Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, it's important to understand their unique characteristics and qualities. The Lightning Silver V3 is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, offering a silky typing experience with added RGB illumination through its light diffuser. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out with its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the use of POK in both the stem and bottom housing. While both switches have high-pitched sound profiles, the Lightning Silver V3 leans towards a more seamless typing experience, while the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a buttery and marbly sensation. Each switch caters to different preferences and typing styles, so choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, both switches feature unique properties that contribute to their sound profiles. The Lightning Silver V3 utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile with a clear and resonant tone. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch incorporates a proprietary KTT blend for the top housing and a POK material for the bottom housing. While the KTT blend offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, the POK material provides a smooth and durable construction, enhancing the overall feel of the switch.
The choice of housing materials in the Lightning Silver V3 and the Vanilla Ice Cream switches also affects their aesthetics and functionality. Polycarbonate, used in both the top and bottom housings of the Lightning Silver V3, is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. This material not only enhances the visual appeal of the switch but also contributes to its distinct sound profile. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch's POK bottom housing boasts exceptional durability and smoothness, making it a top choice for those looking for a reliable and clacky typing experience.
While the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches may have different housing materials, they both aim to deliver a unique typing experience with their distinct sound profiles. The split between the top and bottom housings allows each material to influence specific aspects of the switch's sound and feel, creating a well-rounded typing experience. Whether you prefer the sharper and clearer sound of polycarbonate in the Lightning Silver V3 or the clacky and durable nature of the KTT blend and POK material in the Vanilla Ice Cream, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it's evident that there are notable differences. The actuation force of the Lightning Silver V3 is 48 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Vanilla Ice Cream's 43 grams actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the Lightning Silver V3 has a heavier 60 grams compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's 48 grams. This indicates that the Lightning Silver V3 provides a more substantial typing experience with both a heavier actuation and bottom out force. Those who prefer lighter switches may find the Vanilla Ice Cream more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, slightly shorter than the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular for gaming due to their faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may impact the feel of the keyboard to some users. Those who prefer a more responsive and quicker keystroke may lean towards the Lightning Silver V3, while those who prefer a bit more depth and feedback in their keystrokes may opt for the Vanilla Ice Cream. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience desired.
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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 linear switch is best known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch also offers a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, further standing out with a marbly and resonant quality. When it comes to feel, the Lightning Silver V3 is described as providing a silky typing experience, enhancing smoothness and reducing resistance while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a buttery and creamy feel, ensuring a smooth and fluid keystroke experience reminiscent of its namesake dessert. Overall, both switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics, catering to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the Lightning Silver V3 and Vanilla Ice Cream switches will depend on whether you prefer a sharper and clackier sound with a silky typing feel or a smooth and creamy sound with a buttery key press sensation.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider the characteristics that best fit your preferences. If you are looking for a switch with a higher bottom out force and a clacky, high-pitched sound profile, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, buttery or creamy typing experience with a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound profile, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the feel and sound you desire in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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