Gateron Aliaz vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, both the Gateron Aliaz and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offer unique advantages that cater to different typing preferences. The Aliaz switches are particularly well-suited for quiet environments, such as offices, where the need for a silent yet tactile experience is paramount. Their medium-heavy weight provides substantial feedback, perfectly balancing a muted sound profile with a pronounced keystroke feel. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches bring a harmonious typing experience with a neutral sound signature that produces the sought-after "thock" sound, favored by enthusiasts. Their super smooth keystroke, enhanced by a dustproof stem that minimizes wobble, offers an elevated tactile sensation without sacrificing performance. While the Aliaz might appeal to those prioritizing a quieter workspace, the Sticky Rice (V2) is ideal for users who enjoy deeper acoustic feedback and a luxurious typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When it comes to housing materials, both the Gateron Aliaz and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, a choice that significantly influences their sound profiles. The polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, making both switches excel in producing clear auditory feedback. This similarity in top housing material means that users can expect comparable results when it comes to the acoustic experience offered while typing or gaming. Additionally, the translucence of the polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making these switches visually appealing when integrated into a backlit keyboard setup.
In stark contrast to their top housings, the bottom housings of these switches employ different materials that dramatically affect their sound profiles. The Aliaz features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which preserves the switch's bright and resonant sound. This construction tends to maintain the sharper auditory characteristics throughout the entirety of the keystroke. Conversely, the Sticky Rice (V2) incorporates a nylon bottom housing, known for its softer and more absorbent qualities. This choice lends a deeper, fuller sound profile to the switch, resulting in a more muted and rounder auditory experience. The variance in materials for the bottom housings highlights a critical difference in the overall typing experience, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch means that while the top housings promote a bright, clear sound, the bottom housing materials take each switch's auditory profile in divergent directions. The Aliaz maintains a relatively consistent sound throughout with both top and bottom comprised of polycarbonate, ensuring a sharper sound profile upon both key press and release. The Sticky Rice (V2), however, provides a more varied experience; with the nylon's sound absorption characteristics, users may experience a more rounded bottom-out sound, contrasted by a brighter release sound from the polycarbonate top. Thus, while the switches share a commonality in their upper housing's materials, the contrasting bottom housings create a different typing experience that caters to varied preferences among users.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, there is a clear distinction in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aliaz features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, making it a suitable choice for typists and gamers who prefer a more substantial push feel. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) boasts a significantly lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, catering to those who appreciate a more effortless typing experience, especially during extended sessions. As a result, users who favor a lighter switch for comfort and prolonged use will find the Sticky Rice (V2) more appealing, while those seeking a stronger tactile feedback might gravitate towards the heavier Aliaz. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight the distinct preferences and ergonomics that each switch offers.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, the Aliaz stands out with a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option that provides a hearty depth when pressed. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, which caters to those who prioritize responsiveness and quicker actuation, particularly favored by gamers. While both switches are tactile options, the difference in their travel distances means that users will experience a more pronounced bottoming out with the Aliaz, whereas the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a more rapid response that might feel more abrupt. Therefore, if you lean towards a deeper, more deliberate feel, the Gateron Aliaz would likely be the better choice, while if you prefer the zippiness of a shorter travel, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) would suit you well.
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 Sticky Rice (V2) has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sticky Rice (V2) 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is designed to deliver a muted auditory experience, making it particularly suitable for quiet environments like offices where minimization of noise is crucial. Its unobtrusive sound profile allows users to type without drawing attention, thereby maintaining a serene working atmosphere. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers a neutral sound signature with an appealing "thock" that many enthusiasts seek, striking a balance between subtlety and auditory satisfaction. While the Aliaz prioritizes silence, the Sticky Rice (V2) brings a pleasant depth to the typing sound, making it less than ideal for ultra-quiet settings but delightful to those who enjoy auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Aliaz switches are praised for their silky and polished characteristics, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance upon key press and release. This refinement is partly due to the materials used and potential factory lubrication, which reduces friction and enhances overall key travel. Meanwhile, the specifics of the feel for the Sticky Rice (V2) are unknown. However, its reputation suggests a compelling tactility and a smooth keystroke that many users appreciate. The Aliaz caters to those looking for a weighted, tactile response that enhances the typing experience, while the feel of the Sticky Rice may appeal to users seeking a different tactile journey.
Overall, the Gateron Aliaz and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Aliaz is perfect for users who desire a muted sound and a polished, smooth feel, making it an excellent choice for quieter environments. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) is designed for those who seek a neutral sound with a satisfying thock and likely a refined tactile feedback, although its specific feel characteristics remain unspecified. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding sound and feel, suggesting that either option can provide a satisfying typing experience when aligned with the user’s environment and style.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the environments in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you find yourself in a quiet office setting or prefer a heavier keystroke that provides a substantial feel, the Aliaz is an excellent option. Its muted sound profile and silky, polished feel make it ideal for situations where noise levels must be kept to a minimum while still allowing for enjoyable tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you value a smooth, refined typing experience that still offers a satisfying "thock" sound signature, the Sticky Rice (V2) is likely your best bet. With its lighter bottom-out force and dustproof design that reduces wobble, it offers a balanced and pleasant feel for prolonged typing sessions, making it a versatile choice for both work and gaming scenarios. Ultimately, consider what qualities matter most to you in a switch, as each offers unique benefits tailored to different typing experiences.
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