Outemu Blue vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between different options, each offering a unique typing experience tailored to specific preferences. The Outemu Blue switch, with its characteristic clicky feedback, appeals to typists who relish the audible sound and tactile response that provides a playful yet decisive typing rhythm. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is celebrated for its smooth operation and deep sound, delivering a balanced experience that combines precision with satisfaction. Additionally, the Rice Pudding's compatibility with Wooting’s innovative keyboards enhances its appeal for those who prioritize performance and versatility in their typing. Ultimately, both switches cater to different user preferences—one delighting in auditory feedback and the other in fluidity. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Blue and Everglide Rice Pudding switches share similar housing characteristics that contribute to their respective sound profiles. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is renowned for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This characteristic stems from polycarbonate’s stiffness, enabling it to resonate more clearly than softer materials. This is particularly advantageous for users who prioritize RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows light to shine through effectively, creating an aesthetically pleasing visual effect alongside a vibrant auditory experience.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches differ significantly in their impacts on sound and feel. The Outemu Blue boasts a nylon bottom housing, traditionally known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributable to nylon's softer plastic properties, which absorb more sound and result in a more rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Rice Pudding also utilizes a nylon bottom housing but maintains the same attributes of sound absorption and depth. Thus, while both switches may have the same bottom housing material, the overall auditory quality will be influenced by the unique combination of the top and bottom housings when typing.
Ultimately, the synergy between the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom of both the Outemu Blue and Everglide Rice Pudding allows for complementary sound profiles. While the crisper tones from the polycarbonate emphasize the initial key press, the fuller sounds produced by the nylon bottom housing create an engaging typing experience when the key is bottomed out. Consequently, both switches will produce similar sound characteristics while typing, ensuring a consistent experience, yet with subtleties that may appeal differently to individual typists based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Blue clicky switch with a known actuation force of 50 grams to the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, it becomes clear that the Rice Pudding switch is designed for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, making it more suitable for extended use during long working hours or gaming sessions. While the bottom out force of the Outemu Blue is currently unavailable, the Everglide Rice Pudding is known to have a bottom out force of 48 grams, which indicates a gentle resistance when fully pressed down. The heavier actuation force of the Outemu Blue may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing, as it provides additional feedback. However, since the bottom out force of the Blue switch is not provided, a direct comparison cannot be made. Overall, if you prioritize a lighter key feel for prolonged typing comfort, the Rice Pudding switch is the better choice, whereas those who prefer a firmer actuation should consider the Outemu Blue.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, there is a notable difference. The Outemu Blue features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is aligned with traditional switch designs, offering a deeper feel that some users prefer for its tactile feedback. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it a better option for those seeking quicker response times common in gaming scenarios. This shorter distance can provide a more abrupt actuation that some find favorable for fast-paced action. Ultimately, if you gravitate towards a more pronounced keystroke with a deeper travel, the Outemu Blue is the superior choice, while the Rice Pudding may better satisfy those looking for enhanced responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 Outemu Blue switch is known for its distinct and pronounced click sound, which is often realized as one of the more recognizable auditory experiences in the mechanical keyboard landscape. This clicky characteristic provides clear auditory feedback during typing, appealing to those who enjoy a more retro typewriter-like experience. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is praised for its deep sound, which adds a richer auditory quality to its operation. While both switches create satisfying auditory feedback, the Blue is accentuated by its high-pitched click, whereas the Rice Pudding’s sound profile offers depth and resonance that can lead to a more immersive typing experience.
When it comes to the tactile feel, the Outemu Blue switch provides a pronounced tactile bump that enhances the typing experience, allowing users to easily discern each key press. This tactile feedback can be particularly enjoyable for typists who appreciate the physical sensation of a switch engaging and disengaging. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is noted for delivering a smooth operation coupled with a balanced typing experience. The smoothness combined with satisfying feedback creates a conducive environment for both casual and precise typing, making it a versatile choice for various users.
In summary, both the Outemu Blue and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Blue switch emphasizes crisp auditory feedback and tactile engagement, which is ideal for users desiring a classic typing feel. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch presents a smoother typing experience with deep sound, making it suitable for enthusiasts seeking a more nuanced and versatile performance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, but both provide distinct experiences that can satisfy different typing needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, your personal preferences and typing needs will play a crucial role. If you enjoy the distinct auditory feedback and tactile feel of a clicky switch, the Outemu Blue may be the perfect choice for you, especially if your primary focus is on a traditional typing experience that provides clear tactile bumps. However, if you prefer a smoother operation with a lower actuation force and a more subdued sound profile for a balanced typing experience, the Everglide Rice Pudding should be your go-to option. The Rice Pudding's compatibility with Wooting keyboards also makes it a savvy choice for tech enthusiasts looking for versatility and performance. Ultimately, consider what matters most to you—whether it’s the sound, feel, or the specific responsiveness of each switch—so you can make an informed decision that enhances your typing experience.
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