Outemu Lime (V3) vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lime (V3) and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Lime and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) present two compelling yet distinct options tailored for various typing preferences. The Outemu Lime, a tactile switch known for its lightweight design and subtle tactility, offers a muted yet responsive typing experience, making it ideal for users who desire the comforting feedback of tactility without overwhelming sound. With its polished feel, the Lime is particularly appealing for those who appreciate a feathery touch during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) excels with its smooth keystroke and neutral sound signature, delivering the highly sought-after "thock" that many enthusiasts crave. This switch, enhanced by a dustproof stem that minimizes wobble and elevates performance, offers a more pronounced tactile sensation while maintaining a satisfying acoustic profile. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches involves weighing the benefits of the Outemu Lime’s subtlety against the balanced, thocky feedback of the Sticky Rice (V2). However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Lime and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), it's clear that they utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their overall sound profile. The Outemu Lime features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer composition. This quality of nylon helps absorb sound, resulting in a more muted auditory experience that many users find pleasant for typing. Conversely, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) showcases a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and allows for a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This crisper sound profile is ideal for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing, especially when RGB lighting is in play, as polycarbonate's translucency enhances visual effects.
In contrast, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, leading to similar tactile characteristics and sound profiles upon key actuation. The nylon used in both the Lime and the Sticky Rice (V2) contributes to a deeper sound when typing, due to its sound-absorbing qualities. Because both switches share this material in the bottom housing, they provide a consistent tactile response, reinforcing the fuller sound experience that nylon is known for. This commonality indicates that while the top housing significantly influences the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing will maintain a similar auditory feel and bottom-out experience in both switches.
Ultimately, the differing materials between the top and bottom housings of these switches create a unique interplay of sound profiles and feedback. With the Lime’s nylon top and bottom housing, users can expect a cohesive deep and rounded sound across all key actions. On the other hand, the Sticky Rice (V2) combines a resonant polycarbonate top with a nylon bottom, achieving a distinct balance between a crisp release sound and a robust bottoming-out sensation. In essence, while these switches present different acoustic signatures primarily stemming from their top housing materials, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both can deliver satisfying typing experiences under their respective influences.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, we notice some distinctions in their actuation and bottom out forces that may appeal to different preferences among users. The Outemu Lime features an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option of the two. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has a slightly higher actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a heavier switch. This difference means that while the Lime may facilitate longer typing sessions with less strain, the Sticky Rice might provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a firmer keystroke. Both switches are classified as light, but the Outemu Lime ultimately lightens the load more than its counterpart. Users seeking a comfortable typing experience for extended periods may find the Lime more suitable, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may gravitate towards the Sticky Rice.
Travel distance
The Outemu Lime tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing the keys, the Outemu Lime switch offers a shorter journey compared to the Sticky Rice (V2). For gamers looking for quicker response times, the shorter travel distance of the Lime may be more appealing, allowing for rapid key presses. Conversely, the Sticky Rice (V2), with its deeper 3.5 mm travel, might provide a more satisfying tactile experience for users who prefer a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for responsiveness versus depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Outemu Lime (V3) comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, the Lime excels in offering a muted experience. Its sound profile is neutral and relatively quiet, making it an excellent choice for those who need a low-noise environment, whether at home or in shared spaces. This balance ensures that both novice and more experienced typists can enjoy a pleasant auditory experience without the harshness typical of clacky switches. On the other hand, the Sticky Rice (V2) is known for its "thock," which many enthusiasts desire. While specifics about its sound signature are not detailed, it can be assumed that it possesses a more pronounced auditory impact compared to the Lime, making it potentially more suitable for those who appreciate a richer soundscape.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Lime switch stands out with its exceptional lightness and approachable tactility. Its mild and feathery characteristics contribute to a gentle typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The Lime’s polished nature ensures a smooth keystroke, fostering a refined and comfortable interaction. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) is designed to deliver a balanced feel with a smooth keystroke, courtesy of its dustproof stem, which minimizes wobble and enhances overall performance. While the specific tactile feedback of the Sticky Rice switches is not described, they likely provide a satisfying experience without sacrificing the gentle touch essential for comfort during prolonged use.
In conclusion, while both the Outemu Lime and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, they offer distinct advantages. The Lime is perfect for those who prioritize a quiet typing experience with a subtle yet satisfying tactile feedback, while the Sticky Rice (V2) appeals to enthusiasts looking for a fuller auditory experience and a smooth keystroke. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you lean more towards a muted ambiance supported by a light touch or a more pronounced sound paired with refined tactile sensations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a lightweight and muted switch that offers a gentle tactile experience, especially for extended typing sessions, the Lime switch is an exceptional choice. Its feathery touch combined with a soft sound profile makes it ideal for environments where noise control is a consideration, such as shared workspaces or during intense gaming marathons. On the other hand, if you seek a more balanced typing experience that delivers a smooth keystroke with a satisfying "thock" sound, the Sticky Rice (V2) will likely suit your needs better. It's especially suitable for those who enjoy a refined tactile sensation without sacrificing feel, making it perfect for a blend of typing and gaming. Overall, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize lightness and subtlety in your keystrokes with the Outemu Lime or a more pronounced yet smooth feedback experience with the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2).
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