Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the TTC Venus mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that they both offer unique features and characteristics. The Lightning Silver V3 is praised for its clacky, high-pitched sound signature and silky typing experience, along with a light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination. On the other hand, the TTC Venus stands out with its internal configuration that provides a buttery, gummy, frictionless feel, along with a unique "Q-texture" for a matte sensation during typing. While the Lightning Silver V3 offers a more vibrant and colorful experience, the TTC Venus provides a smooth and engaging feel with a muted sound signature. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these 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
52g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the TTC Venus, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. However, the Venus differs from the Lightning Silver V3 in its use of POM for the top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound profile. This contrast highlights how different materials can significantly impact the overall sound quality of a switch.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Lightning Silver V3 and the Venus utilize polycarbonate. This common choice of material ensures that both switches deliver a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile from the bottom of the switch. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. With this similarity in bottom housing material, users can expect similar sound qualities when pressing down on the keys of both switches, further emphasizing the importance of housing materials in determining sound output.
The division of housing materials between the top and bottom of a switch plays a key role in determining the overall sound experience. While the top housing influences the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. In the case of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the TTC Venus, the choice of material for the top and bottom housings results in distinct sound profiles for each switch. By understanding the role that housing materials play in sound production, users can make informed decisions when selecting switches based on their preferred sound characteristics.
Weight
In comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly higher actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Venus which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lightning Silver V3 requires 60 grams while the Venus requires 52 grams. This makes the Lightning Silver V3 switch slightly heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Venus switch. The difference in force may result in a more substantial typing experience with the Lightning Silver V3, while the Venus may offer a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference, with some users preferring a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, while others may prefer a heavier actuation for a more pronounced typing feel.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for their faster response times. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Lightning Silver V3 with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a deeper key press may find the slightly longer travel distance of the TTC Venus to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific feel that each user is looking for in their mechanical keyboard.
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 TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, producing a sharp, snappy, and bright noise when pressed. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch offers a more muted and low-pitched tone, providing a softer and quieter sound profile that wraps each keystroke in a subdued auditory embrace. If you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, the Lightning Silver V3 would be the way to go, while the Venus switch would be more suited for those who enjoy a more mellow and quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Lightning Silver V3 switch is described as offering a silky typing experience, ensuring an exceptionally smooth and seamless input. In contrast, the TTC Venus switch provides a buttery and frictionless typing sensation, delivering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with minimal resistance or friction. Whether you prefer a more polished typing feel with a silky switch or enjoy the seamless and effortless sensation of buttery and frictionless switches like the Venus, both options offer a refined and enjoyable typing experience.
Overall, if you are looking for a linear switch with a sharp and high-pitched sound and a silky typing feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a muted, low-pitched sound and a buttery, frictionless typing sensation, the TTC Venus linear switch would be a great alternative. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that you can achieve satisfying results with either option based on your sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a clacky, high-pitched sound signature, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 would be a great choice. These switches offer a silky typing experience and enhance RGB illumination with their light diffuser feature. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a unique "matte" sensation with a muted sound profile, the TTC Venus linear switch would be the way to go. The Venus provides a seamless, frictionless glide with a smooth and engaging typing experience. Ultimately, your decision between the Lightning Silver V3 and TTC Venus will come down to your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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