Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Everglide Sunset Yellow mechanical keyboard switches, it's evident that both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 is praised for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a silky and seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switches boast a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, with a rich and bassy sound that enhances the typing experience. While the Lightning Silver V3 is more 'clacky' and 'high-pitched', the Sunset Yellow is 'bassy', 'creamy', 'frictionless', 'polished', and 'thocky'. Each switch has its own benefits depending on what you value in a mechanical keyboard switch. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 features a polycarbonate top housing, which gives it a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, creating a clear and resonant sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound profile. This creates a unique auditory experience that differs from the Lightning Silver V3.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and Sunset Yellow also differ in material. The Lightning Silver V3 has a polycarbonate bottom housing, which offers similar qualities as the top housing - a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material contributes to the overall sound and feel of the switch when pressed down. Conversely, the Sunset Yellow utilizes a POM bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile when compared to the Lightning Silver V3. This difference in housing material influences the tactile experience of typing on the keyboard.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Everglide Sunset Yellow, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The polycarbonate housing of the Lightning Silver V3 provides a sharper and higher-pitched sound, while the POM housing of the Sunset Yellow creates a deeper and more muted sound. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with more resonance or a more subdued and unique auditory experience, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with their respective housing materials. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in sound profile and tactile feel.
Weight
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switches both fall within the medium actuation force range. The Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly higher actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Sunset Yellow's 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lightning Silver V3 requires 60 grams, making it heavier than the Sunset Yellow's 51 grams. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Lightning Silver V3 offering a more substantial push feel due to its heavier bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Sunset Yellow for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force, with the Lightning Silver V3 leaning towards a heavier feel and the Sunset Yellow offering a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches are considered to have shorter travel distances compared to the more traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Sunset Yellow for faster response times, while those seeking a more tactile feel may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Lightning Silver V3. Overall, both switches offer a shorter travel distance compared to traditional switches, providing a quicker typing experience for users.
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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 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 linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offers a rich, bassy tone reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, creating a deep and satisfying sound during key presses. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Lightning Silver V3 delivering a brighter and more percussive sound, while the Sunset Yellow provides a deeper and more indulgent auditory experience. Depending on your preference for sound, you can choose between the clacky and high-pitched profile of the Lightning Silver V3 or the bassy and thocky profile of the Sunset Yellow.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Conversely, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch is characterized as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing sensation that feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys with each keystroke. Additionally, the Sunset Yellow switch also offers a frictionless and polished feel, further enhancing the overall typing experience with fluid key travel and reduced friction. Whether you prefer a silky smooth typing experience like the Lightning Silver V3 or a creamy and frictionless feel like the Sunset Yellow, both switches offer a premium tactile sensation that enhances your typing efficiency and comfort.
In conclusion, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and Sunset Yellow linear switches both offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lightning Silver V3 provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing experience, while the Sunset Yellow delivers a bassy and indulgent sound with a creamy and frictionless feel. Depending on your sound and feel preferences, you can choose between the sharp and crisp profile of the Lightning Silver V3 or the rich and buttery profile of the Sunset Yellow. Ultimately, both switches offer exceptional performance and tactile feedback that cater to a wide range of users, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile that offers a silky typing experience and enhanced RGB illumination, then the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a rich, bassy sound profile that offers a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance, then the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch would be a great choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. It's all about finding the switch that best suits your individual needs and preferences.
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