Gazzew LT vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gazzew LT and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew LT and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Gazzew LT, celebrated for its captivating lilac color and deep, resonant thock, provides a rich auditory experience paired with a smooth, seamless keystroke. This linear switch is perfect for those who appreciate a bassy sound profile and a responsive feel during intense typing sessions. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) presents a more balanced typing experience with its neutral sound signature, allowing users to enjoy that satisfying "thock" without overwhelming their auditory senses. Its dustproof stem ensures a smooth keystroke and minimal wobble, catering to users who seek both performance and a refined sensation under their fingers. While the Gazzew LT brings an engaging auditory element to the table, the Sticky Rice (V2) prioritizes a fine-tuned tactile experience. 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
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.20 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 Gazzew blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew LT and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches reflect distinct philosophies in sound production and tactile feedback. The Gazzew LT features a proprietary blend commonly referred to as "boba plastic" in both its top and bottom housing, known for delivering a rich, deep sound profile due to its softness. This sensual tactile feedback manifests in a more muted sound that caters to users who favor a gentle keypress experience. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer by nature and intended to create a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Additionally, this choice enhances the crispness of each keystroke, making it a fitting option for gamers and typists who prefer feedback that is both clear and resonant.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Gazzew LT maintains its proprietary boba plastic, reinforcing its characteristic depth in sound alongside a soft typing experience. Conversely, the Sticky Rice (V2) utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, a classic material known for its ability to absorb sound and create a fuller, deeper sound signature. This difference in bottom housing materials suggests that while both switches will provide distinct auditory experiences, they may cater to different preferences—where Gazzew's design focuses on muted richness, the nylon in Everglide aims to offer a more rounded sound profile. Ultimately, the result during usage will hinge on both housing materials working in concert to influence sound and sensation when a key is pressed.
Thus, if users are looking for switch profiles that yield a relatively similar performance despite their material differences, they can focus on how the materials work together rather than in isolation. For instance, both designs, while contrasting in terms of tension and sound clarity created by their respective housings, feature elements that contribute to an overall balanced keypress experience. Users can therefore anticipate that while the tactile and auditory sensations may differ, both switches will ultimately cater to the rich spectrum of user preferences, driving home the nuances of sound and feel through their unique combinations of housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Gazzew LT's actuation force is currently unknown, but it features a bottom out force of 65 grams, which categorizes it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the LT is the heavier switch, likely offering a more substantial typing experience, which some users may prefer for tactile feedback. The Sticky Rice (V2), with its lighter force, might be more suited for extended typing or gaming sessions where reduced strain is desired. Overall, users seeking a lighter and more comfortable typing experience may gravitate towards the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), while those desiring a firmer feel may find the Gazzew LT to be more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, a notable difference emerges. The Gazzew LT has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, making it the shorter option between the two, while the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a greater travel distance of 3.5 mm. This distinction highlights a key factor for users to consider: if you prefer a more responsive experience typical of gaming, the shorter 3.2 mm travel of the Gazzew LT may suit you better. Conversely, if you favor a more pronounced key press that provides a sense of depth, the 3.5 mm travel of the Sticky Rice (V2) would be the better choice. Ultimately, the preference for either switch will depend on individual taste regarding responsiveness versus the tactile sensation of 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 Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50 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 it comes to sound, the Gazzew LT linear switches offer a captivating auditory experience characterized by a deep, resonant “thock.” This bassy quality produces a rich sound profile, providing a satisfying acoustic feedback that many typists find appealing. The sound is low-pitched, giving it a soft yet commanding presence during key presses. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches provide a more neutral sound signature that still hints at the deep thock typical of some premium switches but lacks the pronounced bassy depth found in the LT. While the LT delivers a more distinct and rich auditory experience, the Sticky Rice ensures a balanced sound that may appeal to those seeking a subtler auditory response. However, it's important to remember that the sound can also be influenced significantly by the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
As for feel, the Gazzew LT’s properties are generally regarded as smooth with a seamless glide, which enhances the typing experience considerably. The design is aimed at creating a satisfying keystroke with minimal resistance, allowing for a fluid typing motion. Meanwhile, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches emphasize a refined tactile sensation, bolstered by a dustproof stem that diminishes wobble and enhances overall performance. This attention to detail results in an experience that many users appreciate, as it provides a reliable keystroke without any annoying texture or feels from instability. Though the specifics of tactile feedback for the LT aren't mentioned, both switches prioritize smoothness, making them ideal for those who enjoy an effortless typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Gazzew LT linear and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switches present distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The LT excels in delivering a rich, thocky sound that enhances the auditory experience, while the Sticky Rice focuses on a more neutral tone paired with refined tactile feedback. For users who appreciate deep sounds, the LT might be the preferred choice, and for those who lean towards a smoother yet balanced experience, the Sticky Rice could be ideal. Ultimately, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, and with thoughtful consideration of your keyboard setup, you can achieve similar results from either option.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a medium-heavy feel and appreciate a deeper, resonant thock with a rich sound profile, the LT switches would be an excellent choice. They provide a satisfying auditory experience and a seamless glide, making them ideal for both typing and gaming when you desire pronounced feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you're looking for a lighter touch and a more balanced sound profile without compromising on smoothness, the Sticky Rice (V2) will likely suit you better. Their performance is enhanced by a dustproof stem, minimizing wobble and providing a refined typing sensation for those who prefer a cleaner auditory experience and less force required to actuate the keys. Ultimately, both switches offer compelling features, but your choice will depend on whether you prefer the deeper, thocky sound and medium-heavy resistance of the LT, or the lighter, smooth, and neutral feedback of the Sticky Rice (V2).