Gateron Mars vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mars and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) present two distinct options catering to various user preferences. The Gateron Mars, known for its innovative design with a POK stem and a dual-material housing of Nylon and POM, offers a unique linear switch experience that excels in smooth keystrokes without tactile feedback, making it an attractive choice for gamers and typists who prioritize speed and fluidity. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), a hall effect switch, provides a delightfully balanced typing experience characterized by a neutral sound signature and the sought-after "thock" sound, appealing to those who appreciate a more tactile and audibly satisfying experience. The Sticky Rice switch’s super smooth keystroke and dustproof stem further enhance its performance, catering to enthusiasts who value a refined feel without sacrificing sound quality. Each switch has its own merits, catering to different styles and preferences; 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
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Mars and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches present a notable contrast that has implications for both sound and overall typing experience. The Gateron Mars features a nylon top housing, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) incorporates a polycarbonate top housing. This difference fundamentally affects the auditory profile of the switches; the nylon used in the Mars is a softer plastic known for absorbing sound better than harder materials, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top of the Sticky Rice (V2) contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiffness, which allows for clearer resonance. Thus, users can expect distinct acoustic experiences from each switch, partly driven by the material choices in their top housings.
When examining the bottom housing components, both switches offer differing acoustics and tactile sensations that further enhance their unique characteristics. The Gateron Mars utilizes a POM bottom housing, celebrated for its ability to produce a distinctively muted and deeper sound profile. Conversely, the Sticky Rice (V2) utilizes a nylon bottom housing similar to its top counterpart, which also lends itself to a deeper and rounder sound experience. Thus, despite the contrasting materials of the top housings, the bottom housings in both switches provide a foundation for richer, fuller sounds, with nylon in the Sticky Rice echoing the softer qualities of the Mars's POM design.
Ultimately, the combination of these different materials means that the Gateron Mars and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) will deliver distinct auditory experiences based on their respective housing materials. While the nylon top housing of the Mars emphasizes a deeper, more muted sound and the polycarbonate of the Sticky Rice allows for crispness and clarity, the bottom housings contribute significantly to the overall sound envelope. Users might find that, despite the differences in top housing materials, the shared qualities of the bottom housings will put forth a deeper sound character, creating a rounder auditory experience across both switches. This combination of factors suggests that while they may resonate differently during a key press, some tonal similarities can still be achieved through the interaction of both the top and bottom housings in each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, we can observe a notable difference in their actuation forces. The Mars switch requires a force of 45 grams to actuate, while the Sticky Rice (V2) has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This means that for users who prefer a lighter touch and longer typing sessions, the Sticky Rice (V2) may be more appealing. However, the bottom out force of the Mars switch is unknown, making a direct comparison for that metric impossible. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) features a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it provides a more substantial feel when fully pressed. Therefore, while the Gateron Mars may be heavier in actuation, the Sticky Rice (V2) presents a unique combination of lighter actuation and a defined bottom out experience, appealing to different preferences among users.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, the Mars has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sticky Rice (V2) measures at 3.5 mm. This makes the Mars switch slightly longer by 0.1 mm. For gamers seeking faster response times, the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a marginally shorter travel distance, which could enhance its responsiveness during gameplay. Conversely, those who prefer a more pronounced feel with a deeper keypress may find the Gateron Mars to be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding key travel distance, with the Mars providing a bit more depth compared to the Sticky Rice (V2).
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 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.
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
The Gateron Mars linear switch is known for its relatively muted sound profile, often presenting a soft and subtle keystroke that avoids any harshness, making it suitable for quiet environments. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) boasts a more refined acoustic quality with a neutral sound signature that leans toward the coveted "thock" sound that mechanical keyboard enthusiasts often seek. This quality makes it appealing to users who enjoy a richer auditory feedback from their keystrokes. However, it's essential to note that the actual sound experience can vary significantly depending on the specific keyboard build, including plate materials and keycap choices.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Gateron Mars features a smooth keystroke due to its innovative POK stem design, which helps minimize any undesired wobble during typing, thus enhancing the overall typing experience. The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers a similarly smooth keystroke thanks to its dustproof stem, which also contributes to a cushioned and consistent feel as you type. Both switches prioritize the user experience by providing a tactile sensation that facilitates long typing sessions without fatigue, appealing to both casual users and enthusiasts alike.
In summary, while the Gateron Mars linear switch leans towards a more muted sound profile and smooth feel, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers a fuller acoustic experience with a "thock" sound while maintaining a similarly smooth keystroke. Both switches cater to those seeking performance and comfort, albeit with different auditory characteristics, making either a solid choice depending on whether you prioritize sound over feel or vice versa. Ultimately, your choice may come down to personal preference aligned with your desired keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the typing experience you desire. If you're looking for an incredibly smooth and lightweight typing experience, the Mars might be your best bet. Its unique design offers a satisfying linear feel without the typical resistance, making it ideal for rapid typing or gaming where every millisecond counts. However, if you appreciate a tactile sensation and a more pronounced sound signature, the Sticky Rice (V2) would be a great fit. With its 50-gram actuation force, it provides a bit more feedback, which can enhance your typing experience, especially if you enjoy the "thock" sound that many enthusiasts crave. Additionally, the smooth keystroke and reduced wobble make it a compelling option for those who value both performance and auditory satisfaction. Overall, if you prioritize speed and a feather-light touch, go for the Gateron Mars; but if you enjoy a refined typing experience with a rich acoustic profile, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is likely the better choice for you.
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