Gateron Mars vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mars and the Everglide Rice Pudding present two distinct yet appealing options for different types of users. The Gateron Mars, a linear switch, is celebrated for its innovative design that features a unique POK stem and a housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, offering a smooth and consistent keystroke that many gamers and typists appreciate for its quiet operation. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is categorized as a hall effect switch, delivering a satisfying typing experience marked by a deep sound and smooth operation, making it ideal for those who enjoy tactile feedback and versatility. Furthermore, the Rice Pudding switches' full compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards enhances their appeal for enthusiasts looking for performance. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize the seamlessness of a linear switch or the unique feedback and compatibility of a hall effect switch. 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
45g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Mars and Everglide Rice Pudding switches utilize different materials for their top housings, resulting in distinct auditory experiences. The Mars features a nylon top housing, which, as a softer plastic, absorbs sound effectively and contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile. This characteristic enhances the tactile experience by providing a more muted auditory response when typing. In contrast, the Rice Pudding employs a polycarbonate top housing that adds brightness and clarity to the sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a sharper, crisper sound that resonates more distinctly than that of nylon. Consequently, users who prioritize a clearer auditory feedback may prefer the Rice Pudding, while those leaning towards a warmer, more subdued experience might favor the Gateron Mars.
Additionally, the bottom housing materials further differentiate these two switches. The Gateron Mars uses a POM bottom housing, which delivers a unique sound signature on the deeper side, contributing to a muted auditory effect overall. Conversely, the Everglide Rice Pudding opts for a nylon bottom housing, which generates a fuller sound profile similar to that of its nylon top. Despite the differences in the top housing materials, both switches ultimately provide a similar sound experience from the bottom, allowing for a deeper and more pleasing typing sound. This unique interaction between the top and bottom housings illustrates how they can complement one another, with the sound characteristics of each material blending to deliver a particular auditory effect.
When comparing the overall performance of these switches, it is important to note how the distinct top and bottom housing combinations influence key feel and sound. The Gateron Mars, with its nylon top and POM bottom, creates a sound experience that is muted yet pronounced due to the nylon's absorption properties working with the deeply resonant POM. On the other hand, the Rice Pudding's combination of a crisp polycarbonate top and full-sounding nylon bottom results in a more pronounced auditory separation, leading to a unique typing experience. Ultimately, players seeking to achieve specific sound profiles or tactile feedback should consider how these housing materials interact: while the Mars focuses on warmth and depth, the Rice Pudding emphasizes clarity and resonance, producing distinctly different yet equally enjoyable outcomes.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, notable differences emerge. The Mars switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Rice Pudding switch is lighter with an actuation force of 38 grams. This means that users who favor a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions may prefer the Rice Pudding switch. In terms of bottom out force, the Mars switch's bottom out force is not specified, while the Rice Pudding switch has a bottom out force of 48 grams, which classifies it as light. Consequently, the Rice Pudding switch is the overall lighter option due to its lower actuation force and manageable bottom out force. In contrast, the Gateron Mars switch may provide a heftier feel given its higher actuation force, making it more suitable for those who appreciate a more substantial resistance when typing. Overall, the Rice Pudding offers a lighter experience, while the Mars may cater to users looking for a stronger push sensation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, the Mars features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Rice Pudding has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Although both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, the Mars offers a bit more depth, which may cater to users who prefer a more tactile experience. In contrast, the Rice Pudding's 3.5 mm travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference; those enjoying a more responsive feel might lean towards the Rice Pudding, while those who appreciate a slight depth in their keystrokes may prefer the Mars.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 Gateron Mars switch produces a unique auditory profile that is characterized by a smooth and muted thock that many typists find pleasing. The combination of its POK stem and a housing material choice of Nylon and POM contributes to a sound that is more subdued yet pleasant to the ear. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is noted for its deep sound, creating a more resonant auditory experience that adds a certain depth to typing. Both switches have their own charm, but the balance of each sound signature can be influenced by the keyboard construction and keycap material you choose, so users can experience a range of sounds depending on their setup.
In examining feel, the Gateron Mars switch is celebrated for its smooth operation, thanks to its innovative design features. The transition through the keypress is linear, making it ideal for those who prefer a consistent and uninterrupted keystroke without any tactile bump. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch also offers a smooth typing experience, but it's renowned for delivering a satisfying and precise overall feel. Although both types emphasize smoothness, the Rice Pudding switch may provide a slightly different sensation due to its distinct mechanical design.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Mars and Everglide Rice Pudding switches bring unique qualities to the table. While the Mars boasts a smooth and subtle thock, the Rice Pudding is recognized for its deep sound and satisfying tactile response. Ultimately, both switches cater to those who appreciate linear feedback, but the experience may vary based on individual preferences and keyboard configurations. With their distinct characteristics, enthusiasts can enjoy a personalized typing experience, making each switch an appealing choice depending on what qualities they prioritize.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use case. If you are looking for a switch that offers a unique design and potentially a very light feel—emphasizing the smoothness and response of your keystrokes—the Mars switch might be the way to go. However, due to the lack of specified bottom-out force for the Mars, it’s essential to consider that it may feel less substantial than traditional options. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that balances smooth operation with a satisfying auditory experience and offers a light yet defined bottom-out force of 48 grams, the Rice Pudding switch would likely suit you better. This switch not only provides a meticulously crafted typing experience with a deep sound but also adds versatility with its compatibility with Wooting keyboards. If you prioritize sound quality, precision, and a sense of tactile feedback in your typing or gaming experience, the Rice Pudding becomes the more attractive option. Ultimately, your decision hinges on whether you value unique design elements and a possibly lighter feel or a consistent, enjoyable sound and feel in your typing experience.
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