Gateron Beer vs. Everglide Rice Pudding

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer and Everglide Rice Pudding present two tantalizing options, each catering to different preferences and typing experiences. The Gateron Beer, with its light touch and stepped tactility, provides a unique typing sensation reminiscent of the effervescent allure of a Tsingtao beer bottle, making it a fantastic choice for those who appreciate a clacky feedback that enhances their keystrokes. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches offer a smooth operation paired with a deep, resonant sound, delivering a typing experience that is both satisfying and precise; they also stand out for their compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards, appealing to performance-driven enthusiasts. While the Beer excites with its distinctive tactile feel and sound, the Rice Pudding shines with its versatility and seamless typing experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Beer Tactile

Everglide Rice Pudding Hall Effect

$6.00

$4.59 per 10

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches, it is evident that they share similarities in their top housings, both made from polycarbonate. This common material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate allows it to produce a clear and resonant acoustic response, making it ideal for users seeking an impactful sound experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances any RGB lighting effects, adding visual appeal to the switches. Thus, regardless of the brand, users can expect a consistent auditory experience when engaging the switches due to their polycarbonate top housings.

However, the switches diverge dramatically concerning their bottom housings. The Gateron Beer utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, maintaining the same acoustic characteristics throughout the switch. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding features a nylon bottom housing, which significantly alters the sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a deeper, fuller auditory experience. This distinction means that while the top housing of both switches will resonate similarly, the bottom-out sound and feel produced by the Rice Pudding will ultimately be rounder and less sharp than that of the Gateron Beer.

Consequently, the differences in bottom housing materials result in a unique user experience for each switch. The Gateron Beer, with its polycarbonate bottom housing, maintains a uniform sound profile across both the press and release phases, making it suitable for those who prefer crisp feedback. In contrast, the Rice Pudding's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper sound that emphasizes the impact when bottoming out. Users who value a rounder and softer auditory feedback may prefer the Rice Pudding, while those seeking clarity and sharpness may lean towards the Gateron Beer. Ultimately, the varying characteristics defined by the material choices make each switch distinct, affecting the overall typing experience and acoustic feedback.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch with its actuation force of 38 grams and bottom out force of 50 grams to the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, which has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, we notice some interesting similarities and differences. Both switches have the same actuation force of 38 grams, making them equally light and suitable for users looking to type for extended periods without fatigue. However, the Beer switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force at 50 grams compared to the Rice Pudding's 48 grams, indicating that the Beer switch will feel marginally more substantial when bottoming out. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter performance can opt for either switch due to their equal actuation forces, but the Beer switch provides a bit more resistance when fully depressed, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, the Gateron Beer has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Everglide Rice Pudding measures slightly longer at 3.5 mm. This means that the Rice Pudding switch provides a bit more depth in actuation, which might appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced feel when they press down on the key. In contrast, the Gateron Beer, being the shorter of the two options, may be more favorable for those who prioritize quicker response times, a characteristic increasingly favored by gamers. While the difference in travel distances is minimal, the choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference: if you're looking for a more responsive experience, the Beer is the way to go, whereas the Rice Pudding caters to those seeking a more substantial keypress.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for its clacky characteristics, producing a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. This makes it an engaging option for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch does not have a detailed sound description available; however, it is noted that these switches deliver a deep sound, which suggests a more muted and potentially bass-heavy auditory experience. It's worth mentioning that the overall sound profile of both switches can vary depending on the keyboard used and the choice of keycaps, so users with a preference for one sound style over the other may want to experiment with different combinations.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer possesses an easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for activation, thus providing a gentle and comfortable typing experience. Its stepped tactile response means that users will notice a mild but distinct change during actuation, enhancing the tactile feedback without overwhelming the typist. However, the feel characteristics of the Everglide Rice Pudding switch are not specified, leaving a comparative gap. That said, enthusiasts might find both switches appealing if they favor a balanced approach to tactile feel, particularly if they are looking for smooth operation in their keyboard experience.

In summary, the Gateron Beer tactile switch offers an exciting auditory and tactile experience with its clacky sound and lightweight, stepped actuation profile, making it suitable for those who enjoy lively feedback while typing. The Everglide Rice Pudding switch, while lacking specific descriptive attributes, promises a smooth operation and deep sound, appealing to those who prioritize performance and versatility in their keyboard setup. Ultimately, depending on personal preferences regarding sound and feel, one might gravitate toward one switch over the other, but both provide unique experiences that can enhance the typing experience in their own distinct ways.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you enjoy a distinctly tactile feedback and a clacky sound, making your typing experience feel lively and engaging, then the Gateron Beer switches should be your go-to option. Their lightweight design and stepped tactile feel make them ideal for both casual typing and gaming, especially if you prioritize comfort over long hours and appreciate a lively auditory feedback. Alternatively, if you're looking for a smoother and more balanced typing experience, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches are an excellent choice. With their deep sound and compatibility with advanced keyboards, they cater to enthusiasts seeking both versatility and precision in their keystrokes. Ultimately, consider what aspects of the typing experience are most important to you—whether it's the fun and lively character of the Beer switch or the refined smoothness of the Rice Pudding—to make a choice that best enhances your mechanical keyboard journey.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Beer Tactile

$6.00

$4.59 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Rice Pudding Hall Effect

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn more