Gateron CM vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out for different reasons are the Gateron CM and the Everglide Rice Pudding. The Gateron CM is renowned for its full nylon housing, which breaks away from the traditional polycarbonate design, resulting in a richer, deeper sound signature that elevates the typing experience. Its thoughtfully crafted factory lubing and unique dual-staged spring provide a buttery, thocky feel, making every keystroke feel effortlessly smooth and pleasantly bouncy. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches shine with their perfect balance of smooth operation and deep acoustics, offering a typing experience that is both satisfying and precise. Furthermore, their compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards adds an extra layer of versatility, appealing to tech enthusiasts and gamers alike. Both switches have their unique strengths: the Gateron CM for those who appreciate a luxurious sound and feel, and the Everglide Rice Pudding for those who desire a dependable, versatile switch. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron CM and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches, one of the primary distinctions lies in their top housing materials. The Gateron CM utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. Nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a muted auditory experience that many users find desirable for typing. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiff and translucent structure. This material generates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile and facilitates RGB lighting due to its clear nature. Thus, while the Gateron CM is aimed at enthusiasts who prioritize a warm, mellow typing experience, the Rice Pudding appeals to those who prefer clarity and visual aesthetics alongside functionality.
The bottom housing of both switches, however, offers a point of similarity. Both the Gateron CM and Everglide Rice Pudding employ nylon for their bottom housings, leading to a cohesive element in their sound profiles. This shared material contributes to a deeper and softer sound when bottoming out, irrespective of the differences in the top housing. Therefore, when considering the overall auditory experience of each switch, the nylon bottom housing ensures a consistency in the foundational sound they deliver. While the CM’s nylon top adds a rich depth, the Rice Pudding diverges with its more pronounced crispness in the upper frequencies, a juxtaposition that allows type feel to also vary significantly based on the housing composition.
Ultimately, the differences in materials used for the top housings of the Gateron CM and the Everglide Rice Pudding create a distinct range of auditory experiences. Each switch will yield unique results based on these materials during use. With the CM providing a rounder auditory experience through its nylon top housing and the Rice Pudding offering a sharper sound through its polycarbonate top, the choice ultimately boils down to user preference for sound profile as well as aesthetic appeal. However, with both switches utilizing nylon in the bottom housing, they maintain an element of commonality that can mitigate any extreme variance in the fundamental “bottoming-out” experience, thereby offering a balanced compromise for typists who prioritize both sound and feel in their keyboard interactions.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron CM linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, clear distinctions emerge in terms of weight and feel. The Gateron CM requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch offers a significantly lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, appealing to users who desire a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Thus, the Gateron CM is categorized as medium-heavy, while the Rice Pudding is considered light. If users find comfort in the lighter switch for long-term use, they may find the Rice Pudding to be the more favorable option, whereas those seeking a stronger push feel may gravitate towards the Gateron CM.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CM linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, the Gateron CM features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Rice Pudding has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that users looking for a more responsive feel may prefer the Rice Pudding switch due to its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate quicker actuation ideal for gaming. On the other hand, those who appreciate a bit more depth in their keystrokes might find the Gateron CM's 3.6 mm travel distance to offer a more satisfying tactile experience. Ultimately, if the difference in travel distance is minimal, many users may find that their typing or gaming experience is similarly effective with either switch, depending on their personal preferences for depth versus responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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 CM linear switches deliver a notably deep and rich acoustic profile, characterized by a thocky and low-pitched resonance. This results in a deeper "thud" during key presses, evoking a satisfying auditory experience that many typists find rewarding. The bassy tones produced by the CM switches contribute to a fuller sound signature, making them particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a robust auditory feedback while typing. The specific sound experience with the Everglide Rice Pudding switches, however, is not detailed, which leaves a gap in comparison for sound characteristics. Nonetheless, the CM's rich sound quality is compelling and stands out in the lineup of mechanical switches.
When examining the feel of these switches, the Gateron CM shines with adjectives such as buttery, polished, and creamy, suggesting an exceptionally smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This character is likely bolstered by their high-quality factory lube job and the materials used in their nylon housing, leading to a nuanced tactile experience that feels luxurious and effortless. The emphasis on reduced friction and overall smooth key travel combined with a bouncy dual-staged spring culminates in a pleasurable typing sensation. Unfortunately, the tactile feel of the Everglide Rice Pudding switches remains unspecified, making it challenging to provide a direct comparison in terms of user experience.
Integrating the insights gathered, the Gateron CM linear switches present themselves as a powerhouse of smooth operation and deep auditory feedback, rated highly for their luxurious feel and sound quality. While the Rice Pudding switches are mentioned to offer a smooth operation and balanced experience, without specific details, their exact feel and sound profile remain unknown. Therefore, if you prioritize a richer sound experience and a superior feel, the Gateron CM switches would likely be the better choice, while the Rice Pudding switches may provide a more versatile option, albeit with less known information on their tactile sensations and acoustic qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron CM linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch will largely depend on your preferences regarding feedback, sound, and typing experience. If you appreciate a medium-heavy touch with a bouncy feel, rich low-pitched acoustics, and a buttery smoothness that glides seamlessly under your fingers, the Gateron CM would be an excellent fit. It's particularly suitable if you enjoy a deeper, more satisfying sound profile while typing or gaming, giving that luxurious thocky feeling every time you press a key. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch excels in providing a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 48 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a swift, agile typing experience. Its versatility, combined with a balanced and smooth operation, makes it especially appealing for users looking for compatibility with innovative keyboards and a precise typing feel. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by whether you lean towards the deeper auditory signature and heavier resistance of the CM, or the light, responsive, and versatile nature of the Rice Pudding switch.
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