Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Cream Yellow. The Lightning Silver V3 is a linear switch that is praised for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a smooth and seamless typing experience. Additionally, its light diffuser enhances RGB illumination, adding a vibrant touch to any keyboard setup. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow by Outemu is a tactile switch that offers a different typing experience, although there is limited information available about its specific characteristics. These switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, with the Lightning Silver V3 being ideal for those who prefer a linear switch with a unique sound profile, while the Cream Yellow may appeal to those looking for a tactile typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Cream Yellow, it is evident that the Lightning Silver V3 utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, while the Cream Yellow opts for nylon. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile, due to its stiffness, making it ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, nylon, being a softer plastic, results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrast in material properties ultimately leads to a difference in the overall typing experience between the two switches.
However, despite their differences, if we were to compare the sound profile of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 with both polycarbonate top and bottom housings to that of the Outemu Cream Yellow with nylon housings, the end result might be quite similar. This is because the top housing of a switch plays a significant role in the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Therefore, the unique qualities brought by each housing material may converge in the overall typing experience, leading to potentially comparable results in terms of sound and feel.
Overall, the choice between polycarbonate and nylon housing materials in switches like the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Outemu Cream Yellow ultimately comes down to personal preference. While polycarbonate may offer a sharper and clearer sound profile, nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound experience. Whether one prefers a crisper sound or a more rounded tone will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired aesthetic for their keyboard setup. Both materials have their own unique characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience, making them suitable options for different user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, we see that both have a bottom out force of 60 grams, making them equal in this aspect. However, the Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly higher actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Cream Yellow's 45 grams. This means that the Lightning Silver V3 requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. When it comes to weight preferences, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Cream Yellow, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 may appeal to those who enjoy a bit more resistance in their typing. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium force that provides a balance between a lighter touch and a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
Comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, the Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Cream Yellow's 3.3 mm. While the difference is minimal, those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may lean towards the Lightning Silver V3. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow may appeal to those who enjoy a slightly shallower key press. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key press 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 Outemu Cream Yellow comes in at $3.10 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
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is best known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch's sound qualities are unknown. When it comes to the feel, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a silky typing experience, with exceptionally smooth key presses that minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The tactile feedback of the Cream Yellow switch is not specified. Overall, the Lightning Silver V3 excels in providing a unique typing experience with its distinctive sound and smooth feel, while information about the sound and feel of the Cream Yellow switch remains unknown. Depending on your preferences and desired typing experience, both switches may provide different results, but given the information provided, one can expect a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky feel from the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound with a smooth typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a medium bottom out force and tactile feedback without a particular sound profile, the Cream Yellow might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound and feel in order to enhance your overall typing experience.
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