Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear 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 Silent Linear offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 is characterized by its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a tactile typing experience that is complemented by its light diffuser for vibrant RGB illumination. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switches by Wuque are designed to reduce switch noise with stem railings and cutouts, offering a more subdued and tranquil typing experience. While the Lightning Silver V3 leans towards a more lively and tactile feel, the WS Silent Linear focuses on precision and silence. 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
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Overall, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This material is excellent for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
In terms of sound quality and feel, the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. This contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound profile, emphasizing the impact of keystrokes. Conversely, the WS Silent Linear's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a smoother and quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the top housing of both switches plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key, with polycarbonate providing a sharper sound and nylon producing a deeper tone.
While the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear use different housing materials for their top and bottom parts, the performance and characteristics of these switches can still be compared. Both switches offer unique sound profiles based on the properties of their housing materials, with polycarbonate providing a crisper sound and nylon delivering a fuller sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound profile, tactile feedback, and overall typing experience.
Weight
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the WS Silent Linear switch is slightly heavier at 63.5 grams compared to the Lightning Silver V3's 60 grams. Both switches fall into the medium to medium-heavy force range, providing a good balance between a light typing experience and a more substantial push feel. Depending on personal preference, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Lightning Silver V3 for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may gravitate towards the heavier bottom out force of the WS Silent Linear for a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired feel while typing.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. The Lightning Silver V3 offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it potentially more responsive. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear provides a tad more depth, which some users may prefer for a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and desired key press experience.
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 Silent Linear 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 is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, offering a sharp and crisp typing experience that can be described as bright and percussive. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches provide a more subdued and muted sound, offering a quieter typing experience with a softer and gentler sound profile that is suitable for both work and home environments. The WS Silent Linear switches achieve their quiet operation without the use of silicone dampeners, providing a unique balance of tranquility and precision. Depending on personal preference, the Lightning Silver V3 may appeal to those who enjoy a more vibrant and high-pitched sound, while the WS Silent Linear switches cater to individuals seeking a more subtle and muted typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 offers a silky and smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This results in an exceptionally smooth typing feel that enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches provide a mild and gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle ground in terms of sound and feel. These switches offer a balanced feel that is approachable to most users, making them versatile for various typing preferences.
Taking all the information into account, users can expect a clacky and high-pitched typing sound from the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches, along with a silky smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches offer a more subdued and muted sound profile, coupled with a mild and gentle typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, with the Lightning Silver V3 providing a more vibrant and sharp typing experience, while the WS Silent Linear switches offer a quieter and more balanced typing feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring users can find a switch that suits their typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a clacky and high-pitched sound signature with a silky typing experience, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued and muted sound profile with a mild typing experience that reduces switch noise without silicone dampeners, then the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch would be the perfect fit for you. Consider your preferences for sound and feel carefully when choosing between these two switches to ensure you get the best typing experience for your needs.
Mentioned in this article
