Gateron Luciola vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Luciola and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offer two distinct yet compelling options that cater to different typing preferences. The Gateron Luciola, renowned for its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, presents a medium heft combined with a smooth and bouncy typing experience, complemented by a unique sound profile reminiscent of a "can of spray paint being shaken." This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a vibrant aesthetic along with a lively auditory feedback. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) provides a delightfully balanced typing experience with a neutral sound signature that delivers the sought-after "thock" sound prized by enthusiasts. Its super smooth keystroke, enhanced by a dustproof stem that minimizes wobble, appeals to individuals seeking a refined tactile sensation without sacrificing performance. Each switch has its merits depending on what you prioritize in a typing experience; the Luciola shines with its visuals and playful sound, while the Sticky Rice (V2) excels in smoothness and sound quality. 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 Luciola Linear

Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) Hall Effect

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) showcase distinct characteristics that influence their acoustic profiles and user experience. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which imparts a pointed, high-pitched sound that balances a satisfying clacky quality without being excessively sharp. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer structure, resulting in a crisper and clearer sound profile. Both materials aim to produce a resonant sound, but while the Luciola offers a slightly softer yet high-pitched tone, the polycarbonate construction of the Sticky Rice enhances the brightness of the sound, ultimately yielding a sharper timbre.

Examining the bottom housings reveals further differentiation between the two switches. The Gateron Luciola utilizes the same proprietary INK blend as its bottom housing, thereby maintaining the high-pitched clacky quality throughout its design. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) features a nylon bottom housing, which is recognized for delivering a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer and sound-absorbing characteristics. This contrast illustrates how the Luciola focuses on a unified sound profile that remains high-pitched across both housings, while the Sticky Rice (V2) benefits from the interplay between its nylon bottom and polycarbonate top to achieve a more complex acoustic experience.

Ultimately, the effects of the different housing materials on the overall sound and feel of the switches can lead to unique typing experiences. With the Luciola, users might appreciate a consistent high-pitched feedback throughout their keystrokes, resulting in a lively experience. Conversely, the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a blend of characteristics that harmonize the highs from the polycarbonate top housing with the deeper tones from the nylon bottom. While both switches have distinct qualities that separate them, users can expect similar resonant results in the sound profile of the Gateron Luciola thanks to its INK blend across both sections, emphasizing an engaging auditory experience.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different typing preferences. The Luciola switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, classified as medium. 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 Luciola offers a more substantial typing experience, which some may prefer for its feedback, making it suitable for those who enjoy heavier switches. Conversely, the Sticky Rice is lighter and could facilitate longer typing sessions or gaming marathons, appealing to those who favor a softer touch. Overall, the Luciola is the heavier option, while the Sticky Rice (V2) is the lighter choice. If both switches had similar actuation forces, users would experience comparable keystroke triggering, but as it stands, the different weights offer distinct advantages depending on user preference.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, we find that the Luciola has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sticky Rice (V2) measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This makes the Luciola the more suitable choice for those who appreciate a fuller keypress experience, as it offers a deeper feel compared to the more responsive yet slightly abrupt Sticky Rice (V2). Gamers, who often favor quicker actuation for faster response times, may lean towards the shorter travel distance of the Sticky Rice (V2), but for users who appreciate a heftier keypress, the Luciola’s longer travel distance may be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference regarding keypress depth and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Luciola linear switch presents a distinctive and vibrant acoustic profile. Described as clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched, it provides a sharp and snappy sound that can evoke a lively typing experience. The unique nature of the Luciola's sound contributes to its charm and makes it appealing to those who appreciate a more expressive audio feedback while typing. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switch features a more neutral sound signature, which tends to lean toward the coveted "thock" sound that many enthusiasts appreciate. The sound profile of the Sticky Rice is more subdued and refined, offering a balanced acoustic without the sharper notes found in the Luciola. This difference in sound will be notably felt during use, as those who prefer a clackier auditory response may be drawn to the Luciola, while others might appreciate the more muted yet satisfying tone of the Sticky Rice.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Luciola switch provides a medium heft that makes for a smooth and bouncy typing experience. The descriptors of snappy, buttery, and polished highlight the responsiveness and fluidity of each keystroke, offering a seamless transition between keys. This tactile sensation can enhance productivity and enjoyment during long typing sessions. On the other hand, although the specific feel characteristics of the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) are not mentioned, the descriptions emphasize a beautifully balanced typing experience with a super smooth keystroke. The reduced wobble from the dustproof stem suggests a refined tactile feedback that aligns with those who appreciate a high-quality switch. While the Luciola may emphasize more lively traits in typing feedback, the Sticky Rice likely caters to those looking for subtler and smoother interactions.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Luciola and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Luciola’s clacky, bright profile and responsive bouncy feel provide an engaging typing experience suitable for enthusiasts looking for a lively auditory response. Conversely, the Sticky Rice (V2) emphasizes a balanced "thock" sound and a smooth keystroke, appealing to users who prioritize refined tactile sensations without excessive auditory feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference—whether one values vibrant sound and snappiness or a balanced auditory experience and smoothness in feel.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, your preferences and intended use will play a crucial role. If you're drawn to a more vibrant and visually appealing setup, the Luciola's glow-in-the-dark feature can certainly enhance your aesthetic experience. With its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, this switch provides a satisfying and bouncy typing feel that many typists enjoy, particularly if you prefer a snappy, responsive experience. On the other hand, if you're looking for a smoother, quieter option with a lighter touch, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) may be the better fit for you. With a bottom-out force of only 50 grams, these hall effect switches excel in delivering a refined tactile sensation that's ideal for long typing sessions or gaming, complemented by their neutral sound signature that caters to enthusiasts seeking a deeper "thock." Ultimately, your choice should align with the typing experience you desire—whether that's the engaging visual flair and medium heft of the Luciola or the smooth, lightweight performance of the Sticky Rice (V2).

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) Hall Effect

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn more