Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Gateron Type L

Overview

When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron Type L mechanical keyboard switches, one can immediately notice their distinct characteristics. The Lightning Silver V3 is praised for its clacky, high-pitched sound signature and silky typing experience, while also featuring a light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Gateron Type L is celebrated for its neutral, subdued sound profile and feather-light actuation requiring only 45g to bottom out. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Everglide Lightning Silver V3 Linear

Gateron Type L Linear

$5.55

$4.10 per 10

$4.70 per 10

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Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron Type L, we can see that both switches have distinct characteristics based on their top and bottom housing materials. The Lightning Silver V3 features a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which creates a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Type L's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, they cater to different preferences in terms of keyboard aesthetics and typing experience.

When it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing mirrors the qualities of its top housing, providing a sharp and crisp sound profile. Conversely, the Type L's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound experience, enhancing the overall typing feel. The split between the top and bottom housing materials highlights how each component plays a crucial role in shaping the overall sound and feel of a keyboard switch. Users can choose between a sharper, more resonant sound with the Lightning Silver V3 or a deeper, fuller sound with the Gateron Type L based on their individual preferences.

Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron Type L aim to enhance the typing experience with their unique sound profiles. Whether it's the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper and fuller sound of nylon, each housing material offers a distinct typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile, feel, and aesthetics, but both switches promise a high-quality typing experience based on their housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch to the Gateron Type L linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, it is evident that the Type L is the lighter option. The Lightning Silver V3 has a medium actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Type L has a light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Type L may appeal to those who prefer a smoother typing experience and wish to reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 provides a slightly heavier typing experience, which may be favored by users seeking a more tactile and responsive feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

In comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch, we can see that the Lightning Silver V3 has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Type L's 4 mm. The difference may seem slight, but it can make a noticeable impact on the typing or gaming experience. The Lightning Silver V3 with its shorter travel distance may appeal to those who prefer faster response times, such as gamers looking for quick key presses. On the other hand, the Type L with its longer travel distance may be more suitable for individuals who appreciate a deeper key press sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound, providing a sharp, snappy, and crisp acoustic experience when typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Type L linear switch delivers a more neutral and subdued sound profile, veering towards the deeper end of the acoustic spectrum. Choosing between these switches would come down to personal preference for sound, whether you prefer a vibrant and lively tone with the Lightning Silver V3 or a more mellow and subtle sound with the Type L.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, offering minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys, enhancing the overall smoothness of typing. In contrast, the Gateron Type L switch is described as feathery and easy-to-press, requiring little exertion from your fingers and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. If you prioritize a smooth typing feel, the Lightning Silver V3 could be the ideal choice, while those who prefer a light and effortless typing experience may lean towards the Gateron Type L.

Considering all available information, both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and Gateron Type L linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lightning Silver V3 provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky typing experience, the Gateron Type L offers a more neutral and subdued sound with a feathery and easy-to-press feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel. Regardless of the decision, users can expect to achieve a satisfactory typing experience with either switch option.

Conclusion

In closing, when choosing between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound signature, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force and a clacky, high-pitched sound with a silky typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force, a more neutral or subdued sound profile, and a feathery or easy-to-press typing feel, the Gateron Type L is the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style to ensure the best keyboard switch experience for you.

Mentioned in this article

Everglide Lightning Silver V3 Linear

$5.55

$4.10 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Type L Linear

$4.70 per 10

Learn more