Gateron Melodic vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the distinctions between offerings like the Gateron Melodic and the Everglide Rice Pudding. The Gateron Melodic revitalizes the clicky switch experience, boasting innovations like smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, which provide a buttery and crunchy tactile feedback that many users crave for their nostalgic, clicky typing sessions. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches present a unique take on the typing experience by incorporating hall effect technology to deliver both smooth operation and a rich, deep sound. This versatility not only enhances the typing experience but also ensures compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards, making them a popular choice among tech-savvy users. While the Melodic is perfect for those who appreciate pronounced tactile feedback and the satisfying click of old-school switches, the Rice Pudding appeals to those seeking a quieter yet responsive and adaptable typing 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
38g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Melodic and Everglide Rice Pudding switches share some significant similarities in their housing materials, particularly regarding the top housings, which are both crafted from polycarbonate. This choice of material is key in producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, resulting in a clear and resonant auditory experience. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it an excellent option for those who value RGB lighting effects, as it allows for enhanced color diffusion and illumination. Given these similarities, users can expect comparable acoustic qualities from both switches when typing, as the properties of polycarbonate contribute to a consistent sound experience that will be pronounced regardless of the brand.
Contrasting the top housings, the two switches diverge notably at their bottom housings: the Melodic features a nylon bottom housing while the Rice Pudding utilizes the same nylon material. The nylon composition, characterized by its softer plastic qualities, dampens sound and results in a deeper, fuller sound profile. This divergence in housing material affects the overall auditory output when the switch is pressed. While both nylon housings contribute to a rounder sound, the extension of these materials’ effects results in a unique sound signature when bottoming out, distinguishing the feel and sound of the keypress. In this sense, even though the switches share similarities in their top housings, the combination of nylon and polycarbonate produces a rich and complex tonal experience.
To sum up, when pressing either the Gateron Melodic or Everglide Rice Pudding switches, users will experience a pleasant interplay of sound attributes pronounced by the combination of polycarbonate on the top and nylon on the bottom. This pairing enhances the crispness of the release and the fullness of the bottom-out sound, providing a multi-dimensional typing feel. The shared material in the top housing ensures that users can expect a similarly vibrant auditory experience related to release sounds, while the nylon bottom housing imparts a smooth transition and a deeper depth at the actuation point. Thus, enthusiasts can achieve a cohesive and enjoyable typing experience, appreciating the nuanced character each switch brings to the table.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Melodic clicky switch to the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Gateron Melodic has an undefined actuation force but a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a medium resistance when fully pressed. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This makes the Rice Pudding switch easier to press compared to the Melodic, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons without fatigue. The heavier feel of the Melodic may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, while the lightweight Rice Pudding could be favored for speed and comfort. Overall, while the actuation forces differ, the Rice Pudding stands out as the lighter option, and users will experience a contrasting tactile experience between the two switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, it's clear that they offer different experiences. The Melodic switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Rice Pudding features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference means that the Melodic switch provides a more traditional and hearty depth, which is preferred by those who enjoy a fuller tactile experience when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Rice Pudding's 3.5 mm travel distance caters to those who prioritize responsiveness and quicker actuation, making it a popular choice among gamers who seek swift key presses. Thus, if you lean towards enjoying a deeper feel, the Melodic switch would be the better option, whereas if you favor rapid response times, the Rice Pudding would serve you well with its shorter actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Melodic clicky switch stands out with its resonant and crunchy auditory profile. Typing on this switch produces a clean and sharp sound that is reminiscent of crisp autumn leaves underfoot, providing a rich and immersive auditory experience that many typists find satisfying. The clicky nature, combined with advancements like smooth factory lubing, enhances its overall appeal, offering both clarity and character. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches do not have a specified sound description, which leaves their auditory characteristics somewhat ambiguous. However, it’s important to note that a switch's sound can greatly be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, meaning both switches can potentially sound quite different depending on the setup.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Melodic experiments with buttery smoothness and invigorating feedback. The buttery quality allows for a fluid keystroke experience, enabling typists to navigate across the keyboard with ease and precision. Its invigorating feedback offers a tactile sensation that is both snappy and reactive, thus creating an engaging typing experience for users who appreciate pronounced responses from their switches. The Everglide Rice Pudding switches, however, do not provide specific descriptors regarding their tactile feel, leaving their performance in this domain unknown.
In summary, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch excels in both sound and tactile feedback, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate a pronounced and engaging typing experience. While the Rice Pudding switches lack detailed descriptions for sound and feel, their smooth operation and compatibility with innovative keyboards open the door to performance and versatility. Ultimately, both switches can deliver enjoyable typing experiences, but the Melodic seems to offer a more established character, whereas the Rice Pudding’s unique attributes remain to be explored.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Melodic clicky switches and Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switches ultimately depends on your individual preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a classic, tactile typing experience with an auditory flair, the Gateron Melodic is a compelling option. Its moderate bottom out force of 60 grams provides satisfying feedback along with a resonant and crunchy sound that can evoke the nostalgic feel of typing on older keyboards. This makes it ideal for those who appreciate a pronounced and invigorating keystroke while enjoying the smoothness offered by modern advancements in switch technology. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and are looking for a versatile switch with excellent smoothness and precision, the Everglide Rice Pudding is more suitable for you. With a bottom out force of just 48 grams, it allows for effortless typing and is particularly well-suited for performance-oriented environments, such as gaming or programming, especially if you're using Wooting's innovative keyboards. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your desired typing experience—whether you seek a harmonious blend of sound and feel or prioritize weight and versatility to match your workflow.
Mentioned in this article
