Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Yellow Silver both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 by Everglide is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is favored for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, making it ideal for those who prioritize speediness and responsiveness in gaming and typing. While the Lightning Silver V3 boasts a silky and seamless typing experience with a vibrant RGB illumination feature, the Yellow Silver switch offers a more subtle and efficient 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Yellow Silver both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. In contrast, the Yellow Silver utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Both switches showcase the benefits of their respective housing materials in different ways. The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 highlights the qualities of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housing, providing a consistent sharp and clear sound profile throughout typing. Conversely, the Outemu Yellow Silver split the characteristics of polycarbonate and nylon between the top and bottom housing, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. This division of housing materials gives each switch a unique typing experience.
While the Lightning Silver V3 and the Yellow Silver utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, they both aim to enhance the sound profile of the switch. By choosing polycarbonate for the top housing, both switches achieve a sharper and crisper sound, with the Everglide switch adding resonance and clarity, and the Outemu switch providing a more rounded and deeper sound. Ultimately, the housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the typing experience and sound output of these switches, catering to different preferences and needs of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switches, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Yellow Silver's 45 grams. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Lightning Silver V3 is 60 grams, while the Yellow Silver has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams. This indicates that the Lightning Silver V3 provides a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier feel, while the Yellow Silver offers a lighter touch. Both switches fall within the medium weight category, but the slight differences in actuation and bottom out forces can make a significant impact on the typing feel and overall user preference. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preferences for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lightning Silver V3 provides a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers looking for fast reactions. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch offers a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of response time and key press depth.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, creating a sharp and snappy typing experience that is bright and percussive. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch offers a more neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users who prefer a moderate sound with a moderate actuation force. When it comes to feel, the Lightning Silver V3 provides a silky smooth typing experience, enhancing overall smoothness and minimizing resistance. Unfortunately, information on the feel of the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is not available.
Overall, if you prefer a keyboard switch with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile and a silky smooth typing feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a neutral sound profile and moderate actuation force, the Outemu Yellow Silver might be more suitable for your needs. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so you can expect similar results in terms of performance and typing experience based on the information provided. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, you should consider your preferences and use case. If you prioritize a unique sound profile with a clacky and high-pitched sound, as well as a seamless typing experience with enhanced RGB illumination, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the one for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile that caters to both gamers and typists who value speediness and responsiveness, the Outemu Yellow Silver could be the better option. Consider these factors when making your decision to ensure you select the switch that best suits your needs.
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