Gateron Glory Red vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the decision can significantly affect your typing experience and gaming performance. On one hand, the Gateron Glory Red switches, known for their linear design, provide a lightweight and smooth keystroke, making every press feel effortless and enjoyable. This switch is especially favored for its pleasing travel distance, perfect for those who value consistent actuation without tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switch stands out with its hall effect technology, delivering a delightfully balanced typing experience characterized by a neutral sound signature that evokes the desirable "thock" sound. Its super smooth keystroke is enhanced by a dustproof stem designed to minimize wobble, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate a refined tactile sensation without sacrificing feel. While both switches offer distinct advantages—be it the smoothness and lightness of the Glory Red or the tactile refinement of the Sticky Rice (V2)—it's essential to dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
POK
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Red and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) utilize different materials for their top housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Glory Red features a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer plastic properties that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound. This material absorbs sound effectively, creating a duller and rounder auditory experience compared to harder materials. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing, recognized for its rigidity and transparency. The stiffer polycarbonate generates a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile, adding clarity and resonance to the typing experience. The aesthetic appeal of the polycarbonate comes into play as well, especially for users who enjoy RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for vibrant light diffusion.
On the contrary, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, contributing similar auditory characteristics when typing. Nylon is a classic choice for switch bottom housings and is celebrated for its sound-absorbing qualities. With both the Glory Red and Sticky Rice (V2) employing nylon on the bottom, users will experience a deeper and fuller sound profile from that aspect of the switches. This commonality in material leads to a consistent bottom-out feel across both switches, ensuring users enjoy the rounded and muted thud associated with nylon bottom housings regardless of the top housing differences.
Ultimately, the combination of different top and bottom housing materials in the Glory Red and Sticky Rice (V2) yields a varied yet complementary typing experience. While the top housing heavily influences the sound produced upon releasing a key, the bottom housing primarily impacts the sound and feel when bottoming out. Thus, while users will notice distinct characteristics stemming from the top housings, the nylon bottoms will provide shared auditory results. This blend of materials means that, although the switches differ in certain sound elements due to their top housings, they maintain a common foundational sound profile driven by their nylon bottoms.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, some distinct differences emerge. The Gateron Glory Red features an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it the lighter option. However, the Sticky Rice (V2) has a bottom out force of 50 grams, emphasizing a more weighted feel when fully pressed down, while the bottom out force for the Gateron Glory Red is unknown. If both switches had similar bottom out forces, users could expect comparable typing experiences; however, the uncertainty around the bottom out force of the Glory Red leaves that aspect open to interpretation. For those who prefer lighter switches for extended use, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is a clear choice, but for a more substantial sensation when bottoming out, the unknown weight of the Gateron Glory Red may still appeal to those who like a more pronounced key response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, the Glory Red has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sticky Rice (V2) features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This indicates that those who choose the Gateron Glory Red will experience a deeper press, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial tactile experience when typing. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Sticky Rice (V2) might cater to gamers and individuals seeking quicker response times in their key presses. While both switches are closer to the traditional travel distance of 4.0 mm, the difference of 0.1 mm could influence users' preferences significantly. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may hinge on personal taste for depth versus speed in key actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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 Glory Red switches provide a smooth and unobtrusive auditory experience, making them great for those who prefer a quieter typing environment. The sound profile is generally muted, allowing for a focused typing session without excessive noise. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches offer a balanced sound signature that leans towards a satisfying "thock," which many enthusiasts find appealing. This richer sound can create a more engaging auditory feedback during use. However, it is important to note that the perceived sound can vary significantly based on the keyboard construction and choice of keycaps, so both switches may deliver different results within various setups.
In terms of feel, both switches shine in their own right. The Gateron Glory Red excels with its smooth keystroke and pleasing travel distance, providing a light and effortless typing experience that many users adore. This makes them ideal for long typing sessions where comfort is a priority. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches also promise a super smooth keystroke, featuring a dustproof stem that minimizes wobble and enhances overall performance. This refined tactile sensation can offer a more luxurious typing feel without sacrificing the positive aspects of linear switches. Overall, the Sticky Rice aims for a well-rounded experience, appealing to those who appreciate both tactility and performance.
Combining this information, we see that the Gateron Glory Red and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Glory Red focuses on a quieter, smoother operation, while the Sticky Rice (V2) enhances auditory feedback alone with its balanced sound signature. If you value a gentle and light typing experience, the Glory Red might be your go-to. Yet, if you seek both smoothness and a touch of acoustics like the coveted "thock," the Sticky Rice (V2) offers an appealing alternative. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel, as both provide unique qualities that can elevate your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, your preferences and intended use will greatly influence your choice. If you prioritize a smooth keystroke for tasks like gaming or fast typing, where every millisecond counts, the Glory Red may be your best bet due to its lighter actuation and enjoyable travel distance. This switch is particularly suited for users who are looking for that seamless typing experience without any tactile feedback, allowing for rapid key presses without resistance. However, if you value a more balanced typing experience with a refined tactile sensation, you should consider the Sticky Rice (V2). With its heavier bottom-out force and unique sound signature that delivers the coveted "thock," this switch is ideal for those who take pleasure in a more pronounced auditory and tactile experience, perfect for both typing and general use when sound matters. Thus, your choice will ultimately hinge on whether you seek speed and agility in your keystrokes or a rich, satisfying typing experience with an emphasis on sound and feel.
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