Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the smooth, high-energy experience of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the refined tactile feedback of the Gazzew U4Tx RGB. The Lightning Silver V3, a linear switch crafted by Haimu, is celebrated for its clacky, high-pitched sound signature and silky typing feel, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists seeking an exhilarating experience. Moreover, its unique light diffuser enhances RGB illumination, adding vibrancy to any keyboard setup. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB stands out as a tactile switch that delivers a satisfying "thock" sound and a distinct tactile bump, offering a luxurious typing experience without sacrificing quietness. This makes the U4Tx RGB a favored option for those who appreciate a more refined auditory and tactile feedback. Each switch caters to different preferences; whether you crave a smooth and spirited typing experience or a tactile and refined one, the choice ultimately depends on your personal style and use case. 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

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$5.55

$4.10 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches present two distinct approaches to housing materials, which directly influence their acoustic characteristics and aesthetic versatility. The Lightning Silver V3 utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. This choice promotes a sound profile that is sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper, making it particularly appealing to users who enjoy a clear and resonant auditory experience. The translucency of polycarbonate serves an additional purpose, enhancing the effectiveness of RGB lighting within the switch; the light can pass through the housing with clarity, creating vibrant visual effects. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB emphasizes a proprietary "boba plastic" blend for both its top and bottom housings. While this material is softer than polycarbonate, it offers a rich and deep sound profile, which reflects a more subdued auditory experience.

When it comes to the design of these two switches, the differences in housing materials contribute to how the switches interact with RGB lighting and overall aesthetic appeal. The Lightning Silver V3's transparent polycarbonate allows for an unmatched brilliance in RGB display, making it ideal for users seeking a visually striking setup. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB's boba plastic blend, while not transparent, offers other unique benefits—its softer material allows for a smoother, less jarring keystroke sound, leading to a more tactile feedback experience during key presses. While both switches prioritize an attractive appearance in the context of RGB lighting, the contrasting materials create differing visual and auditory experiences.

Ultimately, the fact that the top and bottom housings differ in material for each switch results in distinct auditory sensations when users depress and release the keys. The sharper, more resonant sound produced by the polycarbonate components in the Lightning Silver V3 will likely be more apparent at the release point, while the deeper, richer sound from the U4Tx RGB will be felt and heard during the bottom-out phase. However, if users desire the results in terms of RGB performance, they could still achieve pleasing lighting effects with either switch due to the quality of construction and designed compatibility with RGB setups—albeit with differing sound characteristics and tactile feedback.

Weight

When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight their distinct characteristics. The Lightning Silver V3 has a defined actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight option that caters to those who enjoy a moderately lighter typing feel. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB features an unspecified actuation force but has a bottom out force of 65 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. This means the U4Tx is heavier overall, delivering a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer. Therefore, while the Lightning Silver V3 is lighter and may suit those who type for extended periods, the Gazzew U4Tx can provide a firmer response for those looking for a stronger tactile feedback. Overall, these switches serve different preferences in typing feel, with the Lightning Silver facilitating long sessions through its lighter actuation force, while the U4Tx caters to those who appreciate more resistance.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, the differences are clear. The Lightning Silver V3 features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the shorter option, while the U4Tx RGB has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, or the longer option. For those who prefer faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Lightning Silver V3 may be more appealing, as shorter distances are favored by gamers seeking quicker key actuations. Conversely, the U4Tx RGB’s longer travel distance may be more satisfying for users who enjoy a deeper keystroke and a more pronounced tactile feedback, especially since it falls closer to the traditional 4.0 mm range. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize speed or depth in your typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch has a distinctive clacky and high-pitched sound signature that produces a sharp and bright auditory feedback, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more lively typing atmosphere. This sound profile contributes to a crisp and percussive experience, ensuring that each keystroke is felt and heard clearly. The Gazzew U4Tx RGB, however, offers a more subdued auditory experience with its refined "thock" sound when bottoming out, accompanied by a quieter topping out. While the U4Tx's sound might not reach the same level of brightness and sharpness as the Lightning Silver V3, it provides a rich and deep auditory experience that some might prefer for its subtlety and depth. Both switches have unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so your experience may vary significantly based on your choice of board and keycaps.

When considering the feel of these switches, the Lightning Silver V3 boasts a silky smooth typing experience with minimal resistance, allowing for seamless key presses that enhance overall typing velocity and comfort. This smoothness is particularly appealing to those who prioritize rapid input without the drag often associated with less refined switches. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB combines a subtle tactile bump with a plush bottom-out feel, providing a luxurious typing experience that is satisfying yet distinctively different. While the Lightning Silver V3 emphasizes a pure smoothness, the U4Tx introduces a tactile element that users may appreciate for its feedback during typing. Ultimately, the choice here comes down to whether you prefer a silky experience or one with tactile engagement.

In conclusion, both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Lightning Silver V3 distinguishes itself with its high-pitched and clacky sound, coupled with a smooth typing experience that enhances seamlessness and speed. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB offers a deep thock and tactile feedback, making it perfect for users who enjoy a rich auditory depth and defined tactile sensations. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you lean towards the vibrant auditory feedback and slick feel of the Lightning Silver V3 or the luxurious thock and tactile presence offered by the U4Tx RGB. Each switch presents a unique experience, ensuring that there's an option for every keyboard enthusiast's preference.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard experience. If you favor a smoother, lighter touch with a distinct clack and desire an engaging RGB setup, the Lightning Silver V3 is an excellent choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams allows for rapid key presses, making it ideally suited for gaming or fast-paced typing where speed is essential. The added vibrancy of its light diffuser complements its high-pitched, clacky sound signature, perfect for those who appreciate auditory feedback in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you lean toward a more nuanced typing experience characterized by a tactile bump and a heavier bottom-out force of 65 grams, the U4Tx RGB is likely the better option for you. Its deep thock sound when bottoming out provides a satisfying auditory feedback, while the quiet topping out ensures minimal distraction, making it well-suited for office environments or quieter settings. In essence, your choice should reflect whether you seek the agility and liveliness of the Lightning Silver V3 or the richness and refined tactile response of the U4Tx RGB.

Mentioned in this article

Everglide Lightning Silver V3 Linear

$5.55

$4.10 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more