Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, both options offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 is favored for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a satisfying typing experience with its silky smooth feel. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch stands out with its thuddy and punchy sound profile, offering a pronounced tactility without being overwhelming. While the Lightning Silver V3 emphasizes a light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination, the Viola Tricolor strikes a perfect balance between sharp sensation and user comfort. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Haimu Viola Tricolor both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material allows for a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting as it is translucent. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both switches share similar qualities in their top housing, the difference in bottom housing material gives them distinct sound profiles.
In terms of aesthetics, both the Lightning Silver V3 and the Viola Tricolor benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housings, as it allows for the transmission of RGB lighting. However, the Viola Tricolor's nylon bottom housing provides a different tactile experience compared to the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing. Typing on the Viola Tricolor will result in a softer and more muted sound due to the absorbing nature of nylon, whereas the Lightning Silver V3 will offer a sharper and clearer sound profile thanks to its stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing. This contrast in bottom housing material affects the overall typing experience and sound feedback of the switches.
While the top housing material of both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Haimu Viola Tricolor is polycarbonate, providing similar sound profiles and aesthetics, their differing bottom housing materials contribute to distinct typing experiences. The use of nylon in the Viola Tricolor's bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3 results in a crisper and sharper sound. Understanding the impact of these housing materials on sound profiles and tactile feedback can help users choose the switch that best fits their preferences in both sound and typing feel.
Weight
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Viola Tricolor is heavier at 63.5 grams, while the Lightning Silver V3 requires 60 grams to bottom out. Both switches fall into the medium to medium-heavy range in terms of force required. The lighter actuation force of the Lightning Silver V3 may appeal to users looking for a smoother typing experience for extended periods, while the heavier bottom out force of the Viola Tricolor may provide a more satisfying push feel for those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing force.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Lightning Silver V3 provides a quicker response time, making it a popular choice among gamers who value speed. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor offers a deeper key press experience, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feeling when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key feel.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 profile, providing a crisp and bright auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a thuddy and punchy sound, adding a touch of character to each keystroke without being overly tactile. Depending on personal preferences, the Lightning Silver V3 may suit those who enjoy a sharper sound, while the Viola Tricolor may appeal to individuals looking for a deeper and richer tonality in their typing experience. Ultimately, the sound produced by both switches can be influenced by factors such as keycaps and the keyboard setup.
Moving on to the feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch provides a pronounced tactile feedback without being overwhelming, striking a balance between tactile sensation and typing comfort. The Viola Tricolor offers an invigorating typing experience with moderate to firm actuation force, creating a reactive and immersive feel. While the Lightning Silver V3 focuses on smoothness, the Viola Tricolor emphasizes tactile response, catering to different preferences for typing feedback.
Considering all the available information, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch excels in producing a clacky and high-pitched sound, coupled with a silky smooth typing feel. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch offers a thuddy and punchy sound with an invigorating tactile sensation. Depending on whether you prioritize sound clarity or tactile feedback in your typing experience, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to a wide range of preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Lightning Silver V3 and the Viola Tricolor will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel when typing.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a thuddy and punchy sound with a pronounced tactility that strikes a perfect balance, the Viola Tricolor could be more suited to your typing style. Consider how each switch aligns with your typing preferences and choose accordingly to enhance your overall typing experience.
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