Cherry MX Orange vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two noteworthy options are the Cherry MX Orange and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2). The Cherry MX Orange switch is renowned for its smooth linear motion, making it ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a consistent keystroke without any tactile bumps. It's a modern revival of the original MX Orange switches, designed to deliver a satisfying typing experience while catering to high-demand performance needs. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) boasts a unique hall effect mechanism that provides a delightful balance between smoothness and a distinctive "thock" sound that enthusiasts crave. The dustproof stem minimizes wobble, offering an elegantly polished feel that many users find appealing. While the MX Orange favors a straightforward, linear experience, the Sticky Rice (V2) enhances typing enjoyment with its refined tactile sensation and neutral sound profile. 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
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Cherry MX Orange and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), a notable distinction arises from their top housing materials, which significantly influences their respective sound profiles. The MX Orange utilizes a nylon top housing, which is a softer plastic known for producing a deeper and rounder sound. This material absorbs more sound than harder options, creating a fuller auditory experience that is often described as more significant and pulse-like. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing, a material recognized for its stiffness and ability to project a sharper, crisper sound. The sound profile emanating from polycarbonate is clearer and more resonant, making it particularly suitable for users who prefer high-pitched auditory feedback, especially while utilizing RGB lighting due to its translucence.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which brings some similarity in their auditory experience despite the differences in their top housings. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to the MX Orange's top housing. This commonality ensures that both switches may produce a more rounded sound when bottoming out, offering an enjoyable typing experience that caters to users who appreciate depth in sound. This overlap allows users of the Sticky Rice (V2) to experience a softer sound when engaging with the switch, even though the overall performance is influenced by the contrasting materials used in the top housing.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in the Cherry MX Orange and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) provides unique sound profiles tailored to different preferences. Where the MX Orange emphasizes a deeper, rounder sound due to its nylon top, the Sticky Rice (V2) prioritizes clarity and sharpness thanks to its polycarbonate top. However, the shared nylon bottom housing means that both switches foster similar bottom-out experiences. This interplay of materials highlights how sound characteristics can vary dramatically based on top and bottom configurations, allowing users to choose switches that best match their desired auditory experience in a keyboard.
Weight
The Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch offer distinct experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The MX Orange requires a moderately firm actuation force of 55 grams, providing a substantial push that some users may find satisfying, especially those who appreciate a heavier typing experience. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, which may appeal to users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, allowing for extended use without fatigue. While the bottom out force for the MX Orange remains unknown, the Sticky Rice (V2) has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it offers a gradual resistance before bottoming out. As such, the MX Orange ranks as the heavier option overall, while the Sticky Rice (V2) is lighter and more suited for those who favor a softer touch during typing.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch have distinct characteristics when it comes to travel distance. The MX Orange features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is on the traditional side and offers a more substantial feel during key presses. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, appealing to gamers who prioritize responsiveness and quicker actuation for fast-paced gaming. While both switches serve different preferences—those favoring depth might lean towards the MX Orange, while those seeking rapid feedback may prefer the Sticky Rice (V2)—the difference in travel distance highlights the varying experiences they provide. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that delivers a more robust keystroke, the Cherry MX Orange would be the better choice, whereas the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) caters to those who prefer a more responsive feel with slightly less depth.
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 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.
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 Cherry MX Orange and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches, the distinctions are noteworthy. The Cherry MX Orange exhibits a sound that's less defined in this context, potentially delivering a more neutral sound signature. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) is characterized as low-pitched, providing a richer, bass-heavy tone that enthusiasts often describe as a “thock.” This tonal quality can create a pleasant auditory experience, especially when combined with well-chosen keycaps and a suitable keyboard frame, resulting in a satisfying typing symphony that enhances the overall enjoyment.
In terms of feel, the MX Orange is expected to provide a balanced experience, yet specifics on its tactile feedback are broadly noted as lacking in wider descriptions. Conversely, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) stands out with a range of descriptors that showcase its refined typing experience. It is polished, resulting in a smooth keypress with reduced friction, and silky, enhancing the overall feeling of fluidity while typing. Additionally, its mild characteristics make it approachable for a variety of users, while its buttery smoothness underlines a seamless keystroke experience. This combination of features makes the Sticky Rice (V2) not only a tactile delight but also a highly enjoyable switch, particularly for those who seek precision in their typing.
Taking into account sound and feel, the Cherry MX Orange and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches offer different experiences that cater to varying preferences. While the MX Orange may provide a more neutral sound and balanced feel, the Sticky Rice (V2) excels with its engaging low-pitched sound, polished and silky smooth typing experience. For newcomers, selecting between these two switches will ultimately hinge on personal preferences for audio characteristics and tactile sensation. Each switch presents its unique strengths, making either a worthy choice depending on the user's priorities.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Cherry MX Orange and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches, it's essential to consider not only the technical specifications but also your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you are someone who appreciates a heritage switch with a refined, yet gentle feel, the Cherry MX Orange is a fantastic choice, especially if you're looking for a switch that revives the original MX Orange experience with enhancements for performance. It’s particularly well-suited for those who may enjoy a less intense typing experience, whether you’re a casual user or someone who likes to type for prolonged periods without feeling fatigued. On the other hand, if you favor a more nuanced tactile sensation and value premium sound quality, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers an exceptional typing experience with its low-pitched thock and buttery keystrokes. These switches are excellent for enthusiasts who seek a blend of smoothness, minimal resistance, and refined acoustics, making them ideal for gaming as well as typing. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize the classic feel of the MX Orange or the silky, polished typing experience of the Sticky Rice (V2), each catering beautifully to different preferences.
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