Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the SP-Star Yanyu 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 SP-Star Yanyu both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a seamless typing experience with its silky feel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu is favored by those seeking a delicate typing experience, thanks to its crisp sound profile. While the Lightning Silver V3 boasts enhanced RGB illumination with its light diffuser, the Yanyu offers a more subtle and polished typing feel. 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
43g
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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the SP-Star Yanyu both have unique housing materials for their switches. The Lightning Silver V3 features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, which leads to a more resonant sound. On the other hand, the Yanyu is made with a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a sound profile that is described as pleasant and bright.
Although the housing materials for the Lightning Silver V3 and the Yanyu are different, they both offer distinct advantages. The polycarbonate used in the Lightning Silver V3 provides a clear and resonant sound profile, especially when coupled with RGB lighting due to its translucency. Conversely, the blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the Yanyu creates a unique and pleasant sound that leans more towards the brighter side. Both materials have their own strengths, catering to different preferences in sound profiles for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
When it comes to the impact of the housing materials on the overall switch performance, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down. This means that the qualities of the switch material will be felt most strongly when the key reaches its full depression. On the other hand, the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound produced when the key is released, giving each switch its unique sound signature based on the materials used in its construction.
Weight
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams compared to the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, which does not specify an actuation force. However, the Yanyu has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams compared to the Lightning Silver V3's 60 grams. This means that the Yanyu switch may feel more responsive and easier to trigger, while the Lightning Silver V3 switch may offer a more substantial typing experience with a more pronounced push feel. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Yanyu switch, while those who enjoy a heavier feel may be more drawn to the Lightning Silver V3. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lightning Silver V3 offers a slightly quicker response time, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for speed and precision in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch provides a bit more key travel, allowing for a more tactile typing experience with a deeper actuation point. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and response time. Both switches offer reliable performance, but the Lightning Silver V3 is the shorter option while the SP-Star Yanyu is the longer one.
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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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 known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a sharp and snappy sound that is bright and percussive. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offers a more neutral and thocky sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. Depending on personal preference, the Lightning Silver V3 will deliver a more distinct and lively sound, while the Yanyu will provide a deep and satisfying typing experience with its rich and soft "thock" sound. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience based on individual preferences, keyboard setup, and keycap choice.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance. In contrast, the SP-Star Yanyu switch provides a mild and approachable typing feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, the Yanyu switch also offers a feathery and subtle typing experience, allowing for light key presses and reduced finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. With its polished finish, the Yanyu switch ensures smooth key travel and reduced friction for a sleek typing experience. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations that cater to different preferences and typing styles, providing a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience for users.
Overall, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch each have their own distinct qualities when it comes to sound and feel. While the Lightning Silver V3 offers a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the Yanyu provides a neutral and thocky sound profile with a mild and approachable typing feel. Depending on personal preference and typing habits, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience with their unique characteristics. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In sum, when deciding between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, consider the characteristics that best suit your typing preferences. If you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound with a medium bottom out force, the Lightning Silver V3 would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force and a more delicate typing experience with a crisp sound profile, the SP-Star Yanyu may be the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel while typing.
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