Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two notable contenders stand out: the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Everglide Rice Pudding. The Speed Silver, celebrated for its linear action and rapid response, is optimized for gamers who require lightning-fast actuation and minimal resistance, enabling them to react swiftly in high-stakes situations. Its textured, thocky feel delivers a satisfying tactile experience, making it a favorite among competitive players looking to gain an edge. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches focus on a harmonious blend of smooth operation and rich sound, providing a balanced typing experience that appeals to both general users and mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Their compatibility with Wooting's keyboards adds another layer of versatility, attracting those who appreciate innovation alongside performance. With such distinct features and benefits, choosing between these two switch types ultimately hinges on whether you prioritize gaming speed or a more satisfying tactile experience. 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
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 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 Speed Silver and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches, we find significant differences in the choice of plastics used for their top housings. The Cherry MX Speed Silver features a nylon top housing, known for providing a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This softer plastic absorbs sound, resulting in a rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding uses a polycarbonate top housing, which gives the switch a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, contributing to a more resonant and clear sound. Thus, while the MX Speed Silver delivers a warmer typing experience, the Rice Pudding's sound is characterized by its crispness and clarity, especially appealing for users who enjoy RGB lighting due to the translucency of the material.
Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which provides a consistent depth and fullness to their sound profiles. The use of nylon in both switches ensures that the bottom-out sound and feel will retain a similar quality, regardless of the differences presented in their top housings. As a result, when typing on either switch, users will experience that familiar, rounded, and deep sound that characterizes switches made with nylon. Therefore, while the sound and feel may differ on key release due to the top housing material, the bottom housing contributes a consistent auditory foundation for both switches.
In summary, the divergence in top housing materials between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Everglide Rice Pudding results in distinct experiences during key presses and releases. The nylon top of the MX Speed Silver produces warmer sounds, while the polycarbonate top of the Rice Pudding yields a brighter sonority. However, the shared nylon bottom housing means that both switches will deliver a fuller sound upon bottoming out. This combination of materials highlights how the top and bottom housings interact to create a nuanced typing experience, allowing users to choose between deeper or crisper auditory profiles while maintaining that satisfying bottom-out sound quality characteristic of nylon.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch with the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, we observe notable differences in their actuation forces. The MX Speed Silver requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, while the Rice Pudding switch sits at a lighter 38 grams. This difference could make the Rice Pudding more suitable for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming, as it demands less effort to register a keystroke. On the other hand, the Rice Pudding's bottom out force is 48 grams, indicating a firmer feel when the key is fully pressed down, a feature that some users prefer for a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the MX Speed Silver’s bottom out force remains unspecified, leaving its bottoming feel unclear. Consequently, if you're looking for a lighter, less fatiguing switch for long hours, the Rice Pudding may be the preferable option, whereas the MX Speed Silver might appeal to those who appreciate a stronger push.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch exhibit only a slight difference in travel distance, with the Speed Silver measuring 3.4 mm and the Rice Pudding at 3.5 mm. This makes the Speed Silver the shorter of the two options, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times due to the reduced distance the key travels before actuating. Conversely, the Rice Pudding’s 3.5 mm travel distance offers a bit more depth, potentially providing a more satisfying feel for users who prefer a more pronounced keypress. Both these switches, while closely matched in distance, cater to different preferences in feel and responsiveness, highlighting the nuanced choice between a slightly shorter actuation for speed and a longer distance for comfort.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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
The sound profile of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch is characterized as thocky and low-pitched, producing a satisfying, deep tone that resonates with each keystroke. This auditory quality can contribute to a pleasing typing experience, especially for users who enjoy that rich, thudding sound as they type. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch lacks a specified sound profile in the available information. However, it's important to note that the final sound produced by any switch can also be influenced significantly by the keyboard's build quality, materials, and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the MX Speed Silver is noted for its textured experience, which may be perceived as slightly scratchy by some users. This tactile quality can enhance the sensation of each keypress, providing feedback that some typists and gamers may find beneficial for precision and control. The Everglide Rice Pudding switch does not have a described tactile feel in the available data, leaving some uncertainty about its performance in this regard. Consequently, while the Speed Silver provides a clear textured feedback, the Rice Pudding's feel remains unassessed.
In conclusion, if you're considering the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches, you can anticipate a distinct auditory experience with the Speed Silver, marked by its thocky and low-pitched sounds. Its textured feel also sets it apart, offering a unique typing experience that might appeal to tactile enthusiasts. The Rice Pudding switch, meanwhile, is praised for its smooth operation and compatibility with Wooting keyboards, making it a versatile option for those interested in performance. Overall, both switches cater to specific preferences but differ to some extent in sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switches, your choice largely depends on your priorities as a user. If you’re a competitive gamer seeking the ultimate in speed and instantaneous responsiveness, the MX Speed Silver is your go-to option. Its linear action and low spring resistance make it ideal for those who need to maximize their performance in fast-paced gaming scenarios. Additionally, if you appreciate that satisfying thocky sound and textured feel that adds character to each keystroke, you’ll likely find the Speed Silver enriches your gaming experience. On the other hand, if you're someone who values a balanced, smooth typing experience for both gaming and general use, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches stand out. With their lighter actuation force of 48 grams and compatibility with Wooting’s innovative keyboards, they offer a versatile option that caters to enthusiasts looking for both sound and performance. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preferences: speed and responsiveness for gaming with the MX Speed Silver, or a satisfying and smooth typing experience with the Rice Pudding switch.
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