Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Gateron Type A
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron Type A switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron Type A, both linear switches. The Lightning Silver V3 stands out for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, offering a silky typing experience with a unique light diffuser feature for enhanced RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A from Sillyworks' "Project Rehash" offers a different experience with a sound signature leaning towards the deeper side of the spectrum, making it a great choice for those looking for a medium-weight 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron Type A, we see a stark difference in the materials used. The Lightning Silver V3 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Type A features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both materials have their advantages, the choice between polycarbonate and nylon will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound profile.
Furthermore, looking at the bottom housing materials of the Lightning Silver V3 and Type A, we again see a contrast in properties. The Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing shares the same characteristics as its top housing, providing a sharp and clear sound profile. In contrast, the Type A's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The impact of the bottom housing can be felt when pressing down on the switch, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will affect the sound when releasing a key. This difference in materials showcases how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the overall typing experience.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron Type A, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their respective materials. While the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate top and bottom housings create a sharper and more resonant sound, the Gateron Type A's nylon housings produce a deeper and fuller sound. It's important to consider how each material affects the typing experience, with polycarbonate providing a crisper sound and nylon offering a more muffled tone. Overall, both switches are designed to cater to different sound preferences, ensuring that users can find the right fit for their typing needs.
Weight
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Gateron Type A's 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lightning Silver V3 requires a heavier 60 grams of force compared to the Type A's 55 grams. This means that the Type A switch provides a slightly lighter overall typing experience, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 switch offers a more substantial typing feel due to its higher bottom out force. Both switches fall into the medium to medium-light category, providing a balance between responsiveness and comfort. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for typing feel and the desired level of force required for key presses.
Travel distance
In comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch, it is evident that the Lightning Silver V3 has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Type A's 4 mm. The Lightning Silver V3 offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A provides a slightly deeper key press with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shorter or longer 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 Gateron Type A comes in at $4.70 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 linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, producing sharp, snappy sounds with a bright and percussive quality. In contrast, the Gateron Type A linear switch offers a more neutral and subdued sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for various environments. Factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps will also influence the sound produced by these switches.
Moving on to feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, offering minimal resistance and a seamless feel when pressing and releasing keys. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available regarding the tactile feel of the Gateron Type A linear switch. However, based on the information provided, the Everglide switch seems to offer a more pronounced tactile experience compared to the Gateron Type A.
In conclusion, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and Gateron Type A linear switches each have their own unique sound and feel characteristics. If you prefer a clacky, high-pitched sound and a silky smooth typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 is the way to go. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more neutral, subdued sound profile and prefer a switch with a moderate actuation force, the Gateron Type A might be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel when typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and enjoy a clacky, high-pitched sound profile, then the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 would be the ideal choice for you. The unique light diffuser feature also enhances RGB illumination, adding a vibrant touch to your keyboard setup. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force and a more neutral, subdued sound profile, the Gateron Type A would be a better fit for you. Its factory lubing techniques provide a smooth typing experience, making it a great compromise for those seeking a medium-weight switch. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preferences for sound, feel, and bottom out force.
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