Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offer distinct typing experiences to suit different preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 is a linear switch known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a smooth and seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offers a tactile experience with medium tactility and a light touch, appealing to those looking for a balanced typing feel. While the Lightning Silver V3 excels in its vibrant RGB illumination with a light diffuser, the Violet Gold Pro stands out for its neutral sound signature. Both switches have their unique features and advantages to consider. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, it is evident that both keyboards use polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both keyboards. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through effectively. However, while both keyboards share this feature, the differences lie in their bottom housing materials. The Lightning Silver V3 utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, maintaining consistency in sound profile and aesthetics. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro opts for a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature and sound-absorbing qualities.
One notable difference between the two keyboards is the material used for the bottom housing. The Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, similar to its top housing. This consistency in housing materials throughout the keyboard ensures a cohesive sound experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro's nylon bottom housing offers a contrasting sound profile, with a deeper and fuller tone that differs from the top housing's characteristics. This variation in housing materials allows for a unique typing experience on the Violet Gold Pro, with a blend of sharpness from the top housing and richness from the bottom housing.
Overall, the choice of housing materials plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of a mechanical keyboard. Both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro showcase the importance of housing materials in sound production. While they share the use of polycarbonate for the top housing, the difference in bottom housing materials - polycarbonate for the Lightning Silver V3 and nylon for the Violet Gold Pro - leads to distinct sound profiles. The Lightning Silver V3 offers a consistent and sharp sound, while the Violet Gold Pro features a fuller and deeper tone, demonstrating the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch with an actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lightning Silver V3 requires 60 grams to bottom out, while the bottom out force of the Violet Gold Pro is unknown. Despite the slight difference in actuation force, both switches fall within the medium range. The Lightning Silver V3 may provide a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force, while the Violet Gold Pro might offer a lighter touch during typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with some users preferring the lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions, while others may favor the heavier bottom out force for a more solid typing feel.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the 3.8 mm travel distance of the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch. This means that the Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly shallower press compared to the Violet Gold Pro. Gamers who prefer a faster response time may gravitate towards the Lightning Silver V3 due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more pronounced key press may opt for the Violet Gold Pro with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches 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 Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound profile is ideal for those who prefer a crisp, bright, and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offers a neutral sound signature, making it suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. The Violet Gold Pro's sound profile is moderate, providing a balanced and versatile typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Lightning Silver V3 is described as offering a silky and exceptionally smooth typing experience. These switches are designed to minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch is described as feeling stepped, providing a two-stage tactile feedback experience. This makes the Violet Gold Pro ideal for users who enjoy a more mild tactile response with some pre-travel and post-travel sensation.
Overall, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. Those who prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing experience may lean towards the Lightning Silver V3, while users looking for a balanced and versatile sound profile with a stepped tactile feedback may find the Violet Gold Pro more appealing. However, both switches offer quality performance and can provide satisfying typing experiences depending on individual preferences and typing styles.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch or the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile with a medium level of tactility and a stepped feel, the Violet Gold Pro could be more suitable. Consider factors such as sound, feel, and bottom out force to determine which switch aligns best with your typing preferences and needs. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make based on what feels comfortable and enjoyable for your typing experience.
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