Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches for your typing experience, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HMX SU both have unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Lightning Silver V3, produced by Haimu, is celebrated for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, delivering a lively auditory experience alongside a silky typing feel. Its innovative light diffuser further enhances RGB effects, making it an excellent choice for gamers and enthusiasts looking to elevate their keyboard aesthetics. In contrast, the HMX SU offers a more understated auditory experience with its subtle, relatively deep sound profile, thanks to its robust PA12 housing and T5 stem. This makes the SU an ideal choice for those who prefer a quieter typing environment while still enjoying a smooth linear feel. Both switches have their merits, appealing to different types of users—whether you seek vibrant sounds and aesthetics or a more subdued experience. 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
50g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
T5
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HMX SU utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, which significantly affects their sound profiles and overall user experience. The Lightning Silver V3 features polycarbonate in both its top and bottom housings. This choice leads to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, characterized by clarity and resonance. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the sound quality produced during keystrokes, making it particularly suitable for RGB lighting applications due to its translucence. In contrast, the HMX SU incorporates nylon for both the top and bottom housings. Nylon, being a softer plastic, results in a deeper, fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and delivering a more muted and rounded auditory experience.
When we delve deeper into the impact of these materials on user interaction, the differences become even more pronounced. For the Lightning Silver V3, the clarity offered by the polycarbonate means that users will experience a distinctly crisp sound when the keys are released, while the bottom-out sound will also retain some higher registers, enhancing the overall typing experience. Conversely, the HMX SU's nylon construction means that users will experience a more subdued, softer sound when typing. The nylon material’s ability to absorb sound will make for a dampened typing experience, potentially appealing to those who prefer a quieter, less intrusive key press.
Despite these differences, both switches can yield satisfactory results depending on user preferences. While the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate housings provide a sharper auditory feedback that exemplifies evocativeness and brightness, the HMX SU’s nylon components deliver a warmer, more comforting sound. Users seeking vibrant RGB lighting effects may prefer the Lightning Silver V3 due to its clear housing, while those desiring a more muted ambiance might lean towards the HMX SU. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound quality and tactile feel rather than a definitive advantage of one over the other.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Lightning Silver V3 features an actuation force of 48 grams, which offers a medium level of resistance, while the HMX SU has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. In terms of bottom out force, the Lightning Silver V3 reaches 60 grams, again categorizing it as medium, while the HMX SU has a bottom out force of only 50 grams, confirming its lighter feel. Consequently, users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions might gravitate toward the HMX SU. Conversely, those who appreciate a firmer, more substantial typing experience will likely favor the Lightning Silver V3 due to its higher resistance. Therefore, the HMX SU is the lighter option, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is the heavier switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Lightning Silver V3 features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the shorter option, while the HMX SU has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is slightly longer. Gamers who prioritize quick response times may prefer the Lightning Silver V3 due to its shorter travel distance. However, for those who appreciate a more substantial feel and depth with their keystrokes, the HMX SU could be more appealing. Ultimately, if you favor responsiveness and a quicker actuation, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 would be the advisable choice. Conversely, if you prefer a deeper press, the HMX SU's longer travel distance may suit you better.
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 HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU 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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 offers a distinctively clacky and high-pitched audio signature that is sharp, bright, and percussive. This makes it particularly appealing for those who enjoy an audible typing experience that resonates with a crisp quality. On the other hand, the HMX SU linear switch provides a subtle and relatively deep sound profile, which may be less pronounced than the Lightning Silver V3. However, the softer sound of the SU may appeal to users seeking a quieter typing experience, making it ideal for quieter environments. Overall, while both switches exhibit differing sound characteristics, the Lightning Silver V3 is more suited for users who appreciate an engaging auditory feedback, whereas the SU serves those who prefer a more subdued sound.
When it comes to feel, the Lightning Silver V3 stands out for its silky smooth typing experience. This switch minimizes resistance during key presses and releases, allowing for seamless and efficient typing, which can be particularly beneficial for fast typists and gamers alike. In contrast, the feel of the HMX SU is not detailed, so it’s difficult to make a direct comparison. However, since the SU is a linear switch, it likely offers a smooth and consistent key press, albeit potentially lacking the enhanced smoothness that the Lightning Silver V3 provides.
In summary, both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and HMX SU linear switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Lightning Silver V3 is characterized by its clacky, high-pitched auditory feedback and silky smooth typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy an interactive and lively feel. Conversely, while the sound and feel of the HMX SU remain unspecified, its more subtle audio profile could suit users looking for a lower-volume keyboard experience. Ultimately, if you favor a rich sound profile and a smooth typing experience, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 would be the clear choice, while the HMX SU might appeal to users seeking a quieter and potentially less tactile input.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, your decision should be guided by your personal typing preferences and the overall experience you desire. If you appreciate a medium bottom-out force and enjoy a clacky, high-pitched sound profile, the Lightning Silver V3 would be an excellent choice for you. Its silky feel and vibrant RGB illumination make it particularly appealing for those seeking an immersive and visually striking typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force, which can provide a more effortless typing experience, opt for the HMX SU switch. Its subtle, deeper sound profile may resonate well with those who favor a more subdued auditory feedback while still ensuring a satisfying and engaging typing feel. Ultimately, both switches have their unique characteristics, so consider your typing style, sound preferences, and aesthetic desires to find the perfect match for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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