Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gazzew U4Tx mechanical keyboard switches, you will find yourself considering two distinct experiences. The Lightning Silver V3 offers a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a silky typing experience with enhanced RGB illumination thanks to its light diffuser. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switches provide a cleaner, refined sound profile with a deep "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet topping out experience, offering a sharp tactile bump for a luxurious typing experience. While the Lightning Silver V3 is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', and 'Silky', the U4Tx is categorized as 'Bassy', 'Muted', and 'Sharp'. Each switch has its own unique features and qualities that may appeal to different 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Partial box
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 Korean spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the illumination to shine through. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, known as "boba plastic," offers a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. While the Lightning Silver V3 produces a clearer and resonant sound, the U4Tx provides a more mellow and soothing auditory experience.
The bottom housings of the Lightning Silver V3 and the Gazzew U4Tx differ in material as well. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3 contributes to its sharp and crisp sound profile, much like the top housing. Conversely, the U4Tx's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing adds to its rich and deep sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience with its softness. This highlights how the choice of housing material can impact the sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch, catering to different preferences and needs in the typing community.
When the top and bottom housings of a switch are made of different materials, their unique qualities are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. This means that the bottom housing material will influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key, while the top housing material will affect the sound when releasing the key. Whether it's the sharpness of polycarbonate in the Lightning Silver V3 or the depth of the Gazzew blend in the U4Tx, each housing material brings its own characteristics to the typing experience, offering a diverse range of options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts to choose from.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it is evident that the Lightning Silver V3 is the lighter option with an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, both of which fall into the medium range. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, also considered medium. Despite the difference in actuation force, both switches offer a similar bottom out force, providing users with a consistent experience regardless of the initial force required to trigger a keystroke. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Lightning Silver V3, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Gazzew U4Tx.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the U4Tx being slightly longer. Gamers might prefer the Lightning Silver V3 for its slightly shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times during intense gameplay. On the other hand, the U4Tx offers a bit more depth, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more deliberate key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired 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 Gazzew U4Tx 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 comparing the sound qualities of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gazzew U4Tx switches, it is clear that they offer distinct auditory experiences. The Lightning Silver V3 is characterized by a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing users with a crisp and bright typing sound. On the other hand, the U4Tx switches boast a bassy and muted sound, creating a deeper and quieter typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences - whether you prefer a sharper, more percussive sound or a softer, more subtle typing noise.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Lightning Silver V3 is known for its silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall typing comfort. In contrast, the U4Tx switches offer a sharp tactile bump with high feedback intensity, providing a distinctly satisfying tactile response with each keypress. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between the smoothness of the Lightning Silver V3 or the pronounced tactility of the U4Tx switches to find the typing feel that best suits their needs.
In conclusion, when considering both the sound and feel of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gazzew U4Tx switches, it is evident that they offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing experience, while the U4Tx switches deliver a bassy and muted sound with a sharp tactile bump. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch option, depending on whether they prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both in their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for 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 a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a deep, resonant "thock" sound when bottoming out, coupled with a whisper-quiet topping out sound and a sharp tactile bump, then the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch would suit your preferences better. Consider your sound and typing feel preferences when making a decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your personal typing style and preferences.
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