Dareu Master vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience. The Dareu Master switch is an all-POM linear option that strikes a medium weight, delivering a classic clacky sound signature accompanied by exceptional smoothness in operation. This switch is ideal for users who appreciate a traditional typing feel with a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch combines smooth operation with a deep, resonant sound, offering a balanced and precise typing experience. This switch not only provides enjoyment for everyday typing but also boasts compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards, appealing to enthusiasts seeking enhanced performance and versatility. Ultimately, while the Dareu Master excels in delivering a classic feel with sound, the Everglide Rice Pudding offers a unique blend of smoothness and versatility. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal 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
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Master and the Everglide Rice Pudding keyboard switches exhibit distinct characteristics based on their housing materials, influencing both sound and typing experience. The Dareu Master's top housing, made from POM (Polyoxymethylene), produces a deeper, more muted sound profile, creating an incredibly pleasing auditory experience. This unique sound is partially due to POM’s properties, which emphasize warmth and richness. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, renowned for its ability to deliver sharper and crisper sounds. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a high-pitched, resonant audio profile that captures higher frequencies more effectively, making it especially appealing in setups that rely on RGB lighting due to its translucency that allows light to shine through beautifully.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the differences between the two switches become even more pronounced. The Dareu Master employs a POM bottom housing, which complements its top housing by reinforcing the deeper sound profile with a consistency that provides a full-bodied auditory experience. Conversely, the Everglide Rice Pudding integrates a nylon bottom housing, which is traditionally softer and excels at absorbing sound. This results in a deeper, rounder sound that is generally less pronounced compared to the POM housing. The combination of nylon's absorptive qualities with the clear and sharp polycarbonate top creates a balance, enabling a uniquely defined sound that is distinct from the fuller, muted tones of the Master.
Ultimately, while both switches offer unique auditory experiences derived from their housing materials, they approach sound design differently. If used together in a keyboard, the Dareu Master would provide a deep, muted sound that resonates with warmth, while the Everglide Rice Pudding would offer a sharper and more dynamic auditory profile. Typing feels on both would reflect these differences, as the impact of each housing type influences the total sensory experience. If a user desires to achieve a similar typing sound across both, they could experiment with key press techniques or damping materials to find a balance that brings together the qualities of both the POM and polycarbonate, creating a hybrid experience that capitalizes on the strengths of each material.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Master linear switch to the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces that cater to different user preferences. The Master has an actuation force of 45 grams, whereas the Rice Pudding features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams. This means that the Rice Pudding is more suitable for users seeking a lighter feel, ideal for long typing sessions and gaming marathons. However, the bottom out force of the Dareu Master is unavailable, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison in that regard; the Rice Pudding, on the other hand, has a bottom out force of 48 grams, indicating a firmer response when the key is fully pressed down. Consequently, while the Master might provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier switch, the Rice Pudding offers a slightly softer touch with its lighter actuation force. Overall, users who favor a lighter, less strenuous typing experience should gravitate toward the Everglide Rice Pudding, while those who desire a more robust feel might find the Dareu Master more appealing, despite the unknown bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Master linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, the Master measures at 3.4 mm, while the Rice Pudding has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you are looking for a switch that provides a shorter response time, the Dareu Master may be the better option, as its travel distance is marginally less, catering to gamers and users who prefer quicker actuation. Conversely, for those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile experience, the Everglide Rice Pudding offers a deeper feel with its longer 3.5 mm travel distance. Ultimately, the choice depends on your preference; if you favor a crisper and more immediate response, the Dareu Master is suitable, while the Rice Pudding may appeal to those who enjoy a fuller keystroke experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Dareu Master linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, the Master clearly stands out with its distinctive clacky sound signature. This sharp and snappy auditory feedback can provide an engaging typing experience, especially for those who enjoy the classic percussive sounds typical of mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Rice Pudding switches remain unspecified, leaving an unknown factor in its auditory experience. However, it’s worth noting that the sound produced by any switch is heavily influenced by the choice of keycaps and the keyboard itself, making both switches potentially capable of varying acoustic outcomes.
In terms of feel, the Master switch achieves a balance between a mild typing experience and a polished finish. The mild nature of the switch offers an approachable experience for users, providing a gentle yet satisfying tactile response without overwhelming feedback. Its polished characteristics contribute to a smooth key travel, thanks to refined materials and potentially factory lubrication. Conversely, the specifics regarding the feel of the Rice Pudding switches are not detailed, leaving a gap in comparison. Despite this, one can assume the Rice Pudding aims for a smooth operation as stated, which could suggest a pleasant typing experience as well.
In conclusion, the Dareu Master linear switch is characterized by its clacky sound and finely tuned feel, presenting a well-rounded mechanical experience for enthusiasts. The Everglide Rice Pudding switch, while convenient and likely smooth, lacks detailed descriptions in terms of sound and feel that would allow for a more direct comparison. Both switches appeal to different preferences, and individuals may find satisfaction in either depending on their keyboard setup and personal tastes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Dareu Master linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, it's essential to consider your typing preferences and the specific experience you're seeking. If you enjoy a classic, clacky sound that adds character to your typing sessions and prefer a smooth and mild feel, the Master switch is a fantastic choice. Its lightweight operation and polished finish provide a comfortable experience suitable for prolonged typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more balanced and versatile typing experience, the Rice Pudding switch could be your best bet. With its 48 grams of bottom-out force, it delivers a satisfying yet precise actuation, ideal for both typing and gaming, especially for enthusiasts who appreciate compatibility with advanced keyboards like those from Wooting. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your preferences for sound, feel, and responsiveness, ensuring that whichever switch you select enhances your keyboard experience.
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