Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry offer unique experiences for users. The Lightning Silver V3 is praised for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a silky typing experience complemented by a light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry stands out with its sharp tactile bump, appealing to those who enjoy a pronounced typing feel with a lower-than-average sound frequency. While the Lightning Silver V3 offers a clacky and seamless typing experience, the Blueberry switch provides a snappy and invigorating tactile feedback. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches, there are significant differences in the sound profile they create. The Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate top and bottom housing materials result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to the stiffness of polycarbonate plastic. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry's POM top and bottom housing materials produce a deeper and more muted sound profile. This contrast in sound profiles can greatly impact the overall typing experience for users, with the Lightning Silver V3 offering a more clear and resonant sound while the Blueberry switch provides a unique and pleasing deeper tone.
While the sound profiles of the two switches differ due to their housing materials, they both offer a visually appealing aspect with their translucent properties. Polycarbonate is known for its translucency, making it ideal for switches designed to showcase RGB lighting effects. The NovelKeys Blueberry's POM housing, while not translucent, still offers a unique visual aesthetic that complements its deep sound profile. Both switches provide users with the option to customize their keyboard setup not only for sound but also for visual appeal, depending on their preferences and usage.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and visual aesthetics. While both switches offer a unique typing experience with their housing materials, users will need to consider whether they prefer the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper, more muted sound of POM. Additionally, the decision may be influenced by whether RGB lighting is a priority, as the translucency of polycarbonate in the Lightning Silver V3 offers a unique lighting effect that may appeal to some users.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, it is clear that they offer different weight options for users. The Lightning Silver V3 has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium typing experience. In contrast, the NovelKeys Blueberry offers a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, resulting in a more substantial typing feel. The lighter actuation force of the Lightning Silver V3 may be preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, while the heavier feel of the Blueberry switch may appeal to users seeking a more pronounced keypress. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for typing comfort and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Lightning Silver V3 has a shorter travel distance compared to the NovelKeys Blueberry. The Lightning Silver V3's shorter travel distance may appeal to those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper, more tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key 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 Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Blueberry for $6.25.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is characterized by its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, offering a sharp and percussive typing experience that is crisp and bright. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch provides a lower-than-average sound frequency with a clean and sharp resonant profile, making it a bit more bass-heavy and mellow compared to the Lightning Silver V3. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, so the choice between them would come down to personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is described as offering a silky typing experience, providing smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In contrast, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch offers a more snappy and invigorating feel, with pronounced feedback and a responsive typing sensation. The Blueberry switch also has a buttery and textured feel, ensuring a seamless and uniform keystroke experience. While the Lightning Silver V3 prioritizes smoothness, the Blueberry switch focuses on responsiveness and tactile feedback.
Overall, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is a great choice for those who prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound profile with a silky typing feel. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch caters to individuals who enjoy a sharper tactile bump and a lower-pitched, resonant sound profile with a snappy and invigorating typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. Whichever switch you choose, you can expect a high-quality mechanical keyboard experience tailored to your specific preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound signature with a silky typing experience, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavy bottom out force, sharp tactile bump, and a lower-pitched, resonant sound profile with a snappy and buttery typing feel, then the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch might be more suitable for you. Consider your preferences in sound, feel, and bottom out force when deciding between these two switches to find the perfect fit for your typing style.
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