Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gazzew U4T stand out as popular options with distinctive characteristics. The Lightning Silver V3 is favored for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, offering a smooth and seamless typing experience. With a unique light diffuser feature for enhanced RGB illumination, it adds a vibrant touch to any setup. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T is known for its harmonious blend of thockiness and sharp tactility, producing a bassy 'thock' sound profile and delivering assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke. While both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, diving deeper into their individual attributes will help you make the best decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
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 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gazzew U4T, we see that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Lightning Silver V3 features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness that leads to a clear and resonant sound profile, especially beneficial for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the U4T uses a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, which delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Despite their differences, both materials aim to enhance the overall sound experience of the switch.
Moving on to the bottom housings of the switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 continues the use of polycarbonate material, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile similar to its top housing. The Gazzew U4T, however, employs a proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, known for delivering a deep sound profile due to its soft nature. This contrast in materials between the bottom housing of the two switches highlights how different materials can impact the sound and feel of a switch when pressed down.
In conclusion, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gazzew U4T utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, both switches focus on enhancing the sound profile through their unique material choices. Whether it be the stiffness of polycarbonate in the Lightning Silver V3 or the softness of the Gazzew blend in the U4T, each housing material contributes to the overall typing experience in distinct ways. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide a satisfying sound and feel when used, demonstrating the importance of housing materials in the design and functionality of mechanical switches.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, we can see some differences in weight. The Lightning Silver V3 has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the U4T has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This makes the U4T slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force. The actuation force of the Lightning Silver V3 provides a medium feel, while the U4T falls into the medium-heavy category. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the better choice, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the U4T for its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it is evident that the Lightning Silver V3 has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the U4T's 4 mm. This means that the Lightning Silver V3 will provide a slightly quicker key press response due to its shorter distance. However, the U4T offers a slightly deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key press feel and responsiveness. If a faster response time is desired, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the preferable option, while those who prefer a deeper key press may lean towards the Gazzew U4T.
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 U4T 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
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is renowned for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, offering a sharp and crisp auditory experience with each key press. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T provides a bassy 'thock' sound, delivering a deeper and richer tone during typing. When it comes to feel, the Lightning Silver V3 is characterized by its silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance for effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T features a sharp tactile bump, providing a distinct and intense feedback with every keypress. Overall, while the Lightning Silver V3 emphasizes a seamless and vibrant typing experience with its light diffuser for RGB illumination, the Gazzew U4T focuses on delivering a satisfying blend of thockiness and sharp tactility. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, either switch offers a unique and enjoyable typing experience, ensuring that newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards will find similar levels of satisfaction in their respective qualities.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a clacky and high-pitched sound signature with a smooth typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a bassy 'thock' sound profile paired with assertive tactile feedback, the Gazzew U4T would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value the sound and feel characteristics of the switches, so choose the one that aligns with your preferences for an enjoyable typing experience.
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