Keygeek Keylin vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Keylin and Everglide Rice Pudding stand out as two excellent choices, each offering unique benefits that cater to different users. The Keygeek Keylin, a linear switch, is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and premium typing experience, enhanced by rich acoustics thanks to new molds developed by Keygeek. This makes it an attractive option for those who prioritize a quiet and seamless typing feel, ideal for both gaming and productivity. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch utilizes hall effect technology to deliver a satisfying blend of smooth operation and deep sound, providing a balanced typing experience that appeals to enthusiasts seeking precision and responsiveness. Furthermore, its compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards makes it a versatile choice for those looking to push the limits of keyboard performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
UPE
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
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
The Keygeek Keylin and Everglide Rice Pudding both employ unique combinations of housing materials that significantly affect their sound profiles and performance characteristics. The Keylin's top housing is crafted from nylon, a material known for its softer composition, allowing it to absorb sound effectively. This leads to a deeper, rounder auditory experience, which can appeal to users who prefer a muted sound when typing. In contrast, the Rice Pudding features a polycarbonate top housing that enhances its acoustics through a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for those who value clarity and brightness in their keystrokes. Thus, while both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, their different top housing materials yield varied auditory outcomes, influencing user preference.
While the top housing diverges significantly between the two switches, both the Keylin and Rice Pudding share nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon’s inherent qualities lend themselves to generating a deeper and fuller sound profile, contributing to a consistent tactile feedback on bottoming out. This shared aspect means that, despite the differences in their top housings, both switches provide that familiar, rich sound experience during typing. For users who enjoy deeper sounds with implications for tactile feedback during key presses, both switches provide a satisfactory experience, albeit with the added auditory nuance introduced by the top housing materials.
When considering the overall impact of the housing materials, it's essential to recognize that the interaction between the top and bottom housings plays a crucial role in the overall typing experience. The Keylin’s nylon top housing moderates the sound and feel when keys are released, contributing to a more muted acoustic environment. On the other hand, the Rice Pudding’s polycarbonate top enhances the release sound, offering a vibrant audio signature that stands in stark contrast to its counterpart. Therefore, while both finishes lead to engaging sound profiles, they appeal to different user preferences based on the desired auditory response and tactile feel during typing. Ultimately, selecting between them will come down to individual preferences for sound clarity versus depth, which underscores the importance of housing materials in the design of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, both switches exhibit identical characteristics, with an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that users can expect a similar keystroke experience from both switches, allowing for ease of typing over extended periods, making them ideal for long work hours or gaming sessions. With both switches classified as light, they cater to those who prefer a softer touch while typing rather than a more substantial, heavier feel. As a result, both options strike a balance between comfort and performance, ultimately delivering a comparable typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, the Keylin has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Rice Pudding features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference, albeit minimal, suggests that the Keylin switch may offer a more pronounced tactile experience, appealing to users who enjoy a deeper feel when pressing keys. On the other hand, the Rice Pudding, with its shorter travel distance, may cater to gamers seeking quicker response times for rapid actions. Both switches are relatively close to the 4.0 mm traditional travel distance, reflecting the trend toward shorter travel distances in recent designs. Ultimately, the choice between them hinges on personal preference: those favoring a more responsive feel might lean towards the Rice Pudding, while those who appreciate a touch more depth may opt for the Keylin.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
The Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding 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 Keygeek Keylin linear switch is known for its rich acoustics, which suggests a deeper, more resonant sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is lauded for its deep sound, providing a satisfying auditory feedback when pressed. Both switches emphasize a more pleasant acoustic experience, making them suitable for users who appreciate a good auditory response while typing. However, it is important to note that the final sound can be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard, case, and keycaps, making direct comparisons a bit nuanced.
In terms of feel, the Keylin linear switches are recognized for their exceptional smoothness, which enhances the typing experience by providing a consistent and fluid keystroke without any tactile bump. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches offer a blend of smooth operation and a balanced feel that is not only satisfying but also precise. While both switches deliver a smooth tactile experience, the Keylin may edge out in terms of ultra-smooth linear action, whereas the Rice Pudding provides a more nuanced feel that might appeal to users seeking a slightly different typing precision.
In conclusion, both the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch showcase distinct subjective qualities that cater to different preferences. The Keylin's rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness make it a strong contender for those who enjoy a premium typing experience. Meanwhile, the Rice Pudding's deep sound and balanced feel create a versatile option that appeals to enthusiasts looking for performance and adaptability. Ultimately, both switches offer you similar yet distinct experiences that can elevate your typing enjoyment, so your choice may boil down to personal preference and specific use cases.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, your choice will ultimately depend on your specific preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a typing experience characterized by rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, the Keylin switch is likely the better option for you. Its lightweight actuation makes it ideal for those who engage in long typing sessions or prefer a softer touch. On the other hand, if you seek a switch that combines a satisfying tactile feel with a more pronounced sound profile, the Rice Pudding is an excellent choice. This switch also shines in versatility, as its compatibility with Wooting’s innovative keyboards caters to enthusiasts looking to enhance their gaming or typing performance. Hence, if you value precision and sound in your typing experience, the Rice Pudding's unique feature set may appeal to you more. In the end, your choice should align with what you find most enjoyable and functional for your typing or gaming style.
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