Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and Jwick Taro stand out as distinctive options. The Lightning Silver V3 Linear switch boasts a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a seamless typing experience with its silky feel. Additionally, its light diffuser enhances RGB illumination for a vibrant touch to any keyboard setup. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro Tactile switch offers a cozy typing experience with a snappy, medium-level of tactility and acute, crisp clacks. While the Lightning Silver V3 is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', and 'Silky', the Taro is labeled as 'Neutral', 'Buttery', and 'Stepped'. Both switches have their merits, but diving deeper beyond generalities will help you determine which switch best suits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Jwick Taro both feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, as it allows for the light to shine through the housing. In contrast, the Taro's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer material that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Although both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, the Lightning Silver V3 differs from the Taro in that it also has a polycarbonate bottom housing. This means that the qualities of polycarbonate, such as a sharper sound profile and translucency, are present in both the top and bottom of the switch. On the other hand, the Taro's nylon bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, as nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials contributes to the overall sound profile and typing experience of each switch.
Overall, both the Lightning Silver V3 and the Jwick Taro offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences due to their housing materials. While the polycarbonate top housings create a sharp and clear sound, the differences in bottom housing material, with the Lightning Silver V3 using polycarbonate and the Taro using nylon, result in distinct sound profiles when typing on the switches. The choice between these switches will ultimately depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetic considerations like RGB lighting compatibility.
Weight
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch both fall within the medium range when it comes to actuation force, with the Lightning Silver V3 requiring 48 grams and the Taro having an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Taro is on the heavier side with 67 grams compared to the Lightning Silver V3's 60 grams. This means that the Taro will provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Lightning Silver V3 may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it is clear that the Lightning Silver V3 has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Taro's 3.7 mm. For those seeking a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the preferred choice due to its shorter travel distance. However, individuals who prefer a deeper key press may find the Taro switch more satisfying with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer unique benefits, and individuals can expect similar results in terms of performance despite the slight difference in 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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 sound profile, producing sharp and snappy noises with a bright and percussive quality. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, offering a moderate level of sound that is suitable for a variety of preferences. The difference in sound between these two switches is significant, with the Lightning Silver V3 providing a more distinct and lively typing experience compared to the more understated sound of the Taro.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is known for its silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance and offering an exceptionally smooth feel with each keystroke. In contrast, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is described as buttery, providing a seamless and fluid typing sensation. Additionally, the Taro switch offers a stepped tactile feel, providing a more subtle tactile feedback compared to some other tactile switches. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, but the Lightning Silver V3 emphasizes smoothness while the Taro focuses on a fluid and uniform sensation.
Overall, when choosing between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. If you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile with a buttery and stepped tactile feel for a comfortable typing experience, the Jwick Taro switch may be more suitable. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, showcasing the variety and versatility within the world of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a sharp and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a snappy tactile feedback with a cozy and neutral sound profile, the Taro switch might better suit your preferences. Consider your typing preferences, whether you prefer a linear or tactile feel, and your preferred sound profile when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences and needs.
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