Gateron Aliaz vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz and the Everglide Rice Pudding offer distinct characteristics catering to different user preferences. The Aliaz switch shines in quiet environments, making it a superb option for office settings due to its muted design that minimizes noise while still providing a substantial, medium-heavy keystroke feel. Users seeking tactile feedback without disruption will appreciate its silky, polished quality. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch stands out for those who value smooth operation paired with a deeper auditory experience. Offering a balanced typing sensation, this switch is not only satisfying to use but also fully compatible with Wooting's innovative keyboards, catering to performance-minded enthusiasts eager for versatility. Ultimately, whether you're drawn to the quiet precision of the Aliaz or the rich feedback of the Rice Pudding, both switches have much to offer. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your unique typing experience.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches share a commonality in their top housing, which is made of polycarbonate. This material is well-regarded for its contribution to a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its rigidity. Both switches benefit aesthetically from the translucence of polycarbonate, making them particularly appealing for setups featuring RGB lighting. Consequently, users of both switch types can expect enhanced light diffusion and vibrant illumination alongside a similar auditory experience—high-pitched and clear sounds that make for an engaging typing experience.
In contrast to the top housings, the bottom housings exhibit distinct differences between the two switches. The Aliaz utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which reinforces its consistent sound profile across both the top and bottom. This results in a unified experience with a similar higher-pitched resonance throughout the press and release of the switch. On the other hand, the Rice Pudding features a nylon bottom housing, a material known for its ability to absorb sound. This leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile that contrasts with the Aliaz's sharper notes. Thus, while the Aliaz maintains a cohesive higher-pitched sound, the Rice Pudding introduces a rounded tone that users may find appealing for its rich auditory characteristics.
When considering the overall performance of these switches, the differing bottom housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the tactile and auditory experience. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aliaz emphasizes a clearer sound, particularly noticeable during the actuation and release of the key, contributing to a consistent experience. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Rice Pudding softens the impact of bottoming out, offering a richer, fuller sound that results in a variable auditory experience. Consequently, despite the similarities found in their top housing, the Aliaz and Rice Pudding switches deliver distinctly different sensations and auditory characteristics, making the choice between them dependent on personal preferences for typing sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches, there is a notable contrast in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, categorizing it as a heavier switch. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch is considerably lighter, with an actuation force of just 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This difference in weight may influence users' preferences, as those who favor a lighter switch, like the Rice Pudding, are likely to enjoy longer typing sessions without fatigue, making it suitable for work or gaming. Conversely, users who appreciate a more substantial typing experience may prefer the heavier Aliaz switch for its more pronounced feedback and resistance. Thus, while both switches serve their purposes effectively, the Aliaz provides a heavier tactile experience compared to the much lighter Rice Pudding.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, there is a notable difference. The Gateron Aliaz features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Everglide Rice Pudding has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you prefer a switch with a more pronounced keypress and a deeper feel, the Aliaz would be the better option, offering a more traditional experience reflective of a deeper press. Conversely, the Rice Pudding, with its 3.5 mm travel distance, caters to those who favor a quicker, more responsive action, which can be particularly beneficial for gaming. Thus, while both switches have their appeal, the Aliaz offers a longer travel distance for greater depth, while the Rice Pudding is ideal for users seeking faster response times due to its shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
The Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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 Gateron Aliaz switches are designed to be exceptionally muted, making them well-suited for quiet environments like offices. Their silent operation ensures that they produce minimal noise, which is ideal for those who need to focus without disturbing others. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches deliver a deeper sound that strikes a balance between smoothness and auditory satisfaction, but the specifics of their sound profile are not detailed. It’s important to note that the overall sound produced by either switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's build quality and the type of keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Aliaz switches are characterized as silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. This refined feel is due to the materials used or possibly factory lubing, ensuring reduced friction and pleasant key travel. In contrast, the tactile qualities of the Rice Pudding switch are not defined, leaving an element of uncertainty regarding their texture or smoothness compared to the Aliaz.
Considering all these qualities, the Gateron Aliaz switches excel in providing a muted sound and a very refined feel, making them highly suitable for users prioritizing quiet operation and smoothness. Meanwhile, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches offer a unique auditory experience with their deeper sound, appealing to enthusiasts seeking performance with versatility. Ultimately, your choice will likely depend on whether you value a silent typing experience or prefer the more resonant feedback of the Rice Pudding, and your ultimate satisfaction will likely hinge upon your specific keyboard setup and personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Aliaz tactile switches and Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switches ultimately hinges on your specific preferences and typing environment. If you find yourself in a quiet office setting or prefer a subtler typing experience, the Aliaz switches may be your best bet. With their heavier bottom-out force of 75 grams and a muted sound profile, they provide tactile feedback that feels substantial without generating loud noise. This makes them excellent for professional environments where distractions should be minimized. On the other hand, if you value a lighter keypress and enjoy a more responsive and versatile typing experience, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches would suit you well. At just 48 grams of force, they offer a smooth and satisfying feel while delivering a deeper sound that can enhance your overall typing experience. Their compatibility with Wooting’s keyboards also opens new possibilities for gaming and other performance-oriented tasks. In summary, consider the Aliaz for quiet, focused work and the Rice Pudding for an engaging, dynamic typing experience.
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