Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the TKC Tangerine mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 is lauded for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a seamless typing experience with a touch of vibrancy thanks to its light diffuser. On the other hand, the Tangerine boasts an incredibly smooth feel with its UHWMPE housings, creating a buttery and polished typing experience. While the Lightning Silver V3 is more geared towards those who enjoy a clacky sound and silky typing feel, the Tangerine appeals to individuals looking for a frictionless and high-pitched typing 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This material is especially beneficial for switches that use RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for the light to shine through, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine features a UHWMPE top housing, a newer material that provides a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks during typing. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate top housing of the Lightning Silver V3 may appeal to those looking for a clearer and more resonant typing experience, while the UHWMPE top housing of the Tangerine provides a distinct sound profile that may be preferred by users seeking a bright and resonant typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 again uses polycarbonate, creating a similar sharp and clear sound profile as seen in the top housing. This allows for a consistent sound and feel throughout the switch, providing a cohesive typing experience. In contrast, the TKC Tangerine utilizes a UHWMPE bottom housing, offering a bright sound signature with resonant clacks during typing. While both materials contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3 may provide a more uniform typing experience, while the UHWMPE bottom housing of the Tangerine adds a unique element to the typing sound.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the TKC Tangerine will depend on personal preferences for sound profiles and typing experiences. While both switches utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom components, they each offer distinct qualities that cater to specific preferences. Whether you prefer the sharp and clear sound of polycarbonate in the Lightning Silver V3 or the bright and resonant clacks of UHWMPE in the TKC Tangerine, both switches provide unique typing experiences that are sure to enhance your overall mechanical keyboard setup.
Weight
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has an actuation force of 48 grams, slightly lighter than the TKC Tangerine linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Lightning Silver V3 at 60 grams and the Tangerine at 62 grams. While the actuation force of the Tangerine is unknown, it is safe to assume that it would be similar to the Lightning Silver V3 in terms of being a lighter option for those who prefer less resistance while typing. On the other hand, the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Tangerine may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to individual preference in terms of typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the TKC Tangerine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Tangerine switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Lightning Silver V3. The longer travel distance of the Tangerine switch may provide a more substantial feel when typing, which can be preferred by some users. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Lightning Silver V3 may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, so choosing between them would depend on personal preference for travel distance.
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 TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30 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 best known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, giving a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch also produces a high-pitched clack when typing, offering a sharp and crisp sound profile. Both switches offer a similar high-pitched sound profile, so users can expect a comparable experience in terms of sound when using either switch, depending on other factors like keyboard and keycap choices.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is described as offering a silky typing experience, ensuring smooth and seamless keystrokes with minimal resistance. In contrast, the TKC Tangerine switch is known for its incredibly smooth feel, with each keystroke feeling like a pleasure to type due to the UHWMPE housings. Additionally, the Tangerine switch is described as providing a frictionless, buttery, and polished typing experience, emphasizing a fluid and effortless key travel. The Lightning Silver V3 switch, while not explicitly described as frictionless or buttery, also offers a smooth typing feel, ensuring a pleasant typing experience for users.
In conclusion, both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Lightning Silver V3 excels in providing a clacky and high-pitched sound along with a silky typing experience, the Tangerine stands out for its high-pitched clack and incredibly smooth feel with UHWMPE housings. Users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, depending on their personal sound and feel preferences, making them both viable options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a clacky and high-pitched sound signature that offers a silky typing experience with enhanced RGB illumination, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch that provides an incredibly smooth feel with UHWMPE housings and a high-pitched sound profile, then the TKC Tangerine linear switch could be the perfect fit for your typing needs. Consider your personal preferences for sound and feel when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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