Gateron Ink Red vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red 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 two interesting options stand out: the Gateron Ink Red and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2). The Gateron Ink Red is a linear switch renowned for its lighter actuation force and incredibly smooth, effortless keystrokes, making it an excellent choice for typists who prefer a more subdued typing experience. Its crispy, clacky sound profile caters to those who appreciate auditory feedback without overwhelming distraction. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers a distinct experience with its hall effect technology, producing a super smooth keystroke while delivering a refined tactile sensation that enthusiasts cherish. Its neutral sound signature, characterized by a satisfying "thock," provides a balanced auditory feedback that many users find appealing. While the Ink Red is ideal for those seeking a silky, lightweight feel, the Sticky Rice (V2) excels in providing a buttery smoothness with a touch of tactile pleasure. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), we observe notable differences in both their top and bottom housings, which contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Ink Red utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, characterized by a pointed, higher-pitched sound that delivers a satisfying clack. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) employs a polycarbonate top housing, which also produces a sharper and crisper sound, thanks in part to the material's stiffness. While both switches offer a higher-pitched sound profile, the Ink Red’s blend gives a unique tonal quality, making it perhaps less shrill than the polycarbonate, which tends to be more resonant and pronounced, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Examining the bottom housings of the two switches reveals a more profound differentiation in sound characteristics. The Ink Red features a proprietary INK blend bottom housing that echoes the top housing's clack and higher-pitched qualities. Meanwhile, the Sticky Rice (V2) incorporates a nylon bottom housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, creating a noticeable contrast to the Ink Red's clacky profile. This significant difference indicates that when typing, users will experience a rounder bottom-out feel and sound with the Sticky Rice (V2), while the Ink Red retains its sharper auditory signature throughout.
As we consider the impact of the differing housing materials on switch performance, it's clear that the effects are distributed between the top and bottom housings. While the top housing primarily influences the sound produced upon releasing a key, with both the Ink Red and Sticky Rice (V2) leaning toward crisper sound profiles, the bottom housing plays a more crucial role in the bottoming-out experience. Hence, even though these switches employ contrasting materials, they can still achieve a satisfying auditory outcome, albeit through distinctly different acoustic qualities. Users looking for a consistent high-pitched sound may find satisfaction in either option, yet they will surely notice variations in tactile feedback and overall auditory character between the two.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Red linear switch to the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Ink Red requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Sticky Rice switch is easier to press down initially, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Ink Red provides a slightly heftier push, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Thus, users seeking a lighter switch should gravitate towards the Sticky Rice (V2), while those who appreciate a stronger tactile feedback might prefer the Gateron Ink Red.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, we see a notable difference. The Gateron Ink Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Ink Red provides a more traditional depth, which some users might find more satisfying, especially if they prefer a less abrupt feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a quicker response time, making it more appealing for gamers or those who favor faster actuation. Consequently, if you're seeking a switch with a longer travel distance for a more substantial key press, the Gateron Ink Red would be the better choice, whereas the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) would suit those who prioritize speed and responsiveness with its shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch offers a unique auditory experience characterized by a crispy and clacky sound profile. This switch has a chirpy quality that adds a playful element to each keystroke, making it enjoyable for those who appreciate a lively typing atmosphere. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) delivers a low-pitched "thock" sound, adding a more balanced and bass-heavy tone to your typing experience. While the Ink Red leans towards a more vibrant sound, the Sticky Rice creates a muted, refined auditory signature, offering a different kind of satisfaction. Both sound profiles can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, but their fundamental qualities remain distinct.
Regarding feel, both switches excel in delivering a smooth typing experience. The Ink Red's silky texture minimzes resistance, making it a pleasure to type on for long periods. It adopts a mild nature, ensuring that its characteristics are approachable for all users. Meanwhile, the Sticky Rice (V2) also comes across as polished and silky, promoting an effortlessly smooth keystroke similar to the Ink Red. Its buttery sensation adds a luxurious aspect to the typing experience, making each keystroke feel deliberate and fluid. Essentially, both switches provide a refined and enjoyable typing feel, but the Sticky Rice offers a bit more in terms of the luxurious tactile quality.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch present compelling qualities for different preferences. While the Ink Red stands out with its brighter, chirpy sound profile and an effortlessly smooth feel, the Sticky Rice offers a more subdued yet satisfying "thock" sound alongside a polished, buttery typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between them will depend on whether you prioritize a lively auditory feedback or a deeper, more refined sound, but both can deliver a pleasant typing experience that newbies and seasoned typists alike will enjoy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force and appreciate a slightly crispy sound with a clackier profile, the Ink Reds would be an excellent match for your typing style, especially if you find satisfaction in a silky and polished feel. This switch is versatile enough for both home and work environments, catering well to a broad range of users regardless of skill level. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter typing experience with a softer bottom-out force and desire a balanced, refined "thock," the Sticky Rice (V2) switches will likely suit your needs better. Their unique low-pitched sound combined with an exceptionally smooth and buttery keystroke makes them a fine choice for those who prioritize tactile sensation without excessive noise. Ultimately, consider your typing habits and sound preferences before making a choice, as both switches offer distinct characteristics that can significantly enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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