Cherry MX Orange vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Orange and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches stand out for their unique characteristics and advantages. The Cherry MX Orange is revered for its reliable linear action, providing a smooth keypress with minimal resistance, perfect for gamers looking for quick responses without tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches excel in delivering a blend of satisfying sound and smooth operation, making them an excellent choice for typists who appreciate a balanced and precise typing experience. Additionally, their compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards offers enthusiasts added versatility. While both switches cater to different preferences, they each bring distinct benefits to the table. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on which switch suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Orange and the Everglide Rice Pudding, substantial differences emerge, particularly between their top housings. The Cherry MX Orange features a top housing made from nylon, a material renowned for its softer characteristics. This softness contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile when the switch is activated, as nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The acoustic properties of polycarbonate allow for a crisper resonance, making it particularly favored for users who appreciate clarity in their keystrokes or utilize RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances visual effects. Thus, the primary contrast between the two switches lies in the audible results produced by their differing top housing materials.
Delving deeper into the bottom housings, both the Cherry MX Orange and the Everglide Rice Pudding share a commonality in their use of nylon for the bottom housing. This similarity results in a deeper, more rounded sound profile upon bottoming out, making for a cohesive auditory experience during typing. The properties of nylon contribute positively to dampening noise, ensuring that while the top housing may generate differing sound profiles due to their material differences, both switches will produce a unified depth during key presses. The outcome is that, despite the divergence in their top housings, the shared nylon construction in the bottom housing harmonizes their overall sound, unifying the deeper acoustic quality upon actuation regardless of the respective top material.
Ultimately, the interaction between the different housing materials significantly shapes the typing experience. The features of the bottom housing are more pronounced during key presses, meaning that the nylon-based bottom in both switches promotes a similar feel and sound when bottoming out. Meanwhile, the stiffer, clearer top housing of the Rice Pudding leads to a more resonant sound on release, while the softer nylon top of the MX Orange envelops the release sound in a rounder quality. As a result, users can expect two distinct auditory experiences when typing, while still enjoying a harmonious base sound when the switches are fully actuated. This dynamic interplay highlights how the choice of housing materials can lead to varied sound profiles while also showcasing a balanced experience through material similarities.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch present notable differences in terms of weight, which can influence user experience based on personal preference. The Cherry MX Orange requires an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Everglide Rice Pudding is lighter at 38 grams for its actuation force and 48 grams for its bottom out force. This makes the Everglide Rice Pudding a better option for users who prefer a lighter switch, perfect for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel with its heavier actuation force. The unknown bottom out force of the Cherry MX Orange means we cannot directly compare that specific metric; however, the lighter Rice Pudding will likely provide a more effortless keystroke experience, while the MX Orange will deliver a firmer resistance, catering to users who favor a stronger push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, we find that the MX Orange has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Rice Pudding is shorter at 3.5 mm. This difference means that users who opt for the Cherry MX Orange will experience a more pronounced actuation depth, which can provide a more tactile and satisfying feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Rice Pudding switch caters to preferences for quicker response times, making it a more appealing choice for gamers who value speed. The shorter travel distance of the Rice Pudding might feel more abrupt to some users, whereas the longer travel distance of the MX Orange could be more comfortable for those who appreciate a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize short, responsive actions or a more substantial typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Orange switches are known for a relatively muted acoustics profile, combining a smooth, soft thock with minimal auditory distraction, making them suitable for both office environments and quieter settings. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches deliver a deeper sound that is rich and satisfying, enhancing the overall typing experience with a pleasant auditory feedback that complements their smooth operation. While both switches provide satisfying sound profiles, the MX Orange leans towards a quieter performance, whereas the Rice Pudding produces a more pronounced auditory experience.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Cherry MX Orange offers a linear action that is characterized by smooth keystrokes without any tactile bump, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer an uninterrupted typing experience. The Everglide Rice Pudding switches, similarly, provide a smooth operation but with the added benefit of a slightly different travel feel that enthusiasts often find engaging. This could lead to a more dynamic typing experience, even though both switches prioritize smoothness and linearity.
Overall, both the Cherry MX Orange and Everglide Rice Pudding switches cater to users who value smooth operation but provide distinct characteristics that can appeal to different preferences. If a quieter experience is your priority, the MX Orange is more suitable, while the Rice Pudding offers a richer sound and a unique travel feel that some may find more enjoyable. In essence, both switches offer satisfying qualities that can accommodate a wide range of typing styles, whether you're looking for performance or a particular auditory feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between Cherry MX Orange linear switches and Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switches ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you appreciate a nostalgic experience and seek a well-rounded, steady typing feel, the Cherry MX Orange switch could be the perfect choice for you. Its smooth operation and desirable balance make it an ideal switch for an everyday typing experience, especially for those who enjoy a linear feel without additional tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you are an enthusiast looking for something that combines smoothness with satisfying acoustics, the Rice Pudding switch might suit your needs better. With its light bottom-out force and compatibility with Wooting's keyboards, it offers unique versatility and performance that can enhance your gaming and typing experience. Additionally, if sound quality is as important to you as tactile feedback, the deep sound emitted by the Rice Pudding adds an extra layer of enjoyment to your keyboard interactions. Therefore, assess your personal preferences for sound, feel, and usage scenarios to make an informed choice between these two impressive switches.
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