KTT Lightning vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the KTT Lightning and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the KTT Lightning and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The KTT Lightnings are known for their speed and are ideal for situations where split-second decisions can make a difference. With a slick tactile feel and clacky sound profile, these switches fall into categories such as 'Chirpy' and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches, produced by Haimu, provide a smooth typing experience with a clacky and high-pitched sound signature. Their light diffuser adds a colorful touch to any keyboard setup, and they are categorized as 'Silky'. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences and needs. 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
43g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The KTT Lightning and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 also utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the KTT Lightning opts for a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of typing experience, the housing materials of the KTT Lightning and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 play a crucial role. With the KTT Lightning having a nylon bottom housing, users can expect a switch that offers a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 featuring a polycarbonate bottom housing will result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The impact of the bottom housing is more pronounced during bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their respective housing materials.
While the KTT Lightning and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 share a polycarbonate top housing, their bottom housings set them apart. The KTT Lightning's nylon bottom housing provides a different typing experience compared to the Everglide Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon offers a deeper and fuller sound, while polycarbonate creates a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound profile and feel when typing, as each housing material brings its own unique characteristics to the overall typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch differ in terms of their weight. The KTT Lightning has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. This makes the KTT Lightning ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 caters to users who enjoy a slightly more substantial push feel. Both switches offer similar results in terms of performance but cater to different preferences in terms of typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on whether a lighter or slightly heavier typing experience is preferred.
Travel distance
The KTT Lightning linear switch has a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. The KTT Lightning switch offers a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those seeking quick response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their travel distances, catering to different preferences for keypress feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and keypress feel.
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 KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41 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
In terms of sound, both the KTT Lightning and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches are known for their clacky and high-pitched profiles, providing a sharp and crisp sound when typing. While the Lightning switch also has a chirpy aspect to it, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a unique light diffuser feature that enhances RGB illumination for a vibrant touch to any keyboard setup. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Lightning switch offers a subtle and polished typing experience, with gentle resistance and a smooth finish for a sleek typing feel. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 switch is described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches offer a different but equally satisfying feel for users seeking a responsive and comfortable typing experience.
In conclusion, both the KTT Lightning and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches have their unique qualities that cater to specific preferences. Whether you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound profile or a smooth and refined typing feel, both switches deliver on their promises of providing an enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual preferences and desired features in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, consider your priorities. If you value speed and a clacky sound profile with a light bottom out force, the KTT Lightning may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a silky smooth typing experience with a slightly higher bottom out force and enhanced RGB illumination, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features and qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so be sure to choose the switch that best aligns with your needs and preferences for an optimal typing experience.
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