in this aspect. This means that pressing down on a key with either switch will result in a similar feeling of travel distance. Therefore, users can expect consistent keypress experiences in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a moderate travel distance that strikes a balance between responsiveness and tactile feedback.
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 Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.
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 linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched experience, creating a sharp and crisp sound. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch also provides a clacky sound but adds a resonant note to the mix, leading to a clean and sharp auditory experience. Both switches cater to those who enjoy a percussive sound profile, with the Lightning Silver V3 leaning towards a brighter tone while the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a richer sound.
Moving on to the feel, both switches are described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This indicates that users can expect a fluid and seamless typing feel with either the Lightning Silver V3 or the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches. The impeccable factory lube job on the Strawberry Wine (V2) enhances this smoothness, adding to the overall typing satisfaction.
In conclusion, both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their unique sound signatures and silky feel. Whether you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound like the Lightning Silver V3 or enjoy the resonance added by the Strawberry Wine (V2), both switches provide a pleasant typing experience. Additionally, the light diffuser feature of the Lightning Silver V3 and the factory lube job of the Strawberry Wine (V2) contribute to enhancing the overall aesthetics and performance of these switches. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches would be a matter of personal preference in sound and slight nuances in feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with a medium bottom out force and a clacky, high-pitched sound signature, as well as a silky smooth typing experience, then the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, also enjoy a clacky sound profile but with a resonant touch, and appreciate impeccable factory lubrication for a silky smooth keystroke, then the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch would be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
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