Gateron CM vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style. The Gateron CM, a linear switch, stands out with its full nylon housing that deviates from traditional polycarbonate designs, delivering a rich and deep sound profile that many users find appealing. Its factory lubrication enhances the smoothness of each keystroke, while the longer, dual-staged spring provides a bouncy and effortless typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a buttery, polished feel. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) embraces the hall effect technology, offering a balanced typing experience characterized by a neutral sound profile and a satisfying "thock." The dustproof stem minimizes wobble, ensuring a refined tactile sensation, perfect for enthusiasts looking for performance without sacrificing feel. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Gateron CM appealing to those who desire a creamy, low-pitched escape and the Sticky Rice (V2) enticing users who seek a polished yet tactile response. 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
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CM and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), a distinctive difference arises in the choice of materials for their top housings. The Gateron CM utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer texture. This results in a sound experience that is less jarring and softer, appealing to users who favor a more muted auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) employs a polycarbonate top housing that offers a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances resonance, contributing to a more pronounced auditory experience, particularly beneficial for those who prefer more clarity in their keystrokes and feedback.
While the top housings of the two switches differ significantly, the bottom housings present a commonality between the two models. Both the Gateron CM and the Sticky Rice (V2) feature a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a similar auditory experience when the switch bottoms out. The nylon material in the bottom housing absorbs sound effectively, promoting a deeper and rounder sound profile. This shared characteristic means that regardless of the differences present in the top housings, users can expect comparable bottom-out sound and feel thanks to the nylon material employed in both switches' bottom housings. As a result, the overall auditory experience can maintain a balance, even with the contrasting top housings.
In summary, while the top and bottom housing materials of the Gateron CM and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) differ, the contrasting sound profiles can be harmonized through the shared nylon bottom housing. Users can find a blend of auditory characteristics, as the deeper sound brought by the nylon bottom balances the crisper tones of polycarbonate in the top. Ultimately, the experience is influenced by both materials, with the bottom housing significantly affecting the bottom-out feel, while the top housing shapes the quality of sound released upon key release. This mix of materials allows users to enjoy a nuanced typing experience that caters to a variety of preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CM linear switch to the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron CM has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which positions it as a medium-heavy option, ideal for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of just 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This lighter force may cater better to users who prioritize comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. As such, those who prefer a lighter switch for easier actuation will find the Sticky Rice (V2) more suitable, while those inclined towards a more robust feel may gravitate toward the Gateron CM. Overall, the Gateron CM offers a heftier push, making it the heavier option, whereas the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is the lighter choice among the two.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CM linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, we find that the Gateron CM has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sticky Rice (V2) measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This indicates that the Gateron CM offers a marginally deeper feel, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Conversely, the Sticky Rice (V2), with its shorter travel distance, could cater to gamers or individuals seeking quicker actuation and response times. Both switches reflect the trend towards shorter travel distances, which are becoming more prevalent in modern designs; however, if you prefer a more pronounced depth in your keystrokes, the Gateron CM would be the better choice. Overall, the Gateron CM is the longer switch, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is the shorter option.
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 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 CM linear switch is recognized for its rich, deep audio profile, characterized by a bassy and thocky resonance that delivers a satisfying "thud" upon each keystroke. Its polycarbonate housing contributes to this low-pitched output, allowing for a warm and immersive sound signature that enhances the typing experience. The CM switch's deeper frequency range can be appealing for those who appreciate a more substantial auditory feedback. In contrast, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is known for its smooth operation, specific details about its sound profile are less defined. It is noted for having a neutral sound signature, which might lean more towards the understated than the robust sound delivered by the CM, making it potentially less striking in terms of acoustic experience but possibly more suited for environments where noise is a consideration.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CM switches shine with their buttery and creamy smoothness, attributed to the factory lube job and the refined materials used in their construction. This ensures that the key travel feels polished and frictionless, making typing effortless and enjoyable. Users can expect a sensation akin to gliding their fingers over the keys, creating a seamless typing experience that encourages prolonged use without discomfort. Meanwhile, specific tactile feedback details about the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) remain unknown. However, it is suggested that the switch offers a balanced typing sensation which may still provide a refined feel, appealing to those who appreciate a blend of smooth and tactile responses in their switches.
In conclusion, both the Gateron CM linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch offer unique experiences tailored to different user preferences. The CM excels with its deep sound signature and buttery feel, providing a bold typing experience. On the other hand, while the Sticky Rice (V2) has a more neutral sound profile and a balanced typist experience, many users may find satisfaction in the refined keystroke it offers. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether one favors a rich auditory experience or a subtler touch, as both switches provide the possibility of long-lasting enjoyment during typing sessions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the Gateron CM linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you tend to favor a medium-heavy typing experience with a tactile richness, the Gateron CM would be an excellent choice. Its unique nylon housing, combined with a smooth keystroke and a deeper, bassy sound profile, caters to those who appreciate a pronounced auditory feedback with a luxurious glide on each press. Additionally, if you enjoy a bouncy typing sensation and a deeper sound signature that doesn’t overwhelm, this switch will likely enhance your typing journey. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a sound signature that leans towards a clean and refined "thock," the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is designed to meet your needs. With its balanced response and meticulously crafted dustproof stem, this switch ensures a smooth feel while delivering that satisfying auditory feedback without compromising performance. Therefore, if you seek an effortless typing experience with a touch of elegance and less resistance, the Sticky Rice (V2) is the way to go. Ultimately, both switches have distinct qualities that cater to different typing styles, making your choice a matter of personal alignment with those experiences.
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