Cherry MX Red vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference, and two noteworthy contenders in the realm of typing experience are the Cherry MX Red and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches. The Cherry MX Red, renowned for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, offers users a robust and responsive typing experience that strikes a harmonious balance between tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction. Its "thocky" and low-pitched characteristics make it an appealing choice for gamers and typists who appreciate a more substantial keystroke. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches stand out with their impressive blend of smooth operation and rich sound, providing a balanced typing experience that emphasizes precision and satisfaction. These switches not only appeal to enthusiasts for their performance but also boast compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards, positioning them as a versatile option for those seeking a step up in functionality. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
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
The Cherry MX Red and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches each utilize distinct materials for their top housing, which in turn influences their sound profiles during operation. The Cherry MX Red features a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer composition. Nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder acoustic experience compared to harder plastics. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding employs a polycarbonate top housing. This stiffer material contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, making the overall auditory feedback of the switch more pronounced. Thus, the choice of housing not only defines the sound character but also affects the tactile response and ambiance experienced while typing.
While the top housings are fundamentally different, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing. This consistency allows for a unified sound experience in terms of the bottom-out feel across both models. The nylon material in the bottom housing provides a similar deeper resonance, ensuring that although the top sounds differ, the experience of pressing the keys is harmonized by the softer characteristics of the nylon used beneath. Therefore, regardless of the sonic distinctions fostered by the top housings, the combination of nylon bottom housings in both switches contributes to a familiar and cohesive acoustic signature during key presses.
In summary, the differences in housing materials between the Cherry MX Red and the Everglide Rice Pudding create varied auditory experiences that reflect their respective construction. The MX Red’s nylon top housing promotes a fuller sound profile, while the Rice Pudding’s polycarbonate contributes clarity and sharpness. However, the shared nylon bottom housing reinforces a degree of continuity in the typing experience. Ultimately, while the switches produce different top-end sound characteristics, their similarities in bottom-housing material ensure that users can still enjoy a satisfying tactile experience.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, it's clear that their actuation forces differ, with the MX Red requiring 45 grams to actuate compared to the lighter 38 grams of the Rice Pudding. This means that the Rice Pudding switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. However, the bottom out forces present a notable contrast: while the bottom out force for the MX Red is unspecified, the Rice Pudding switch has a bottom out force of 48 grams, indicating that it provides a more pronounced, heavier feeling when fully pressed down. Thus, while the Rice Pudding switch overall feels lighter upon actuation, it offers a firmer feel at bottoming out. This difference may attract users looking for a lighter actuation but still wanting a substantial typing experience when the switch is fully engaged. In terms of overall weight considerations, the Cherry MX Red is the heavier option when comparing actuation force alone.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, the Cherry MX Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Rice Pudding offers a shorter distance of 3.5 mm. This difference means that the MX Red provides a slightly deeper and more pronounced keypress, which some users may find preferable for a more tactile experience. On the other hand, the Rice Pudding's shorter travel distance can appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a snappier feel. Ultimately, if you favor responsiveness, the Rice Pudding may be the better choice, while those who appreciate a fuller keypress might lean towards the MX Red.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 Cherry MX Red linear switch is renowned for its deep, thocky profile that produces a satisfying auditory experience. The low-pitched nature of the switch adds a robust depth to each keystroke, creating a pleasurable thud-like sound when pressed and released. This characteristic makes it popular among typists who appreciate a more substantial auditory feedback. In contrast, while the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch is also noted for delivering a deep sound, specific descriptors of its acoustic qualities are less clearly defined. However, it similarly aims to provide a balanced typing experience that combines smoothness and auditory satisfaction. It’s important to note that any keyboard’s sound can vary greatly based on the board and keycap choices, which can also influence the final auditory result for both switches.
In terms of feel, the MX Red is renowned for its textured sensation, which adds an element of friction during typing that many users find pleasing. This tactile feedback can enhance typing precision and helps users gauge their keystrokes effectively. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch lacks specific descriptors regarding feel, but it is known for delivering smooth operation, suggesting that it may have a frictionless experience that contrasts with the textured nature of the MX Red. Ultimately, the choice here may come down to individual user preference regarding tactile feedback and typing comfort.
In summary, both the Cherry MX Red and Everglide Rice Pudding switches offer unique qualities that cater to differing preferences. The MX Red stands out with its textured feel and rich, thocky sound profile, making it a favored option for those who value auditory feedback and a bit of friction while typing. Meanwhile, the Rice Pudding appeals to those seeking smooth operation combined with a deep sound, particularly for users interested in compatibility with innovative keyboard technologies. Ultimately, a user’s choice will depend on their personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience, but both switches promise satisfying results in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between Cherry MX Red linear switches and Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switches, consider your specific typing preferences and intended usage. If you appreciate the classic feel of a slightly heftier linear switch with a deeper and more satisfying sound profile, the Cherry MX Red may be your best bet. This switch is ideal for both gaming and typing, providing a robust and responsive experience without any tactile feedback to disrupt your flow. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth operation combined with precision and versatility, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is an excellent choice, especially for users who may take advantage of its compatibility with Wooting keyboards. With a lighter bottom out force and a satisfying blend of sound, these switches cater well to enthusiasts who value performance and an enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should reflect your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and the specific functions you require from your mechanical keyboard.
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