TTC Bluish White vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the TTC Bluish White, a tactile switch, and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, a linear switch. The Bluish White is known for its satisfyingly poppy typing experience, with a snappy sound profile and a classification of being ['Buttery', 'Mild', 'Stepped', 'Subtle', 'Polished', 'Low-pitched']. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 stands out with its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, along with a silky typing experience and a classification of being ['Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky']. Both switches offer unique features that may cater to different preferences, making them suitable for various typing styles. 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
42g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in the bottom housing material. The Bluish White utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound due to its softer nature. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 features a polycarbonate bottom housing, continuing the trend of a sharp and clear sound profile throughout the switch.
The use of different housing materials in the top and bottom of the switches also has implications on the typing experience. Pressing down on the switches with a nylon bottom housing will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be more pronounced. On the other hand, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Lightning Silver V3 will have a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key, contributing to the overall crisp and resonant sound profile of the switch. Despite these differences, both switches ultimately aim to provide a satisfying typing experience through the unique qualities each housing material brings to the table.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the TTC Bluish White and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 plays a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of each switch. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound profile, they diverge in the bottom housing material chosen. The nylon bottom housing of the Bluish White creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3 maintains the overall crisp and resonant sound profile of the switch. Ultimately, the combination of these distinct housing materials contributes to the unique typing experience offered by each switch.
Weight
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch is lighter than the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Bluish White requires 42 grams to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, while the Lightning Silver V3 needs 48 grams to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, the Bluish White may be the better choice. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. In terms of actuation force, the two switches are relatively close, so users can expect similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter end of the spectrum in terms of travel distance, making them popular choices for gamers seeking faster response times. The slight difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be noticeable to some users, but others may prefer the Bluish White for its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of tactile feedback desired during typing or gaming. Both switches offer a shorter travel distance compared to traditional switches, catering to the preference for quicker key presses in gaming applications.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.18.
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.
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 TTC Bluish White tactile switch offers a low-pitched and poppy sound profile, providing a satisfying bass-heavy and mellow tone to typing. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, giving a sharp and crisp tone to keystrokes. Both switches offer a unique auditory experience, with the Bluish White focusing on a more subdued and satisfying sound, while the Lightning Silver V3 provides a more vibrant and energetic sound signature.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Bluish White switch is described as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished, offering a smooth, gentle, multi-stage, light resistance, and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing feel with minimal resistance. Both switches offer a seamless typing sensation, with the Bluish White catering to those who prefer a more varied tactile experience and the Lightning Silver V3 appealing to users seeking an ultra-smooth keystroke.
Overall, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch offer unique sound and feel characteristics for different typing preferences. While the Bluish White provides a poppy and mellow sound with a range of tactile experiences, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a clacky and high-pitched sound with an exceptionally smooth typing feel. Choosing between the two switches will ultimately depend on personal preference for sound profile, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference in typing experience. If you enjoy a light and poppy tactile sensation with a low-pitched sound profile, the Bluish White may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a silky smooth linear switch with a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, the Lightning Silver V3 could be the ideal choice. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and feel to determine which switch aligns with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
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