Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile mechanical keyboard switches, the choice ultimately boils down to personal preference in typing experience. The Lightning Silver V3 is praised for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a unique auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile offers a smooth typing experience with a noticeable tactile bump and a neutral sound profile. Each switch has its own appeal - the Lightning Silver V3 for those who enjoy a distinct sound and the WS Light Tactile for those who prefer a tactile feedback without additional noise. 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
50g
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
Yes
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile both feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when compared to other materials. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances the resonance and clarity of the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing. While both switches share this similar top housing material, the specific design and construction of each switch may lead to slight variations in sound and feel.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the Lightning Silver V3 and the WS Light Tactile differ in materials, with the former utilizing polycarbonate and the latter featuring a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. The choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the feel and sound of a switch, with the bottom housing particularly influencing the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed.
Ultimately, the choice of housing materials can greatly influence the overall sound and feel of a switch. While the Lightning Silver V3 and the WS Light Tactile both benefit from the sharp and crisp sound profile of polycarbonate top housings, the use of different bottom housing materials leads to distinct sound characteristics. The split between the top and bottom housing qualities can result in a unique typing experience for each switch, with the bottom housing material playing a significant role in the overall typing feel. Whether you prefer the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper sound of nylon, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch to the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, it is evident that the Lightning Silver V3 is the heavier option. The Lightning Silver V3 has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the WS Light Tactile has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. The Lightning Silver V3 provides a more substantial typing experience with its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile offers a lighter typing experience, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Both switches offer smooth and consistent performance, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of keystroke feel despite the differences in force requirements. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and desired actuation force.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lightning Silver V3 offers a slightly shorter travel distance than the WS Light Tactile, making it more suitable for those who prefer a quicker and more responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced keypress feel. Both switches offer unique benefits, with the Lightning Silver V3 being the shorter option and the WS Light Tactile being the longer option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and responsiveness.
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 Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile comes in at $4.20 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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is best known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, which produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive, offering a unique auditory experience for typists. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch is known for its neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The neutral sound of the WS Light Tactile switch provides a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, catering to both beginners and advanced users alike. When it comes to sound, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a more distinctive and vibrant auditory experience compared to the neutral sound of the WS Light Tactile switch.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This silky feel contributes to a seamless typing experience that typists can appreciate during extended use. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch offers a stepped tactile feel, providing a tactile bump with two stages for a more nuanced typing experience. Additionally, the WS Light Tactile switch is easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Overall, the stepped and easy-to-press feel of the WS Light Tactile switch offers a comfortable and responsive typing experience that differs from the silky smooth feel of the Lightning Silver V3 switch.
In conclusion, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch stands out for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, along with its silky smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile and a stepped, easy-to-press feel for typists looking for a different typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, consider your preferences 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 neutral sound profile with a snappy tactile bump and easy-to-press keys, the WS Light Tactile switch could be more suitable. Both switches offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you value most. Keep these factors in mind when making your decision to ensure you choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style.
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