Cherry MX Brown vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the distinct characteristics of different options can greatly influence your typing experience. The Cherry MX Brown switch is renowned for its subtlety, providing a gentle tactile feedback and a relatively light typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who seek a balanced feel without overly loud auditory cues. It strikes a harmonious balance between typing comfort and discreetness, appealing particularly to those who type extensively for work or enjoy a quieter gaming experience. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switch offers a delightfully polished typing experience with its "thock" sound, favored by enthusiasts who enjoy a richer audio feedback and more refined tactile sensation. Its super smooth keystroke, bolstered by a dustproof stem that reduces wobble, creates a buttery typing experience that many users may find more satisfying. Both switches have their dedicated fan bases, reflecting different preferences in keyboard ergonomics and auditory feedback, but they cater to distinct needs and moods. 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
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Cherry MX Brown switches and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches, the materials used for their housings present distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Cherry MX Brown switch features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound waves more effectively. This results in a typing experience that is characterized by a duller and rounder auditory feedback. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The rigidity of polycarbonate lends itself to a clearer and more resonant sound profile, especially pronounced when typing. Therefore, while both switches may aim to provide a satisfying tactile feedback, the type of sound they generate significantly differs due to the varying properties of their top housing materials.
On the other hand, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing. This consistency in material results in similar sound characteristics for the lower part of each switch. The nylon bottom housing enhances the deeper and fuller sound profile attributed to both switches when pressing down, as this material's sound-absorbing qualities minimize distortions and create a rounded acoustic experience. As a result, regardless of the top housing differences, users can expect a comparable auditory feedback when bottoming out on both the Cherry MX Brown and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches, underscoring the importance of bottom housing in determining the overall sound experience during typing.
In conclusion, while the nylon bottom housing of both switches offers a unified auditory sensation, the contrasting top housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the distinctive sound profiles. The Cherry MX Brown's nylon top contributes to a muted and warmer tone, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)'s polycarbonate top generates a bright and crisp resonance. Therefore, if users prioritize a deeper sound experience, Cherry MX Brown may be preferable; however, for those who enjoy a clear and vibrant sound, the Sticky Rice (V2) would be the better choice. Ultimately, understanding these materials allows users to select a switch that aligns with their preferred auditory and tactile typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch to the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, we can observe notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is lighter with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. This difference means that the Sticky Rice (V2) requires less force to actuate and bottom out, providing a lighter experience overall. Therefore, users who appreciate a strong, tactile feedback may prefer the heavier Cherry MX Brown, while those favoring a more effortless keystroke might lean toward the lighter Everglide Sticky Rice (V2).
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, we find distinct differences that cater to varying preferences among users. The Cherry MX Brown features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it one of the more traditional options that provide a deeper key press feel, suitable for typists who appreciate a hearty depth when typing. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, catering more to gamers and those seeking quicker response times from their switches. Thus, if you prefer a more responsive experience, you might lean towards the Everglide switch, while the Cherry MX Brown would be preferable for those who enjoy the sensation of a longer travel distance. Overall, the MX Brown's travel distance is longer, while the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a slightly shorter but potentially quicker response.
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 Brown 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 it comes to sound, both the Cherry MX Brown and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) share a low-pitched audio profile, leading to a bass-heavy and mellow tone. The Cherry MX Brown's subdued audio feedback makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more discreet typing environment. On the other hand, the Sticky Rice (V2), while also low-pitched, aims at delivering the coveted "thock" sound that enthusiasts often seek, making it slightly more desirable for users who enjoy audio feedback without it being overwhelmingly loud. It's important to note that the overall sound experience can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps.
In terms of feel, the contrast between the two switches becomes more apparent. The Cherry MX Brown is characterized by a textured experience, providing noticeable friction that some users might appreciate for its tactile feedback. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) boasts a polished and silky typing feel, minimizing resistance with buttery smooth key travel. This smoothness enhances the overall typing experience, making the Sticky Rice (V2) appealing to those who prioritize a refined and less tactile sensation. Furthermore, the mild characteristics of the Sticky Rice (V2) cater to a broad audience by striking a balance between comfort and responsiveness, something that Cherry MX Brown may not achieve given its more pronounced texture.
In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Brown and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) provide unique experiences that cater to different preferences among typists. The Brown's subtlety and gentle tactility contrast with the Sticky Rice's smoothness and refined tactile feedback. While both switches share a low-pitched sound signature, their differences in feel serve distinct typing styles. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your preference for tactility, audio feedback, and overall typing experience, ensuring that you'll find a fitting option tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between Cherry MX Brown tactile switches and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a typing experience that combines moderate actuation force with subtle tactile feedback, the MX Brown is an excellent choice. Its textured feel allows for a bit of engagement, making it ideal for typists who enjoy the sensation of each keystroke without being too loud or overwhelming. Conversely, if you're looking for a smoother, more polished typing experience with a slightly lighter actuation force, the Sticky Rice (V2) will likely suit you better. Its buttery, silky feel and refined mechanics offer a delightful balance, perfect for gamers and typists who prefer a seamless keystroke and the satisfying 'thock' sound. Ultimately, both switches cater to different tastes, and your choice should reflect the typing experience you value most.
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