Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl 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 the Wuque Studio WS Pearl present two compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a linear typing experience. The Lightning Silver V3, lauded for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, offers a silky, seamless typing action that appeals to those who enjoy auditory feedback alongside their tactile experience. Additionally, its innovative light diffuser enhances RGB illumination, adding a vibrant touch to your keyboard setup. On the other hand, the WS Pearl switches stand out with their unique ball-bearing design, significantly reducing friction and providing a remarkably smooth keystroke experience. Their medium-high pitched sound signature offers a pleasant auditory environment without being overly intrusive. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches may depend on whether you prioritize a lively sound profile and visual flair with the Lightning Silver V3 or the unparalleled smoothness and performance of the WS Pearls. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl exhibit contrasting housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles and user experiences. The Lightning Silver V3 features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, a material renowned for its stiffness, which contributes to a crisper and higher-pitched sound. The clarity and resonance provided by polycarbonate housing can create an engaging auditory experience, particularly when combined with RGB lighting due to its translucence. In contrast, the WS Pearl opts for nylon in both its top and bottom housings, a traditional choice that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon absorbs sound, providing a muted and rounder typing experience that appeals to users seeking a more subdued auditory feedback.
Although made from different materials, the structural functions of the top and bottom housings still play a crucial role in shaping the overall acoustic profile of each switch. In the Lightning Silver V3, the polycarbonate top housing enhances the sound produced upon key release, while the bottom housing's similar material creates a snappier bottom-out sound. Conversely, the WS Pearl’s nylon top housing softens the sound of key releases, allowing for a more plush auditory sensation, while the nylon bottom housing further dampens the bottom-out noise, creating a plush experience that emphasizes a quieter keystroke. This differentiation underlines how the combination of housing materials can influence both tactile feel and sound quality in each switch.
Ultimately, users can expect varied results depending on their choice of switch due to the differing effects of the housing materials. If one seeks clarity and articulation, the Lightning Silver V3’s polycarbonate construction would deliver this on both the upstroke and downstroke, leading to a brighter typing experience. On the other hand, those who prefer a muted and softer typing experience would find the WS Pearl to be more in line with their preferences due to its nylon housings. Therefore, while both switches serve the same basic function, the distinct properties of polycarbonate and nylon yield divergent auditory experiences, allowing users to choose according to their tactile and auditory preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch to the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation forces that cater to varying user preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 requires a heavier actuation force of 48 grams, while the WS Pearl has a lighter actuation force of just 30 grams. This means that the WS Pearl is easier to press, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out forces, the Lightning Silver V3 has a bottom out force of 60 grams, slightly heavier than the WS Pearl's 58 grams. Thus, while both switches offer a medium overall weight, the WS Pearl stands out as the lighter option in terms of actuation force, making it ideal for those seeking a more effortless typing experience, whereas the Lightning Silver V3 provides a heavier tactile feedback for users who prefer a more substantial response.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Lightning Silver V3 the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that is advantageous for gamers seeking quick key responses. On the other hand, the WS Pearl, with its 3.5 mm travel distance, offers a marginally deeper experience that may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced keypress. Consequently, while both switches are in the realm of shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, the Lightning Silver V3’s 3.4 mm distance could lead to a slightly faster actuation, making it a better choice for users prioritizing speed 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 Pearl comes in at $6.00 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 characteristics, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches are noted for their clacky and high-pitched timbre, which provides a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying. The crisp and bright sound profile is ideal for those who prefer a more vibrant acoustic signature when typing. In contrast, while the specific sound traits of the WS Pearl switches are not outlined, they are known for their medium-high pitched sound, which suggests that they might provide a different auditory experience that balances pronounced acoustic feedback without overly high frequencies. Overall, if you're looking for clarity and a sharper sound, the Lightning Silver V3 will deliver more pronounced acoustics, while the WS Pearl may offer a more subdued yet engaging auditory environment.
Regarding the tactile sensation of each switch, the Lightning Silver V3 is celebrated for its silky feel, delivering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. This quality minimizes resistance and enhances the fluidity of keystrokes, making it an appealing choice for gamers and typists alike who seek a seamless interaction with their keyboard. The WS Pearls, featuring ball-bearings to reduce friction, promise a similarly smooth typing experience, potentially offering an even more refined sensation given the unique design. Both switches seem to prioritize a fluid typing feel, albeit through different engineering methods, which underscores their appeal to enthusiasts who crave effortless keystrokes.
In summary, both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches present distinct yet appealing qualities. The Lightning Silver V3 showcases a clacky, high-pitched sound and a silky smooth feel that enhances typing excitement, while the WS Pearl, with its medium-high pitch and ball-bearing technology, offers a unique approach to achieving a smooth keystroke experience. While their sound profiles differ, both switches prioritize smoothness, making either choice a suitable option for newcomers looking to explore the world of mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, your decision may come down to a preference for more pronounced auditory feedback versus a more balanced sound, along with the specific sensory experience you seek from your switches.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches, consider your typing preferences and the tactile experience you desire. If you're drawn to a lively and engaging sound profile, the Lightning Silver V3 with its clacky and high-pitched tone is likely your best choice, enhancing the auditory pleasure of your typing sessions. Additionally, the silky feel of the Lightning Silver V3 will provide an exceptionally smooth experience, making it appealing if you type for extended periods or simply enjoy a fluid keystroke. On the other hand, if you're seeking a quieter operation combined with unparalleled smoothness, the WS Pearl, featuring unique ball-bearings that significantly reduce friction, would be the optimal pick. This switch allows for a more subdued sound, making it ideal for environments where noise is a consideration, or if you prefer a less pronounced auditory feedback while typing. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your priorities in sound and smoothness, tailoring your mechanical keyboard experience to your personal taste.
Mentioned in this article
