Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Bsun Tomcat offer distinct yet appealing options for different typing preferences. The Lightning Silver V3, produced by Haimu, is celebrated for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a lively auditory experience that many users find satisfying. In addition to a silky typing feel, these switches boast a unique light diffuser that enhances RGB illumination, making them a fantastic choice for those who appreciate vibrant keyboard aesthetics. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat focuses on delivering a super smooth typing experience, characterized by its Ly stems. While it offers a resonant sound profile, it tends towards a quieter operation compared to the Lightning Silver V3, making it a favorable option for those who prioritize a more subdued auditory feedback during their typing sessions. Both switches cater to different tactile and acoustic preferences, 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
54g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 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
Ly
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
Extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Bsun Tomcat exhibit both similarities and differences that significantly affect their sound profiles and performance. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which is a notable factor that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffness allows for clearer resonance, making it suitable not only for providing a vibrant auditory experience but also for enhancing the visual appeal when used with RGB lighting. The translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing ensures that RGB effects are beautifully highlighted, giving both switches a similar aesthetic quality and sound profile that appeal to lighting enthusiasts and gamers alike.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the two switches diverges significantly, leading to differing auditory experiences when typing. The Lightning Silver V3 employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which continues the trend of crisper sounds established by the top material. This results in a more uniform sound profile where the clarity and resonant qualities of the polycarbonate dominate the overall auditory experience. Conversely, the Tomcat features a nylon bottom housing, known for its softer characteristics that absorb sound more effectively. This creates a deeper, fuller sound profile, as the nylon material dampens the higher frequencies and results in a rounder auditory experience. As such, users can expect a marked difference in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing the Tomcat compared to the Lightning Silver V3.
The distinct characteristics of each switch housing material shape how users perceive sound and feel during gameplay or typing. While both switches share polycarbonate for their top housing, the differentiation of the bottom housings influences their overall performance. The Lightning Silver V3 delivers a consistent and clear sound profile through both top and bottom polycarbonate, whereas the Tomcat's nylon bottom housing introduces a softer depth to the sound experience. As a result, the Lightning Silver V3 is suited for users seeking a bright and sharp auditory experience, while the Tomcat caters to those who prefer a more subdued and fuller sound. Users aware of these differences can choose their switch based on the auditory characteristics they prioritize, ultimately enhancing their typing or gaming experience accordingly.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lightning Silver V3 requires an actuation force of 48 grams and has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Tomcat exhibits a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams. This means that the Tomcat is the lighter switch overall, which can be advantageous for users seeking a less strenuous typing experience over extended periods. Conversely, the Lightning Silver V3, being slightly heavier, provides a more substantial push feel, appealing to those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-light categories, meaning they are designed for comfortable typing with some variance in force preference, allowing users to choose based on their typing habits and style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, the Lightning Silver V3 has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Tomcat measures 3.6 mm. This means that the Lightning Silver V3 is the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that many gamers prefer for quicker key presses. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat's 3.6 mm travel distance provides a slightly deeper keypress, which may appeal to those who enjoy a more solid and traditional typing experience. If you gravitate toward a shorter travel distance for enhanced response times, the Lightning Silver V3 would be the ideal choice. However, if you prefer a more pronounced depth in your keystrokes, the Tomcat would be better suited to your tastes.
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 Bsun Tomcat comes in at $2.99 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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 stands out with its clacky and high-pitched sound signature. This switch produces a sharp and snappy auditory response, which can be quite satisfying for users who appreciate a bright and percussive typing experience. The sound profile makes it ideal for those who prefer a more lively interaction with their keyboard. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, while known for its Ly stems providing a super smooth experience, is noted to have a resonant sound profile. This suggests that the Tomcat produces a different auditory experience, potentially less clacky and more even-toned than the Lightning Silver V3, although specifics on its sound characteristics are less defined.
In terms of feel, the Lightning Silver V3 provides a silky, seamless typing experience, which is enhanced by its unique construction. This smooth actuation allows for effortless keystrokes, making it a pleasure to type on for extended periods. The Tomcat, with its Ly stems, is also designed for smoothness, which indicates that users can expect a fluid motion and an enjoyable tactile feedback without any stuttering or resistance. While the specific tactile sensations of each switch may differ slightly, both appear to prioritize a smooth typing experience, offering comfort and ease of use.
In conclusion, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Bsun Tomcat linear switches cater to different preferences, particularly in sound, with the former leaning towards a more vibrant and clacky experience, while the latter offers a smoother and potentially more muted auditory signature. On the feel front, both switches prioritize a seamless typing experience, ensuring that users will find pleasure in their keyboard interactions. Whether you prefer the bright and snappy nature of the Lightning Silver V3 or the smooth operation of the Tomcat, each switch has its strengths and can deliver an enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, consider your personal preferences and intended use. If you favor a medium actuation force with a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, the Lightning Silver V3 is an excellent choice. Its vibrant light diffuser enhances RGB effects, making it ideal for gamers or users who enjoy a visually striking setup alongside an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a super smooth typing experience, the Bsun Tomcat, with its 54g bottom out force and resonant sound profile, may be more appealing. This switch is particularly suited for typists who prioritize a fluid keystroke without the noisier feedback of the Lightning Silver V3. Ultimately, your choice should hinge on whether you value auditory feedback and lighting effects, or seek a smooth and subdued typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
