Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) present two distinct yet appealing options, each catering to different user preferences. The MX Speed Silver is a linear switch specifically designed for gamers, offering remarkable speed and responsiveness with its low spring resistance and full height, allowing for instant triggering—a crucial advantage in competitive play where every millisecond matters. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is a hall effect switch that strikes a balance between performance and tactile satisfaction. Celebrated for its smooth keystroke and neutral sound signature, this switch provides that coveted “thock” sound, enveloped in a refined typing experience ideal for both casual users and enthusiasts. While the Speed Silver prioritizes rapid input for gamers, the Sticky Rice excels in delivering a more balanced typing experience for those who value feel and sound. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), notable differences emerge, particularly regarding the material used for the top housing. The MX Speed Silver utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer texture. This characteristic allows the material to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a softer, rounder auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the Sticky Rice (V2) employs a polycarbonate top housing, which introduces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, allows for a more resonant and clear sound, making it a popular choice for users who prefer a brighter auditory feedback, particularly when enhanced by RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Conversely, both the MX Speed Silver and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) feature nylon for their bottom housings. This consistency in material choice means that both switches share similar sound characteristics in that respect. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper, fuller sound, similar to that of the MX Speed Silver's top housing. This shared material helps balance the auditory experience across both switches, as the nylon's sound-absorbing properties influence the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, while the top housings differ significantly, the nylon bottom housing produces a unifying element that results in a comparable tactile experience when bottoming out the key.
Ultimately, the interplay between the different housing materials leads to distinctive sound profiles when typing. The MX Speed Silver's nylon top creates a more subdued acoustic quality, while the Sticky Rice (V2) delivers a sharper resonance. However, the shared nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures that users will still experience a familiar depth to the overall sound and typing feel. This contrast highlights how varying top housing materials can fundamentally alter the user experience while maintaining some consistency through shared bottom housing materials, leading to a nuanced but cohesive typing experience across different switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch with the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, we see a notable difference in their actuation forces. The MX Speed Silver requires a force of 45 grams to actuate, making it slightly heavier than the Sticky Rice (V2), which has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This lighter force of the Sticky Rice can be beneficial for users looking for comfortable typing during extended sessions. However, while the MX Speed Silver’s bottom out force is not available, the Sticky Rice (V2) does have a bottom out force of 50 grams, which indicates a more substantial feel when the key is fully pressed down. Therefore, users who prefer a lighter actuation may gravitate towards the Sticky Rice, while those who appreciate a heftier typing experience might lean towards the MX Speed Silver. Overall, the combination of these characteristics makes the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) the lighter option, compared to the heavier feel of the Cherry MX Speed Silver.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, the MX Speed Silver features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Sticky Rice (V2) has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Cherry MX Speed Silver is the shorter option, making it more appealing for gamers who prioritize quicker response times. Conversely, the longer travel distance of the Sticky Rice (V2) might cater to users who appreciate a bit more depth in each keystroke, providing a less abrupt feel. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer the heightened responsiveness of the shorter travel distance or the more substantial feedback from the longer travel distance.
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 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 profile of the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, distinct differences emerge. The MX Speed Silver is characterized by a thocky, low-pitched sound that creates a deep and rich auditory experience when a key is pressed. This sound can be described as a satisfying thud or soft knock, offering an auditory feedback that many typists and gamers appreciate. In contrast, the sound profile of the Sticky Rice (V2) is not defined, leaving uncertainty in its acoustic characteristics. The eventual sound produced would also depend on external factors such as the keyboard build and keycap materials, making direct comparisons challenging.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch exhibits a textured sensation, which translates to noticeable friction during keypresses. This texture may cater to those who prefer a certain tactile feedback that can enhance typing accuracy, though it may not be as smooth as some users desire. The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), however, does not have a defined description for its feel, but the reference to a "delightfully balanced typing experience" suggests a potentially smoother or refined keystroke. Without explicit details regarding the texture of the Sticky Rice (V2), it's difficult to ascertain how they compare directly.
Considering all the information, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch excels in providing rapid, thocky sound and textured feedback, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming environments. In contrast, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is aimed at users seeking a smoother and balanced experience, the lack of precise descriptions leaves its acoustic and tactile characteristics largely ambiguous. Ultimately, if you're looking for defined auditory and tactile sensations, the MX Speed Silver may be the clear choice, while the Sticky Rice (V2) could appeal to those exploring potential alternatives without a strong commitment to specific sound or feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch largely depends on your primary use case. If you are a gamer seeking maximum responsiveness and quick actuation, the MX Speed Silver is your ideal match, as it offers immediate response with negligible resistance. This switch allows for rapid key presses that can give you a competitive edge in fast-paced gaming scenarios, where every millisecond counts. Its thocky, low-pitched sound also provides satisfying auditory feedback that many gamers appreciate. On the other hand, if you value a more balanced, refined typing experience for daily use or typing tasks, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is an excellent option. With its 50-gram actuation force, it provides a cushioned feel while still offering a smooth keystroke free of wobble, making it suitable for extended typing sessions. The neutral sound signature might also appeal to those who prefer a quieter keyboard while still enjoying a "thock" that signals a pleasant press without overwhelming noise. Therefore, align your switch choice with your specific needs for gaming versus typing to enhance your overall experience.
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