Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HMX Xinhai, both of which are linear switches. The Lightning Silver V3 from Everglide is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, offering a silky and seamless typing experience. One unique feature of these switches is their light diffuser, which enhances RGB illumination and adds a vibrant touch to any keyboard setup. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch by HMX features a unique PA12 top housing for a softer acoustics profile and a POM stem for a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. With a blend of bouncy, clacky, and creamy characteristics, the Xinhai switch embodies subtle sophistication and precise performance. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HMX Xinhai, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows light to shine through the housing. Therefore, both the Lightning Silver V3 and the Xinhai will offer similar sound profiles and aesthetic appeal with their polycarbonate top housings.
However, where these switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. While the Lightning Silver V3 uses polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, the Xinhai opts for a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This means that the Xinhai switch will have a different sound and feel during bottom-out compared to the Lightning Silver V3, which may have a more crisp and resonant bottom-out sound due to its polycarbonate bottom housing.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the HMX Xinhai will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. The polycarbonate top housing in both switches provides a similar sharp and clear sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing in the Xinhai offers a deeper and fuller sound experience. Whether you prefer a crisper sound or a rounder sound when typing will influence which switch housing material is more appealing to you.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch reveals some interesting differences. The Lightning Silver V3 has a higher actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Xinhai has a lower actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Xinhai switch for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 may appeal to those who desire a more substantial typing feel with its heavier force requirements. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch is 3.4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that you will get consistent results in terms of key feel and actuation no matter which switch you choose.
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 HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $3.19.
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 offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile that is sharp, crisp, and bright when pressed. This sound signature adds a level of liveliness and precision to the typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch also provides a clacky sound, but with a softer acoustics profile due to its unique PA12 top housing and a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance from the POM stem. Both switches offer a unique auditory experience that can enhance your overall typing satisfaction, with the Lightning Silver V3 leaning towards a sharper and brighter sound and the Xinhai offering a more subtle and sophisticated tone.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is known for providing a silky smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This seamless feel allows for effortless typing with each keystroke gliding smoothly under your fingers. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch is described as bouncy, offering a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation that gives keys a lively bounce when pressed. The Xinhai also provides a creamy typing experience, likely due to lubricant or specific materials, which allows for keys to effortlessly melt into each keystroke, providing a buttery smooth sensation. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, with the Lightning Silver V3 focusing on smoothness and the Xinhai on bounce and a creamy feel.
In conclusion, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and HMX Xinhai linear switches both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lightning Silver V3 provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing experience, while the Xinhai offers a softer clacky sound with a bouncy and creamy feel. Depending on your preference for sound and tactile feedback, both switches can enhance your typing experience in different ways. Ultimately, trying out both switches would be the best way to determine which one suits your personal preferences and typing style best.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider the differences in bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force at 60 grams and enjoy a clacky, high-pitched sound signature with a silky typing experience, then the Lightning Silver V3 may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force at 45 grams and appreciate a clacky sound profile with a softer acoustics and bouncy, creamy feel, the HMX Xinhai could be the perfect fit for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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