Cherry MX Red vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between Cherry MX Red and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) presents a fascinating contrast in typing experiences. The Cherry MX Red, a stalwart in the realm of linear switches, is celebrated for its slightly heftier feel and pronounced sound profile, offering users a robust and responsive typing experience that’s both satisfying and engaging. Its deeper sound, often described as 'thocky', appeals to those who appreciate auditory feedback during their typing sessions. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) features a hall effect mechanism, delivering a smooth keystroke and a neutral sound signature that hints at the coveted 'thock' without the potential jangling noise. Designed to reduce wobble with its dustproof stem, this switch provides a refined tactile sensation for users prioritizing a balance of performance and sound. Each switch has its distinct advantages depending on the user’s priorities—be it auditory satisfaction or a silky-smooth experience. 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
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 housing materials of the Cherry MX Red and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), a notable distinction arises between their top housings. The Cherry MX Red employs a nylon top housing, known for its softer and more absorbent characteristics that contribute to a deeper, fuller sound profile. This acoustic property is largely influenced by nylon's ability to muffle sounds, creating a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and facilitates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The transparency of polycarbonate also enhances optical effects, particularly when RGB lighting is used; thus, these materials cater to different auditory and aesthetic preferences.
However, when considering the bottom housings, both the Cherry MX Red and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) utilize nylon, resulting in a shared sound profile that accentuates a deeper and fuller feel upon bottoming out. This commonality in bottom housing reinforces a consistent tactile experience across the two switches; the unique attributes lent by the nylon material contribute to a muted sound that reduces unwanted echoing. As both switches feature the same material for their bottom housings, they will yield similar feelings in terms of bottom-out sound – that classic thump associated with softer plastics.
Ultimately, the overall acoustic experience of each switch will be a blend of the materials used in both top and bottom housings. The Cherry MX Red, with its nylon top, will provide a muffled return sound, while its nylon bottom ensures a deep and rounded bottom-out sensation. The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), on the other hand, will combine the sharper return sound from the stiff polycarbonate top with the muted bottom-out characteristics of the nylon bottom. This nuanced division guarantees that even though they might share the same bottom material, the sound profiles can diverge significantly, illustrating the importance of the top housing's material in shaping the final auditory experience of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Red linear switch with the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces and bottom out characteristics. The Cherry MX Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Sticky Rice (V2) is lighter with an actuation force of 40 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter touch and easier keystrokes may favor the Sticky Rice (V2) for extended typing or gaming sessions. Regarding bottom out forces, the MX Red lacks a specified bottom out force, while the Sticky Rice (V2) has a bottom out force of 50 grams. Hence, the Sticky Rice (V2) provides a more pronounced resistance when bottoming out. In summary, the Cherry MX Red is heavier in terms of actuation force, and its bottom out characteristics remain unspecified, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is lighter in actuation and provides a definite bottom out force, catering to different user preferences for weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, the Cherry MX Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sticky Rice (V2) measures at 3.5 mm. This makes the Sticky Rice (V2) the shorter option, catering to gamers and users seeking quicker response times, which can be beneficial in fast-paced environments. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback and depth in their key presses. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal preferences: if you enjoy a more abrupt and responsive feel, the 3.5 mm distance of the Sticky Rice (V2) would be more suitable, whereas if you appreciate a deeper and more traditional typing experience, the Cherry MX Red's 4 mm travel will be more satisfying.
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 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 it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Red switch stands out with its distinctly thocky and low-pitched auditory profile, delivering a deep, rich sound that evokes the satisfying thud of a traditional mechanical switch. This robust sound is often appreciated by those looking for a more resonant typing experience. The deeper tones provide an emphasis on a muted, yet rich acoustics that tends to fill the room, enhancing the overall tactile experience. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is celebrated for its balanced auditory output, aiming for a neutral sound signature that subtly hints at the desirable "thock" that many enthusiasts seek. The precise combination of sound and build in the Sticky Rice may lead to a less pronounced auditory experience compared to the MX Red, but both switches ultimately create an engaging soundscape, though the results can vary based on other factors, such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Red switch is characterized by a somewhat textured experience, exhibiting noticeable friction as keys are pressed. This texture can be appealing to users who enjoy a more tactile sensation while typing, adding a layer of engagement with each keystroke. The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), on the other hand, is engineered for a super smooth keystroke due to its dustproof stem which minimizes wobble and enhances overall performance. This provides a refined sensation that many users will find pleasing, particularly those who value smoothness and precision in their typing experience. While the MX Red's textured feel may cater to specific preferences, the ultra-smooth action of the Sticky Rice offers a different tactile pleasure.
In conclusion, while both the Cherry MX Red and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches bring their own unique qualities to the table, they cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard users. The MX Red provides a deeper sound and textured feel that many love for its classic richness, while the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a balanced sound and an ultra-smooth keystroke that enhances performance. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value a more tactile and resonant typing experience or a refined and smooth one—both switches aim to satisfy but do so through distinct profiles and qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between Cherry MX Red switches and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switches largely depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a satisfying auditory depth and a robust typing experience, the MX Red is an excellent choice. Its slightly heftier feel and thocky sound signature make it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more traditional mechanical feel, especially in gaming or general typing tasks where feedback is essential. On the other hand, if you seek a smoother keystroke with minimized wobble and a neutral sound that still provides that desirable "thock," the Sticky Rice (V2) may be more aligned with your preferences. This switch is ideal for users who appreciate a balance of tactile sensation while aiming for whisper-quiet operation, making it a suitable option for both work and leisure in shared environments. Ultimately, consider whether you value acoustic feedback and a textured feel over a seamless, refined experience to determine which switch is the best fit for you.
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