Outemu Dustproof Blue vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Blue and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between different options that cater to varying preferences and typing styles. The Outemu Dustproof Blue switch, known for its clicky feedback, provides an audible and tactile response that many typists and gamers find satisfying. Its pronounced click can enhance the typing experience, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy audible confirmation with each keystroke. On the other end of the spectrum, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switch stands out for its hall effect technology, offering a unique blend of smooth keystrokes and a neutral sound signature that produces the desirable "thock" sound sought after by keyboard enthusiasts. With its dustproof design and reduced wobble, the Sticky Rice switch caters to users looking for an efficient and refined typing experience. While both switches present distinct advantages—whether it’s the clicky sensation of the Dustproof Blue or the silky smoothness of the Sticky Rice (V2)—let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Dustproof Blue and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) both feature polycarbonate as their top housing material, which plays a vital role in producing their distinct sound profiles. Polycarbonate is well-known for its stiffness, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This characteristic allows for greater clarity and resonance when typing, making it a preferred choice for gamers and typists who value auditory feedback. Additionally, both switches utilize a clear polycarbonate casing, making them particularly compatible with RGB lighting, as the translucency of the material allows light to shine through effectively. In this aspect, users of both switches can expect a similar auditory experience alongside enhanced aesthetics when using vibrant lighting.
Contrasting to their top housings, both the Outemu Dustproof Blue and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) feature nylon as their bottom housing material. Nylon is celebrated for its softer properties, which facilitates a deeper and fuller sound profile. By absorbing sound more effectively than harder materials, nylon contributes to a duller and rounder auditory experience. This makes a significant difference in tactile feedback, as the bottom housing predominantly influences the sound and feel when keys bottom out. Consequently, while both switches share similar top housing materials that produce a bright and crisp sound, the nylon bottom housing adds a more muted and rounded tone that contributes to an overall balanced sound signature.
When it comes to performance, the combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms leads to a well-rounded typing experience with distinct qualities governed by each material. The tops will deliver more pronounced sound clarity when keys are released, while the bottoms will influence the sound and sensation during key presses. Thus, users of both the Outemu Dustproof Blue and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) can anticipate similar results in high-pitched sounds due to the polycarbonate materials, while also enjoying a unique blend of sound characteristics stemming from the nylon bottom housings. Overall, this dual-material approach ensures a diverse auditory experience that appeals to a wide range of keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch to the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Dustproof Blue features a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) is lighter, with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer less resistance for longer typing or gaming sessions. Consequently, the Outemu Dustproof Blue presents a more substantial feel due to its heavier forces, appealing to those who enjoy a stronger push when typing. In summary, for users who favor lighter switches, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is the clear choice, while those craving a more resistant typing experience should opt for the Outemu Dustproof Blue.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, the differences become quite evident. The Dustproof Blue features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional preference for a deeper feel, providing more tactile feedback for users who enjoy that hearty depth in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, appealing to those seeking more responsive actions, which is often favored by gamers for quicker response times. Thus, the Dustproof Blue offers a longer travel distance, while the Sticky Rice (V2) is shorter, making it ideal for users who prefer a more abrupt keystroke for faster input.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Outemu Dustproof 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
When evaluating the sound qualities of the Outemu Dustproof Blue and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), the Dustproof Blue switch is celebrated for its clear and crisp clicking sound, which many typists enjoy for its auditory feedback. This kind of punctuation can boost typing confidence and satisfaction, particularly for those who appreciate a louder, more pronounced acoustic signature. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a neutral sound signature that leans towards the "thock" that keyboard enthusiasts adore. This softer, lower-pitched sound can be more pleasant for extended typing sessions, as it reduces fatigue compared to the sharper clicks of the Dustproof Blue. Thus, while both switches produce unique acoustic experiences, the former caters to those seeking a more traditional, expressive click, while the latter appeals to those who prefer a subtler sound with more balance.
Regarding feel, the Dustproof Blue switch is characterized by a tactile bump that provides distinct tactile feedback on each keystroke. This responsiveness can enhance typing speed and accuracy, catering to typists who thrive on the pronounced tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Sticky Rice (V2) is known for its super smooth keystroke, attributed to the dustproof design that minimizes wobble and enhances overall performance. This creates a comfortable typing experience that allows for sustained use without compromising on the tactile feedback that users appreciate. While the Dustproof Blue switch emphasizes a more pronounced tactile response, the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a refined feel with a focus on smoothness and stability.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Dustproof Blue and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches cater to different preferences, with the Dustproof Blue providing a more aggressive, clicky experience while the Sticky Rice (V2) leans toward a refined, smooth, and balanced feel and sound. Your choice between these switches ultimately depends on whether you favor the clarity of a traditional click or the subtlety of a softer thock. Both switches represent distinct approaches to mechanical keyboard design, ensuring that there’s something for every enthusiast's typing pleasure.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you enjoy a medium-heavy switch with a pronounced clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Dustproof Blue is likely the right fit for you. Its 65-gram actuation force provides a solid, satisfying key press that's well-suited for typing enthusiasts who appreciate auditory and tactile feedback in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch that offers a smoother and more refined typing experience, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is an excellent choice. With a bottom out force of only 50 grams, its low resistance combined with a neutral sound signature creates a delightful "thock" sound that many typists and gamers find appealing. Additionally, the dustproof property of the Sticky Rice switch minimizes wobble and enhances overall performance, making it an attractive option for those who prioritize a premium feeling without sacrificing durability. Ultimately, consider the nature of your use—whether it's focused typing, gaming, or a mix of both—and select the switch that aligns with your style to ensure an enjoyable experience with your mechanical keyboard.