Cherry MX Black vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two standout options are the Cherry MX Black and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), each catering to distinct preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Cherry MX Black, with its linear switch design, is renowned for its deep sound profile and textured smoothness, thanks to Cherry's Hyperglide tooling. This switch’s stiff spring offers resistance that many users favor for a deliberate typing experience, making it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a no-nonsense, responsive feel. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) features a hall effect switching mechanism, providing a delightfully balanced typing experience with a neutral sound signature that delivers the sought-after "thock" that enthusiasts crave. This switch excels in smooth keystrokes and minimizes wobble, appealing to users who appreciate a refined tactile sensation without sacrificing performance. Ultimately, while both switches offer unique benefits—be it the robustness of the MX Black or the smoothness of the Sticky Rice—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Black and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches utilize differing materials for their top housings, resulting in distinct acoustic qualities. The MX Black features a nylon top housing, renowned for its sound-absorbing properties, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic minimizes the higher frequencies, creating a rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffer nature and translucence. This material produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound, enhancing clarity and resonance. The choice of top housing material profoundly affects the sound signature of each switch, exemplifying how fundamental material differences can lead to contrasting auditory experiences.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, however, there is a notable similarity. Both the MX Black and Sticky Rice (V2) utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This shared use of nylon results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as this softer plastic absorbs sound effectively. The influence of the bottom housing is particularly palpable when the user bottoms out the switch, leading to a rounded and more cushioned auditory experience in both cases. This similarity in bottom housing material means that users can expect consistent performance in terms of sound dampening, regardless of the differences noted in the top housings.
Ultimately, the combination of both top and bottom housing materials creates a unique typing experience for each switch. While the Cherry MX Black's nylon top and bottom housings cultivate an overall muted sound profile, the Sticky Rice (V2) blends a crisp, clear sound from its polycarbonate top with the roundness of its nylon bottom. Therefore, while users ultimately appreciate the distinct sound characteristics imparted by each switch, the nylon bottom housing serves as a commonality that ensures both switches retain some level of depth in their sound profiles, allowing users to find similarities amidst the variances in their design.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Black linear switch with the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has a much lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which caters to individuals who favor a lighter touch that allows for prolonged typing sessions and gaming. This significant disparity indicates that the MX Black is the heavier option, while the Sticky Rice (V2) is the lighter one, ideal for users looking for comfort over extended periods. As a result, those who enjoy a firmer push may gravitate towards the Cherry MX Black, whereas those seeking a softer, more responsive feel might prefer the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2).
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch exhibit notable differences in their travel distances, which can significantly influence typing and gaming experiences. The MX Black boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, providing a more pronounced and deeper feel when pressed. This traditional depth may appeal to users who prefer a substantial tactile feedback during their keystrokes. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, catering to gamers and users who prioritize quicker response times for faster gameplay. Consequently, for those who appreciate a more responsive experience, the Sticky Rice (V2) would be the better option, while the longer 4 mm travel distance of the MX Black may be preferred by users who enjoy a more tactile, substantial feel beneath their fingers. Overall, these two switches demonstrate how variations in travel distance can cater to different preferences in user experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
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 considering the sound profile of the Cherry MX Black switches, they present a low-pitched tone that is deep and resonant, contributing to a more bass-heavy and mellow auditory experience. This characteristic will create a distinct auditory feedback while typing, providing satisfaction for those who appreciate a solid sound foundation. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) maintains a more neutral sound signature but aims for the desirable "thock" that enthusiasts seek. This implies a varied yet pleasant auditory experience, although the specific details about its sound characteristics beyond the neutral description are unspecified. Ultimately, both switches offer engaging sounds, but the MX Black tends toward depth while the Sticky Rice aims for a balanced, refined note.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Black switches are textured, providing a noticeable friction when pressed, which some users may appreciate while others may find off-putting. They are also classified as stiff, requiring a greater amount of force to actuate and bottom out than many other switches, which can lead to a more intentional typing experience. The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), on the other hand, boasts a super smooth keystroke that minimizes wobble and adds to its refined typing experience. Unfortunately, details specific to the texture or stiffness of the Sticky Rice (V2) switches are unknown, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison. Nevertheless, users can anticipate a smooth sensation in key presses, continuing a trend of satisfying performance.
In conclusion, while both the Cherry MX Black and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches deliver unique experiences in sound and feel, they cater to different preferences. The MX Black offers a deeper, textured, and stiff typing feel, ideal for those who prefer a more substantial keystroke. The Sticky Rice (V2), with its neutral sound and smooth keystroke, is designed for users seeking a more refined typing experience. Together, these switches demonstrate the diversity in the mechanical keyboard realm, allowing newcomers to choose based on their auditory and tactile preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing between the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a heavier switch with a more textured feel and can handle the additional force needed to actuate, the MX Black is a solid choice. Its deep sound profile and satisfying, albeit stiffer, feedback make it great for typists who enjoy tactile engagement and a classic mechanical keyboard experience. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch, a smoother keystroke, and a refined sound signature without any compromise in feel, then the Sticky Rice (V2) is likely to be more your style. It offers a balanced typing experience, ideal for rapid typing or gaming sessions, along with the unique appeal of a “thock” sound that many enthusiasts admire. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your comfort level, typing habits, and the specific acoustic and tactile feedback you find most enjoyable in your keyboard setup.
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