Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Ink Box Black and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) represent two distinct yet appealing options within the realm of linear and hall effect switches, respectively. The Ink Box Black is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth and creamy keystroke, providing a unique sound signature reminiscent of a shaking spray paint can, characterized by clacky, high-pitched, and silky tones—ideal for gamers and typists who appreciate a pronounced auditory feedback paired with its polished touch. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers a refined and balanced typing experience, featuring a neutral sound signature with the coveted "thock" that many enthusiasts desire. Its super smooth keystroke—enhanced by a dustproof stem that reduces wobble—makes it an enticing choice for those seeking tactile satisfaction without sacrificing a premium feel. While both switches cater to different preferences, highlighting their unique attributes can help you make an informed choice. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) Hall Effect

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Everglide Sticky Rice V2 switches, several distinct contrasts emerge. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which offers a unique sound profile characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched tone. This distinct sound is described as clacky, providing a satisfying auditory feedback upon key presses. In contrast, the Sticky Rice V2 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that also produces a sharp, higher-pitched sound, but with an added degree of clarity and resonance due to polycarbonate's stiffer properties. While both switches share a commonality in producing a high-pitched sound, they achieve this through differing materials that lend themselves to slightly varied auditory experiences.

The bottom housings of the two switches illustrate a more pronounced difference in sound characteristics. The Ink Box Black employs the same proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, maintaining a thin and pointed sound profile that supports the top's higher pitch. This results in a consistent clacky sound throughout the actuation and bottoming out of the key. Conversely, the Sticky Rice V2 is equipped with a nylon bottom housing, known for its softer characteristics. This leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a less sharp but more rounded auditory feedback when typing. The combination of the INK’s lively and high-pitched tones with the more muted warmth of nylon creates a clearer distinction in tactile responses and sound signatures between the two switches.

Overall, the differences in housing materials significantly influence the sound profiles and tactile experiences of each switch, though both offer remarkable auditory enjoyment in their own right. The Gateron Ink Box Black, with its cohesive use of the INK blend, will yield a more consistent clackiness, while the Everglide Sticky Rice V2 will deliver a contrast of texture and sound due to the interplay between the crispness of polycarbonate and the muffled warmth of nylon. Therefore, while both can provide a satisfying typing experience, the nuances of their sound profiles and tactile feedback are shaped distinctly by their choice of materials: the INK blend promotes a uniform high-pitched clarity, whereas the combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a fuller and more textured approach to sound.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, significant differences in actuation force and bottom out force emerge. The Ink Box Black features an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, resulting in a medium-heavy feel that appeals to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) boasts a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who favor a softer touch and longer typing sessions without fatigue. Consequently, the Ink Box Black, being the heavier switch, may offer more tactile feedback, while the Sticky Rice (V2) allows for quicker, less strenuous keystrokes. Thus, individuals need to consider their typing style and preference for feedback when choosing between these two distinct switch options.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, we find that the Ink Box Black has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sticky Rice (V2) features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Sticky Rice (V2) the more responsive option for those who prefer quicker actuation, which is often favored by gamers looking for swift key presses. In contrast, the Ink Box Black, with its longer travel distance, might appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial feel and depth when pressing keys, as it provides a slightly more pronounced experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, with the Ink Box Black offering more depth and the Sticky Rice (V2) providing a quicker response.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch presents a distinct auditory experience that can be characterized as clacky and high-pitched. This type of sound produces a sharp, bright, and percussive tone, akin to the noise of a shaking spray paint can, which may be appealing to those who enjoy a more lively acoustic profile when typing. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers a neutral sound signature that leans towards a refined "thock," often favored by enthusiasts seeking a deeper auditory satisfaction. While both switches provide a unique sound experience, the choice between them largely depends on whether one prefers the more aggressive clackiness of the Ink Box Black or the subtler, more balanced thock of the Sticky Rice.

In terms of feel, the Ink Box Black excels with its exceptionally smooth and creamy keystroke, often described as silky and polished. This ensures minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys, creating a luxurious typing sensation that enhances overall performance. The Gateron Ink Box Blacks are engineered to provide a seamlessly fluid experience, making them a favorite among users who appreciate a high level of key travel smoothness. On the other hand, while the Sticky Rice (V2) is touted for its dustproof stem that reduces wobble and enhances performance, specific descriptors regarding its tactile sensation are not provided. However, it is reasonable to anticipate that users will experience a highly refined and responsive feel, matching the expectations for high-quality switches.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offer compelling options, each catering to different preferences. If you're looking for a lively and bright sound with a silky smooth feel, the Ink Box Black is an excellent choice. Conversely, if you gravitate towards a more neutral sound profile with an emphasis on refined performance, the Sticky Rice (V2) may be the better option for you. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference, considering factors such as your preferred sound signature and tactile experience during typing.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you appreciate a medium-heavy actuation force and seek a smooth, creamy feel combined with a clacky, high-pitched sound profile, the Ink Box Black would be an excellent fit, particularly if you enjoy a tactile and auditory feedback while typing. This switch can be particularly satisfying for tasks like gaming or typing long documents, where that extra resistance can provide a sense of control and engagement. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch that offers a refined, thocky sound signature with an incredibly smooth keystroke, the Sticky Rice (V2) will likely cater to your needs better. Its lighter bottom-out force and exceptional stability make it ideal for extended typing sessions or those who favor a more delicate touch. In summary, choose the Ink Box Black for a robust typing experience with pronounced sound and feel, and opt for the Sticky Rice (V2) if you value a subtle yet satisfying typing experience that combines smoothness and low effort.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) Hall Effect

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn more