Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two standout options are the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, both of which are linear switches. The Lightning Silver V3 is praised for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, while also offering a silky typing experience. With a unique light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination, this switch brings a vibrant touch to any keyboard setup. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° by Gateron stands out for its revolutionary self-padding design and dual-rail structure, providing unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a soft, elastic feel that absorbs sound and reduces noise. While both switches offer their own set of advantages, 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
N/A
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for RGB lighting purposes. However, when it comes to their bottom housing, the Lightning Silver V3 features a polycarbonate bottom, while the Zero Degree 0° utilizes nylon. The nylon bottom housing of the Zero Degree 0° produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate bottom of the Lightning Silver V3, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound.
While both the Lightning Silver V3 and the Zero Degree 0° employ polycarbonate for their top housing, their differences lie in the bottom housing material. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3 provides a clear and resonant sound profile, perfect for those looking for a sharp sound when bottoming out keys. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Zero Degree 0° offers a duller and rounder sound, making it a suitable choice for those seeking a deeper and fuller typing experience. These differences in material composition highlight how the bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of a switch.
In considering the impact of housing materials on switch performance, it is evident that the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° offer distinct sound profiles due to their top and bottom housing choices. While both switches benefit from the stiffness of polycarbonate in their top housing for a crisp sound, the presence of nylon in the Zero Degree 0°'s bottom housing creates a different typing experience compared to the polycarbonate bottom of the Lightning Silver V3. Whether one prefers a sharper sound profile with clear resonances or a deeper, fuller sound with rounder tones, the choice between these switches ultimately boils down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Weight
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch which has an actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have a similar medium weight when it comes to actuation force. However, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the bottom out force for the Gateron Zero Degree 0° is unknown. This means that the Lightning Silver V3 switch is heavier when it comes to bottoming out. The actuation force of a switch is important for triggering keystrokes quickly and efficiently, while the bottom out force is more about the overall typing or gaming experience. Lighter switches are ideal for longer typing or gaming sessions, while heavier switches provide a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, we find that the Lightning Silver V3 has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Zero Degree 0° has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Lightning Silver V3 offers a shorter travel distance, making it preferable for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° provides a slightly deeper travel distance, which may be more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial depth when pressing down on the keys. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular in the market. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for responsiveness or depth in key travel.
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 Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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 is praised for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a sharp and snappy typing experience with a bright and percussive sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch focuses on silent typing, utilizing a self-padding design and dual-rail structure to absorb sound and reduce noise, resulting in an overall quieter typing experience. When it comes to feel, the Lightning Silver V3 is known for its silky smoothness, offering minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. While the specific feel of the Zero Degree 0° is not described, its emphasis on smoothness and stability suggests a comparable level of tactile satisfaction. Ultimately, both switches have unique strengths in sound and feel, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silent typing experience with unparalleled smoothness and stability, the Zero Degree 0° switch would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific sound and feel you prefer in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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