Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two contenders that stand out for their distinctive characteristics are the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the TTC Yunhai, both linear switches but offering unique experiences. The Lightning Silver V3, produced by Haimu, is celebrated for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, delivering a silky, seamless typing experience enriched by its innovative light diffuser that enhances RGB illumination, making it a visually appealing choice for avid gamers and typists alike. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai offers a contrasting typing experience characterized by a deep, rounded sound profile and a notably light actuation force, catering to those who value a gentle and effortless feel while typing. Each switch serves different preferences: the Lightning Silver V3 is perfect for users who enjoy auditory feedback and vibrant aesthetics, while the Yunhai is ideal for those who prioritize ease of use and a smoother sound. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the TTC Yunhai, it becomes evident that each switch utilizes different plastics that fundamentally affect their acoustic properties. The Lightning Silver V3 features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which results in a sharp and higher-pitched sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows it to produce a clearer and more resonant sound quality, making it a favorable choice for those who enjoy a pronounced auditory experience, particularly in RGB lighting scenarios where translucency enhances visual appeal. This means that the crispness associated with the polycarbonate used in the Everglide can offer users an engaging tactile feedback and immediate auditory response that many gamers and typists appreciate.
In contrast, the TTC Yunhai relies on nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a material known for producing a fuller and deeper sound profile. Due to its softer and more absorbent nature, nylon tends to create a more muted and rounded auditory experience, which can be quite different from the sharpness offered by polycarbonate. This softer sound profile can be perceived as less harsh, providing a comfortable typing experience that some users may favor over the heightened acoustics of the Lightning Silver V3. As a classic material in switch design, nylon’s characteristics create a different feel both during keypresses and when bottoming out, enhancing the experience for those who prioritize sound dampening and body softness in their mechanical switches.
Ultimately, while both switches employ distinct materials resulting in varied auditory experiences, the differences in sound profiles are reflective of the housing materials’ inherent properties. Users will find that the Lightning Silver V3 offers a bright and crisper sound due to its polycarbonate structure, while the TTC Yunhai caters to those preferring a deeper and softer auditory feedback with its nylon housings. However, they can achieve similar overall satisfaction depending on personal preference; both switches, regardless of their material differences, are capable of providing a satisfying typing experience that aligns with the desired characteristics of the user, whether that be the sharp clarity of polycarbonate or the full-bodied warmth of nylon.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Lightning Silver V3 features an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, placing it firmly in the light category. Consequently, typists or gamers who favor a more effortless typing experience may prefer the Yunhai for extended sessions, while those who appreciate a firmer push may opt for the Lightning Silver V3. Overall, the differences in force culminate in distinct typing sensations, with the Lightning Silver V3 being the heavier option and the Yunhai offering a lighter experience for users.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the TTC Yunhai features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Lightning Silver V3 the shorter option, which may appeal more to gamers and those seeking quicker responsiveness due to its reduced travel. In contrast, the Yunhai's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel for users who prefer a deeper key press. While both switches fall within a modern range of travel distances, the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference for responsiveness versus key 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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 linear switch produces a distinctly clacky and high-pitched sound profile that sets it apart from many other switches. When typing, you can expect a sharp, snappy acoustic response that is both crisp and bright, resulting in an engaging auditory feedback that many users love. This sound quality is ideal for those who appreciate a pronounced auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai linear switch offers a more subdued auditory experience, as its specific sound characteristics have not been detailed. However, it's crucial to remember that the overall sound of any switch can vary depending on the keyboard’s build quality and the type of keycaps used, potentially allowing for some customization in sound regardless of the switch type.
When it comes to feel, the Lightning Silver V3 excels with its silky typing experience, which minimizes resistance and ensures a smooth key press from start to finish. This quality not only enhances the overall typing comfort but also contributes to faster typing speeds and reduced finger fatigue during extended use. In contrast, details regarding the feel of the TTC Yunhai have not been specified. Nonetheless, linear switches typically share a more consistent feel without tactile feedback or an audible click, which might appeal to users who prefer a streamlined typing sensation that doesn't interrupt their flow.
Overall, both the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the TTC Yunhai linear switches offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 shines with its clacky sound and silky feel, perfect for those who enjoy a lively typing experience. While the Yunhai's sound profile and feel remain unspecified, it's likely that they provide a different but enjoyable experience worth exploring. Users can expect a general linear switch feel from both, but the sound characteristics of the Lightning Silver V3 are likely to cater to those looking for a more dynamic typing experience. Choosing between the two will ultimately come down to personal preferences in sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the TTC Yunhai linear switches largely depends on your typing preferences and style. If you gravitate towards a more tactile and engaging typing experience with a medium actuation force of 60 grams, the Lightning Silver V3 would be an excellent choice. Its clacky and high-pitched sound signature can make your typing feel dynamic and lively, especially for those who appreciate a crisp auditory feedback with each keystroke, enhanced further by its innovative light diffuser that elevates RGB effects. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch, the Yunhai switches, with their 50-gram actuation force, will cater to those seeking a softer, effortless typing experience. Their deep, rounded sound profile makes for a more subdued auditory experience, ideal for lengthy typing sessions or environments where noise might be a concern. In essence, choose the Lightning Silver V3 for a lively and vibrant keyboard feel, while the Yunhai will be your go-to for seamless, quiet typing comfort.
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