Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves navigating a diverse landscape of options designed for various typing preferences. The Gateron Ink Yellow, a linear switch, stands out for its shorter travel distance, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a typing experience that bridges the gap between a laptop and a traditional mechanical keyboard. Its smooth operation and mild clackiness offer a balanced auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience without overwhelming it. Conversely, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) brings a unique hall effect to the table, delivering a delightfully balanced and refined typing experience characterized by a neutral sound signature, often associated with the desirable "thock" sound. The dustproof stem minimizes wobble, ensuring a smooth keystroke that appeals to users who value tactile satisfaction. While both switches have their respective strengths, offering distinctive experiences for different preferences, it's essential to take a closer look at their features and performance to find the right fit for your typing needs. 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 Yellow Linear

Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) Hall Effect

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), significant differences can be observed in both the top and bottom housings. The Ink Yellow features a proprietary INK blend top housing that is noted for its pointed, high-pitched sound profile, lending a clacky auditory experience. This unique soundscape is enhanced by the material's inherent characteristics, which provide a satisfying auditory feedback without being excessively sharp. Conversely, the Sticky Rice (V2) uses a polycarbonate top housing, known for its clarity and crispness in sound output. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a more resonant sound, which is particularly advantageous for those looking to implement RGB lighting, as its translucent nature maximizes light diffusion and aesthetic appeal.

In contrast, the bottom housings of these two switches exhibit a more pronounced differentiation in material properties. The Ink Yellow utilizes a proprietary INK blend, which mirrors the characteristics found in its top housing by providing a similarly high-pitched and clacky sound profile. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) is constructed with a nylon bottom housing, a traditional choice renowned for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound. Nylon's softer composition absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a muted and rounded auditory experience. This fundamental contrast highlights how the bottom housing material can significantly influence the overall sound profile of the switch, particularly in terms of bottom-out feedback.

Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) yield distinctly varied sound experiences despite both switches targeting a high-pitched sound profile. Even though the Ink Yellow maintains a consistency in its sound characteristics across both its top and bottom housings, the Sticky Rice (V2) benefits from a sound absorption quality that forms a more layered auditory output. Users may find that switches like the Ink Yellow deliver a consistent clacky sound throughout, while the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a blend of sharper top sounds with a rounder bottom-out feel, resulting in an overall more harmonious typing experience. As a result, those looking for a similar auditory depth might need to adapt their typing style or switching technique depending on the material characteristics of the switches in play.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Yellow has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy option that provides a substantial typing experience suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, appealing to users who favor a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or extended gaming. Consequently, while the Ink Yellow may be ideal for those seeking a more robust feedback, the Sticky Rice (V2) is better suited for individuals looking for ease of use and comfort over long periods. Overall, the Gateron Ink Yellow is the heavier switch, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is the lighter one, making the choice clear for users based on their preference for switch weight and typing feel.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch both feature a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users will experience the same key travel distance when pressing down on either switch, resulting in similar tactile feedback and responsiveness. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of how far the key has to be pressed to register a keystroke, ensuring consistency for those who favor either option.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch produces a distinctive clacky tone, characterized by a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that resonates well with users who enjoy a crisp typing experience. This lively sound can create an engaging atmosphere, appealing to both casual users and enthusiasts alike. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers a more neutral sound signature that hints at the desired "thock" sound, providing a satisfying auditory experience for those who appreciate a richer and deeper noise profile. While the Ink Yellow leans towards a bright and percussive sound, the Sticky Rice adds a subtle depth to each keystroke. It's essential to note that the overall sound characteristics of both switches will also depend on factors like the keyboard plate and keycap materials used.

In terms of feel, the Ink Yellow switch presents a mild and polished typing experience. The mildness offers an approachable quality that caters to a wide range of users, ensuring that it doesn’t overwhelm those new to mechanical keyboards. Additionally, its polished nature contributes to a smooth key travel, reducing friction and enhancing overall comfort during prolonged typing sessions. On the contrary, while the feel of the Sticky Rice (V2) is not explicitly described, the emphasis on its super smooth keystroke suggests a refined typing experience. The design incorporates a dustproof stem that minimizes wobble, delivering a confident and steady feel with each press. This could potentially make the Sticky Rice feel similarly smooth and pleasant under the fingers, appealing to users looking for refinement in their typing experience.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Yellow and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. The Ink Yellow shines with its clacky sound and mild yet polished feel, making it suitable for those who enjoy a lively typing experience. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) promises an equally smooth and refined feel but introduces a deeper, neutral sound profile that many enthusiasts seek. Depending on individual preferences, users may find that both switches provide unique yet fulfilling experiences, allowing for similar satisfaction in different aspects of their mechanical keyboard journey.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, consider your typing preferences and the environments in which you will be using your keyboard. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force at 67 grams, along with a shorter travel distance that provides a typing experience reminiscent of both laptop and standard mechanical keyboards, the Ink Yellow is ideal for you. Its unique blend of smoothness and clackiness, along with a neutral sound profile, makes it a versatile option suitable for both home and office use. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch with a bottom out force of only 50 grams and cherish a refined typing experience, the Sticky Rice (V2) should be your go-to choice. Its lighter actuation, combined with a delightful thock sound signature and an exceptionally smooth keystroke, caters specifically to enthusiasts who appreciate a low-wobble feel and a polished typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you favor a more robust, tactile engagement or a sleek, low-effort keystroke that still delivers satisfaction.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) Hall Effect

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn more