Cherry Nixie vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, selecting the right switch can dramatically influence your typing experience. The Cherry Nixie, a linear switch celebrated for its substantial heft and textured feel, offers a traditional yet refined typing experience thanks to its updated materials and springs from Cherry's recent MX2A update. This switch provides a unique "thocky" and low-pitched sound profile, ideal for users who appreciate tactile feedback and a classic aesthetic. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch, classified as a Hall effect switch, champions smooth operation paired with a deep, satisfying sound. It strikes a balanced typing experience that appeals to both enthusiasts and those looking for precision in their keystrokes. Additionally, its compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards adds a layer of versatility for gamers and productivity enthusiasts alike. 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
63.5g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Gold-plated
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry Nixie and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches, notable distinctions arise between their top housing components. The Cherry Nixie boasts a nylon top housing, a material renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer nature, which dampens vibrations and absorbs sound, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. Conversely, the Everglide Rice Pudding features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and generates a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This difference in material not only affects the acoustic characteristics but also the aesthetic aspect, as polycarbonate's translucency is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, a feature that the Nixie may not capitalize on to the same extent.
On the other hand, both Cherry Nixie and Everglide Rice Pudding share a commonality in their bottom housing, with both utilizing nylon materials. This consistency means that when typing on either switch, users can expect a similar sound and feel that stems from the softer nylon construction. This shared attribute means that both switches will yield a deeper and fuller sound profile when the key is bottomed out, providing a cohesive experience despite the contrasting top housing materials. Hence, while the auditory qualities differ when the key is released due to the top housing, the tactile feedback and bottom-out sound sensation remain consistent across both switches.
In summary, while the Cherry Nixie and Everglide Rice Pudding switches differ significantly in their top housing materials—nylon versus polycarbonate—both exhibit the soft characteristics of nylon in their bottom housing, leading to a unified typing experience at the base of each switch. This combination allows for the distinct sound profiles created by the top housing to be complemented by the deeper tonal qualities generated from the nylon bottoms. Consequently, users can enjoy the unique acoustic properties of the switches while still benefiting from a familiar depth of sound that nylon inherently provides, establishing a multifaceted typing experience that caters to various auditory preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry Nixie linear switch to the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, a clear distinction in their force characteristics emerges. The Nixie switch has a relatively heavy actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that some users prefer for a tactile feedback. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch is notably lighter, featuring an actuation force of just 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This lighter setup can benefit users who engage in extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, reducing finger fatigue. Therefore, those who favor a lighter switch for comfortable use over prolonged periods would gravitate towards the Rice Pudding, while those seeking a firmer push should opt for the Cherry Nixie, which offers a more robust tactile experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry Nixie linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option that offers a hearty feel with deeper actuation. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter and appeals to those seeking quicker responsiveness, such as gamers. This difference in travel distance suggests that users who prefer a more pronounced keypress may find the Nixie more suitable, while those who favor a faster output might opt for the Rice Pudding. Thus, if you aim for a more tactile typing experience, the Nixie would be the optimal choice, while the Rice Pudding is better for agility and rapid keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 Nixie linear switch stands out with its thocky and low-pitched tonal qualities, delivering a deep, satisfying sound that resonates beautifully with each keystroke. This rich sound profile provides a comforting auditory feedback, reminiscent of a soft thud or knock, which many typists find pleasurable. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch offers a quieter operation that may lean towards a more subdued sound profile. While the Rice Pudding's specific auditory qualities aren't detailed, it is known for delivering a smooth sound, potentially influenced by factors like keycap and board choice.
In terms of feel, the Cherry Nixie linear switch offers a textured experience characterized by noticeable friction during key presses. This textured feel can provide a tactile feedback that some users appreciate, enhancing the interaction between finger and switch. Unfortunately, the information regarding the tactile feel of the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is not specified, leaving a gap in comparing its feel directly. However, given its reputation for smooth operation, it can be inferred that the Rice Pudding likely offers a more frictionless experience than the Nixie.
Overall, the Cherry Nixie linear and Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Nixie provides a rich auditory experience with a textured typing feel, making it a classic choice for those who appreciate character in their keystrokes. Meanwhile, the Rice Pudding, known for its smooth operation, suggests a focus on ease of use and versatility. Depending on your typing style and preferences, either switch could potentially lead to a satisfying experience, yet the Cherry Nixie's distinct sound and tactile feedback may appeal more to enthusiasts who value those qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing requirements. If you're someone who enjoys a heavier key press with a satisfying thocky sound, the Nixie might be your best bet. Its 80 grams of actuation force provides a tactile, textured experience that many enthusiasts cherish, particularly if you appreciate that traditional, robust feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter, smoother typing experience with the versatility of being compatible with innovative keyboards like those from Wooting, the Rice Pudding is likely the right choice for you. With its 48 grams of actuation force, it offers a more effortless keystroke that enhances speed and precision, ideal for fast typists and gamers alike. So, whether you lean towards the classic, weighty Nixie or the agile, modern Rice Pudding, understanding your typing style will guide your decision effectively.
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