Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Durock POM T1 (Sunflower)
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) stand out with their unique features and characteristics. The Lightning Silver V3 offers a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a seamless typing experience with its silky feel. Additionally, its light diffuser enhances RGB illumination, making it a vibrant addition to any keyboard setup. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) is renowned for its maximum tactility, offering a punchy switch with sharp tactility and a satisfying clean clack. While the Lightning Silver V3 is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', and 'Silky', the POM T1 (Sunflower) is labeled as 'Resonant', 'Neutral', 'Sharp', 'Accented', 'Snappy', and 'Invigorating'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences and 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
48g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Proprietary
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower), we can see that both switches utilize different materials in their top and bottom housings. While the Lightning Silver V3 features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, the POM T1 (Sunflower) opts for a POM top and bottom housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Lightning Silver V3 results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the POM material in the POM T1 (Sunflower) creates a deeper and more muted sound. This difference in sound profile can greatly impact the overall typing experience and preference of the user.
In terms of aesthetics, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate housing allows for a clear and translucent design, ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) features a more solid and opaque POM housing, which may not be as visually striking but offers a unique and pleasing sound profile. This highlights how housing materials not only affect sound but also play a role in the overall look and feel of the mechanical keyboard switch.
While the Lightning Silver V3 and the POM T1 (Sunflower) offer different sound profiles and aesthetic qualities due to their housing materials, both switches ultimately provide a tactile typing experience. The top and bottom housings of each switch contribute to the overall sound and feel when typing, with the POM material in the POM T1 (Sunflower) creating a deeper sound profile compared to the sharper sound of the polycarbonate in the Lightning Silver V3. Despite these differences, both switches deliver satisfying keystrokes that cater to individual preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, it is clear that they cater to different preferences. The Lightning Silver V3 has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the POM T1's unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the POM T1 is heavier at 67 grams, while the Lightning Silver V3 has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the POM T1 provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the Lightning Silver V3 offers a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier feel when typing.
Travel distance
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Lightning Silver V3 has a shorter travel distance compared to the POM T1. The shorter travel distance of the Lightning Silver V3 may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the POM T1 may provide a more satisfying depth to key presses for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the POM T1 (Sunflower) for $5.57.
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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is noted for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed with a bright and crisp tone. On the other hand, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch offers a resonant and clean sound, with a higher-pitched profile that offers a satisfying clack. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Lightning Silver V3 catering to those who enjoy a more percussive sound, while the POM T1 appeals to those seeking a punchy and sharp tactile feel.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is highlighted for its silky smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall typing feel with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switch is praised for its sharp and distinct tactile bump, providing a strong feedback intensity that is accented and snappy in its response. The POM T1 offers an invigorating typing sensation, making each keypress feel pronounced and immersive.
Overall, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in both sound and feel. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for either a clacky, high-pitched sound with a silky typing experience or a resonant, sharp tactile feel with a punchy feedback intensity. Both switches provide unique typing sensations that can enhance the overall keyboarding experience, ensuring that users will enjoy a satisfying and immersive typing experience, albeit in different ways.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a switch with a light and smooth typing experience that produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a sharper tactile bump and a medium-heavy bottom out force that offers a resonant and clean sound profile, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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