Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and KTT Wine Red both offer unique qualities to consider. The Lightning Silver V3 is praised for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, along with a silky typing experience and vibrant RGB illumination thanks to its light diffuser. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switch provides users with a pillowy light touch feel and a deep, rich sound profile. Each switch has its own distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
44g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
While the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the KTT Wine Red both feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings, they offer slightly different experiences due to the design and construction of each switch. The Lightning Silver V3's housing materials emphasize a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, which may result in a more distinct typing experience compared to the Wine Red. However, since both switches utilize polycarbonate in their housings, users can expect similar qualities in terms of clarity and resonance when typing on either switch.
In terms of aesthetics, both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the KTT Wine Red benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them ideal choices for users looking to incorporate RGB lighting into their setup. The clear housing of polycarbonate allows for vibrant lighting effects to shine through, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the switches. Whether you prefer the sleek silver finish of the Lightning Silver V3 or the deep wine red hue of the KTT Wine Red, both switches offer a modern and stylish look that complements any keyboard setup.
While the top and bottom housings of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the KTT Wine Red contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of each switch, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference. Whether you prefer a sharper bottom-out sound and feel from the bottom housing or a crisper sound when releasing a key from the top housing, both switches offer a unique typing experience that can enhance your overall enjoyment and performance while using your keyboard. Ultimately, the similarities in housing materials between the Lightning Silver V3 and the Wine Red provide a consistent and reliable typing experience for users seeking high-quality switches.
Weight
The actuation force of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is slightly higher at 48 grams compared to the 44 grams of the KTT Wine Red linear switch. This means that the Lightning Silver V3 will require a bit more force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lightning Silver V3 requires 60 grams, which is higher than the 55 grams needed for the Wine Red. This suggests that the Lightning Silver V3 will provide a more substantial typing experience when fully pressed down. Overall, the Lightning Silver V3 is slightly heavier in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Wine Red, making it a good choice for those who prefer a more tactile typing experience. Conversely, the Wine Red is lighter in both categories, making it a suitable option for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the KTT Wine Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Wine Red switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lightning Silver V3. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances for mechanical switches, with the Wine Red being on the longer side. If you are looking for a faster response time, the Lightning Silver V3 may be more suitable due to its shorter travel distance. However, if you prefer a switch with a deeper and more noticeable actuation, the Wine Red may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 Wine Red comes in at $2.71 per 10 switches.
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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy experience that is crisp and bright. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch offers a deep and rich sound that is described as bassy and low-pitched, providing a more mellow and soothing tone during key presses. Depending on personal preference, the Lightning Silver V3 would cater to those who enjoy a sharper and more percussive sound, while the Wine Red would cater to those who prefer a deeper and richer sound profile.
Moving on to feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is lauded for its silky smooth typing experience, offering minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This results in a seamless feel that enhances the overall typing experience. Unfortunately, information regarding the specific feel of the KTT Wine Red linear switch is not available.
Taking into consideration the subjective qualities of sound and feel, it is clear that the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the KTT Wine Red linear switches offer distinct experiences. While the Lightning Silver V3 boasts a clacky and high-pitched sound along with a silky smooth feel, the Wine Red provides a deep and rich sound profile, but lacks information on its tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. However, both switches are linear switches, so you can expect similar qualities such as smooth keystrokes and consistent actuation across both options.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the KTT Wine Red linear switches, consider your preference for 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 deep and rich sound profile with a pillowy light feel, the Wine Red switches might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you are looking for and what sounds you find most satisfying.
Mentioned in this article
