Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HMX Twilight stand out as two compelling linear options that cater to different preferences in typing experience and sound aesthetics. The Lightning Silver V3 is celebrated for its clacky, high-pitched sound signature and silky smooth strokes, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a more expressive audio feedback while typing or gaming. Additionally, its innovative light diffuser enhances RGB illumination, adding a vibrant flourish to any setup. In contrast, the HMX Twilight boasts an extended 3.85mm travel distance, providing a slightly quieter typing experience without sacrificing the signature clacky feel characteristic of HMX switches. This switch may appeal to users who prefer a more subdued sound profile while still enjoying a satisfying keypress. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding auditory feedback and travel distance. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.85 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
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HMX Twilight, one can immediately observe a significant difference in their top housings. The Lightning Silver V3 utilizes polycarbonate, a material known for its stiffness, which contributes to producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This quality can enhance the clarity and resonance of each keypress, making it more responsive and bright, particularly when coupled with RGB lighting due to its translucent nature. In contrast, the Twilight opts for a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its softer texture that absorbs sound. This leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile, providing a more muted and rounder auditory experience that may be preferred by those seeking a different tactile sensation while typing. Thus, while the Lightning Silver V3 may appeal to users who favor a crisper sound output, the Twilight’s housing caters to those looking for a more subdued auditory feedback.
Examining the bottom housing materials further accentuates these distinctions. The Lightning Silver V3 also features a polycarbonate bottom housing, ensuring it maintains the same clear and resonant characteristics found in its top section. This unified material choice results in an overall sharper sound profile, as both the bottom and top housings work together to enhance the clarity of each keystroke. On the other hand, the Twilight's nylon bottom housing solidifies the switch's auditory quality, reinforcing the deeper sound fostered by the top housing. This combination results in a cohesive experience where the bottom-out feel and sound remain consistent with the muted characteristics defined by the softer nylon material.
Ultimately, while the differences in housing materials lead to distinct sound profiles, users can still achieve satisfying results based on their preferences. Those who prefer the crisper, brighter auditory feedback can enjoy the synchronicity of the polycarbonate used in both halves of the Lightning Silver V3. Conversely, users of the HMX Twilight will appreciate a fuller and more resonant sound from the integration of nylon in both top and bottom housings, creating a more pronounced sensory experience. Therefore, regardless of the chosen switches, each housing material's influence on the resulting sound profile offers a unique typing experience, catering to a broad spectrum of ergonomic and auditory preferences among typists and gamers alike.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch to the HMX Twilight linear switch, we observe distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Lightning Silver V3 features an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium force switch. In contrast, the HMX Twilight has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. This means that users who favor lighter switches for extended typing sessions or gaming would likely prefer the HMX Twilight, as it requires less effort to actuate and bottom out. Conversely, those who appreciate a stronger push feel will find the Lightning Silver V3 more suitable, as its higher forces provide a more substantial tactile experience. Overall, the choice between these two switches will depend on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out forces, with the Twilight being the lighter alternative and the Lightning Silver V3 offering a bit more resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, it's clear that the two switches cater to different preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, whereas the Twilight switch has a longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. This means that users opting for the Lightning Silver V3 can expect a more responsive feel, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker reaction times. In contrast, the HMX Twilight provides a more pronounced travel experience, suitable for those who prefer a deeper, more substantial keypress. Thus, if you are looking for a switch with shorter travel for agility, the Lightning Silver V3 is the better choice, while the Twilight is preferable for a fuller typing experience.
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 Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight 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
The sound characteristics of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 are distinctively clacky and high-pitched, providing a sharp and bright auditory feedback with each keystroke. This makes for a lively typing experience that is likely to satisfy users who appreciate an assertive sound profile. The sharpness and crispness contribute to a more percussive feel, engaging typists in a satisfying auditory experience. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch offers a quieter typing experience, although it still retains some of the clacky essence that HMX switches are known for. With a slightly extended travel distance of 3.85mm, it manages to dampen sound without sacrificing responsiveness, appealing to those who prefer a less pronounced auditory feedback during their typing sessions.
When it comes to feel, the Lightning Silver V3 excels with its silky smooth action, allowing for an exceptionally seamless and enjoyable typing experience. This smoothness minimizes any resistance that might slow down or disrupt your typing flow, which is particularly beneficial for gamers or fast typists seeking speed and accuracy. Unfortunately, the tactile experience of the HMX Twilight is currently unknown, so it’s challenging to make a direct comparison in this regard. However, if the Twilight shares similar design philosophies, it may also provide a satisfying feel, albeit perhaps with a different character due to its unique travel distance.
In summary, if you prioritize a loud, engaging sound, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is likely your best bet, thanks to its clacky and high-pitched qualities. If a quieter yet still responsive typing experience is more your style, the HMX Twilight might be the switch for you, especially with its extended travel distance. While both switches offer their unique qualities, they cater to different preferences in sound and potentially feel. Ultimately, your choice may boil down to whether you prioritize auditory feedback or a smooth typing action—both can provide enjoyable experiences depending on your preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HMX Twilight linear switches largely depends on your personal typing preferences and the overall experience you seek. If you enjoy a more robust keystroke with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, and appreciate a clacky, high-pitched sound that brings a lively ambiance to your typing environment, then the Lightning Silver V3 is likely your best option. Its silky feel enhances the typing experience, making it particularly suitable for users who type for extended periods or require a tactile engagement. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a 50-gram bottom-out force and a quieter operation while still enjoying some clackiness, the HMX Twilight could be ideal for you. Its extended travel distance contributes to a different feel in the typing experience, perfect for those who favor a subtle, less intrusive sound profile. Ultimately, it comes down to whether you prioritize a vibrant auditory feedback and a silky experience or a lighter actuation with a more subdued sound ambiance.
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