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Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Gazzew U4

An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, a linear switch, to the Gazzew U4, a tactile switch, there are distinct differences that cater to different preferences in typing experience. The Lightning Silver V3 is praised for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a smooth typing feel with the added bonus of a light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 offers a silent tactile experience with a sharp tactile bump and a plush bottom-out sensation, all while maintaining a whisper-quiet sound profile. Each switch has its own unique qualities that appeal to different users depending on their typing 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

62g

Pre-travel

1.50 mm

Pre-travel

N/A

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

POM

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Top housing material

Proprietary Gazzew blend

Bottom housing material

Polycarbonate

Bottom housing material

Proprietary Gazzew blend

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Lengthened gold-plated spring

Spring

Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring

Housing materials

The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 uses polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Due to its stiffness, polycarbonate creates a clear and resonant sound, making it perfect for those looking for a more defined typing experience. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the keyboard. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 utilizes a proprietary blend of plastic for both its top and bottom housing, known as "boba plastic." This softer material delivers a rich and deep sound profile, providing a more cushioned typing experience.

While both switches have distinct housing materials, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and Gazzew U4 each offer unique benefits. The polycarbonate top housing of the Lightning Silver V3 gives it a crisper sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a sharper typing sound. In contrast, the U4's Gazzew blend top housing offers a deeper and more muffled sound, appealing to those looking for a softer typing experience. Additionally, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3 contributes to its overall sound profile and feel, while the Gazzew blend bottom housing of the U4 adds to its cushioned bottom-out sound.

In summary, the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gazzew U4 play a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing feel of each switch. While both switches excel in different aspects, with the Lightning Silver V3 providing a crisper sound and clearer typing experience, and the Gazzew U4 offering a deeper and softer typing feel, both are designed to enhance the overall keyboarding experience. Whether you prefer a sharper, more resonant sound or a softer, more cushioned typing feel, both switches offer premium housing materials that cater to a variety of typing preferences.

Weight

The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch both fall under the medium weight category in terms of actuation and bottom out force. The Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly higher actuation force of 48 grams compared to the U4's 45 grams, but a lower bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the U4's 62 grams. This means that while the Lightning Silver V3 may require a bit more force to initially trigger a keystroke, it will provide a slightly lighter typing experience overall in comparison to the U4. Both switches offer a balance between lightness and heaviness, catering to those who prefer a moderate typing experience. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out force from both switches, making them suitable choices for individuals who value consistency in their typing experience.

Travel distance

The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the U4 offers a slightly longer keystroke experience compared to the Lightning Silver V3. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their quick response times. However, those who prefer a more substantial key press may find the U4 to be more satisfying due to its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key feel and responsiveness.

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 Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50 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 characteristics, producing sharp and bright sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offers a muted and low-pitched sound profile, creating a softer and more bass-heavy tone that is whisper quiet. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference for sound, with the Lightning Silver V3 providing a more pronounced and crisp auditory feedback, while the U4 offers a more subtle and gentle typing experience in terms of sound.

Moving on to feel, the Lightning Silver V3 switch is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, offering minimal resistance and enhancing overall typing smoothness. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch boasts a sharp and intense tactile bump with each keypress, providing a distinct and crisp feedback sensation. Those who prefer a smoother typing experience may lean towards the Lightning Silver V3, while individuals seeking a more pronounced tactile feedback might find the Gazzew U4 to be more satisfying.

In conclusion, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offer contrasting subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lightning Silver V3 delivers a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the Gazzew U4 provides a muted and low-pitched sound profile with a sharp tactile feedback. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would come down to personal preference for sound and feel, and both switches are capable of providing a satisfying typing experience based on individual preferences.

Conclusion

To wrap up, if you are seeking a switch with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, as well as a silky typing experience, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a muted and low-pitched sound profile, along with a sharp and intense tactile bump, then the Gazzew U4 tactile switch would be more suited to your preferences. Consider the type of typing experience and sound profile you desire when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal preferences and typing style to ensure a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.

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