Outemu Black vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Outemu Black and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) can significantly impact your typing and gaming experience. The Outemu Black is a linear switch known for its smooth keystroke and direct feel, making it an ideal option for those who prefer a quieter and uninterrupted typing action without the tactile feedback of a click. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers a compelling alternative with its hall effect design, delivering a wonderfully balanced typing experience characterized by a satisfying "thock" sound that enthusiasts cherish. Its super smooth keystroke, aided by a dustproof stem that reduces wobble, caters to individuals seeking a refined tactile sensation while maintaining an enjoyable and responsive feel. Both switches present unique advantages: the Outemu Black for its simplicity and directness and the Sticky Rice (V2) for its nuanced audio and tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Black Linear

Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) Hall Effect

$3.10 per 10

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Outemu Black and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches showcase a similar approach, particularly in their choice of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which results in a sound profile characterized by sharpness and clarity. This material's stiffness contributes to a higher-pitched resonance, allowing users to enjoy a crisper typing experience. Moreover, the translucent nature of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of both switches, making them well-suited for setups utilizing RGB lighting. As a result, whether you opt for the Outemu Black or the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), the auditory feedback you receive upon pressing the keys will possess that signature high-pitched clarity due to the shared polycarbonate top.

In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches diverges slightly in their operation, although they both favor nylon as the material of choice. The nylon used in the Outemu Black and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is largely celebrated for its ability to produce a deep and full sound profile. Since nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs sound more effectively than harder alternatives. This acoustical characteristic results in a relatively duller and rounder sound underneath each keystroke. Therefore, while the polycarbonate top housing accentuates the sharper sound profile, the nylon bottom housing complements it with its capacity to soften and deepen the auditory experience.

Ultimately, the interaction between the top and bottom housings in both switches results in a balanced acoustic signature. The sharper, crisper tone produced by the polycarbonate top is refined by the mellowing effect of the nylon bottom, creating a unique typing experience. While both the Outemu Black and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) share the same materials for their top and bottom housings, the way these materials affect sound perception and keystroke feedback exemplifies the importance of understanding housing composition in mechanical switches. Consequently, users can expect a harmonious blend of high-pitched clarity and a deeper sound profile, regardless of their choice between the two, highlighting their similar capabilities in delivering an enjoyable typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Black linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, a clear distinction emerges regarding their actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Black has an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, making it a heavier option that caters to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) features a significantly lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, appealing to those who favor ease of typing, particularly for extended use during gaming or work sessions. Consequently, the Outemu Black will provide a more forceful feedback and tactile satisfaction for typists who enjoy a heavier key press, while the Sticky Rice (V2) allows for quicker and less strenuous keystrokes, which can be beneficial for prolonged use. Ultimately, if users are looking for a lighter and more accessible switch, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is the ideal choice, while those who seek a more pronounced push feel would gravitate towards the heavier Outemu Black.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Black linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, we find distinct differences. The Outemu Black features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option and offering a more substantial feel during key presses. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, providing a shorter, more responsive experience which is often preferred by gamers seeking quicker response times. While both switches cater to different user preferences—those who appreciate a deeper, more tactile press might opt for the Outemu Black, while those who favor speed and agility in their keystrokes may lean towards the Sticky Rice (V2)—it's clear that the Outemu Black excels in travel distance at 4 mm compared to the 3.5 mm of the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2).

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound characteristics of the Outemu Black linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, the former remains an enigma, as its auditory profile is not well-documented. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) is celebrated for its neutral sound signature that can evoke the desirable "thock" that many keyboard enthusiasts crave. This sound quality is influenced by various factors including the type of keyboard and keycaps used, but the consistent feedback regarding the Sticky Rice (V2) indicates a satisfying acoustics experience that stands out among other switches.

When it comes to the tactile experience, the Outemu Black is equally vague, lacking a robust description of its feel, whereas the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is noted for delivering a super smooth keystroke, aided by a dustproof stem that minimizes wobble and enhances performance. This results in a refined tactile sensation that many users find appealing, especially those who prefer a linear switch without sacrificing the pleasure of a well-crafted feel. The difference in design and mechanics between the two switches suggests that users of the Sticky Rice will likely enjoy a more refined tactile experience, while the Outemu Black may feel less defined due to the lack of available feedback.

In summary, while the Outemu Black linear switch remains somewhat of a mystery in terms of both sound and feel, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch clearly excels, offering enthusiasts a satisfying auditory experience coupled with smooth keystrokes and reduced wobble. For newcomers, this information underscores the differences between the two, where the Sticky Rice (V2) presents a compelling choice for those who prioritize sound and tactile refinement in their typing experience. Ultimately, while the Outemu Black may still provide adequate performance, the Sticky Rice (V2) is likely to yield a more gratifying and engaging experience for keyboard enthusiasts.

Conclusion

In summary, your choice between the Outemu Black linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch will largely depend on your typing preferences and use case. If you favor a robust and heavy key feel, the Outemu Black, with its daunting 82 grams bottom-out force, may align with your style, particularly if you enjoy a firmer feedback that can reduce accidental key presses, making it excellent for gaming or situations where precision is crucial. However, if you prefer a lighter touch and a smoother, more refined typing experience, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is the way to go. Its 50 grams bottom-out force offers a delightful balance that eases long typing sessions, making it an attractive option for typists and professionals who value both comfort and performance. The Sticky Rice switch is also known for its satisfying "thock" sound, enhancing the auditory experience, while the smooth keystroke can help reduce finger fatigue. Ultimately, choosing between these switches boils down to whether you lean towards a heavier, more deliberate key press or a lighter, smoother touch—both options cater to enthusiasts but in distinctly different ways.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Black Linear

$3.10 per 10

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Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) Hall Effect

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn more