Outemu Gold vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Outemu Gold and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options stand out: the Outemu Gold, a clicky switch, and the Everglide Rice Pudding, a hall effect switch. The Outemu Gold switches are recognized for their tactile feedback, providing a satisfying “click” with each keystroke that appeals to those who enjoy an auditory typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches excel in delivering a smooth operation combined with a deep sound, offering a balanced typing feel that is both satisfying and precise. Moreover, the Rice Pudding switches are fully compatible with Wooting's innovative keyboards, making them particularly attractive to enthusiasts who prioritize performance and versatility. Each switch has unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences—whether you favor the pronounced feedback of a clicky switch or the smooth elegance of a hall effect switch. 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
45g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
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
Both the Outemu Gold and Everglide Rice Pudding switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which serves to enhance their auditory performance in a similar fashion. The polycarbonate material is known for its stiffness, allowing for a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is both clear and resonant when the switch is engaged. In addition to its auditory benefits, the translucency of polycarbonate is aesthetically advantageous, especially for users who utilize RGB lighting, as it offers vibrant illumination through the switch. This shared characteristic in the top housing contributes to a uniformity in sound quality across both switch types, ensuring that users seeking a crisp and clear auditory feedback will find satisfaction in either option.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Outemu Gold and Everglide Rice Pudding switches utilize nylon, a material celebrated for its ability to generate a deeper, fuller sound profile. The inherent properties of nylon, being softer than polycarbonate, absorb more sound and therefore produce a duller and rounder acoustic experience. This difference in material composition between the bottom and top housings creates a balanced auditory landscape where each housing material’s qualities impact the overall sound of the switch. While the polycarbonate top emphasizes clarity, the nylon bottom counterbalances this with a warmer sound, making the typing experience on both switches equally unique, yet perfectly complementary.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both switches results in a nuanced auditory profile that emphasizes different aspects of the typing experience. The polycarbonate top provides the bright, resonant sounds upon key release, while the nylon bottom absorbs sound and creates a fuller tone upon bottoming out. Users will experience a rich soundscape regardless of the switch they choose, as the interplay of materials ensures that the auditory feedback is both satisfying and distinctive. Thus, despite the differences in the bottom housing, the harmonious blend of polycarbonate and nylon allows for an enjoyable typing experience across both Outemu Gold and Everglide Rice Pudding switches, producing remarkable outcomes in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Gold clicky switch with its actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 60 grams to the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, notable differences emerge. The Outemu Gold is categorized as medium weight, offering a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch is distinctly lighter, making it ideal for long typing sessions or extended gaming marathons, as it requires less effort to actuate and bottom out. Users who prefer a lighter touch will find the Rice Pudding more comfortable, while those who appreciate a firmer feedback might lean towards the Outemu Gold. Overall, these switches cater to different preferences regarding typing feel and force, allowing users to choose based on their comfort and usage needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, the Outemu Gold features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Rice Pudding offers a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Outemu Gold switch provides a more traditional and deeper keystroke experience, which some users may prefer for a hearty feel when typing. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding's shorter travel distance may cater to gamers and those who prioritize responsiveness, as it allows for quicker key actuation and a more rapid return to the resting position. Therefore, if responsiveness is your main concern, the Rice Pudding would likely be the better choice due to its reduced travel distance; however, if you appreciate a more substantial keystroke, the Outemu Gold would be more suitable.
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 Gold 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 Gold clicky switch produces an undefined sound profile that is not particularly well-known or celebrated, which may leave users wanting a more distinctive auditory experience. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches are characterized by their deep sound, offering a rich auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying. This deep sound creates a balanced typing atmosphere that can enhance the overall typing experience, making the Rice Pudding switches stand out for those who appreciate an engaging auditory component in their keystrokes.
When it comes to tactile feel, the Outemu Gold's characteristics remain unspecified, making it difficult to determine how it compares to other switches in terms of sensation and feedback during use. On the other hand, the Rice Pudding switch is known for delivering a smooth operation, which contributes to a fluid typing experience. This smoothness allows for a comfortable and enjoyable engagement, appealing to users who prioritize ease of typing without any interruptions or resistance.
In conclusion, if you're deciding between the Outemu Gold and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches, the latter clearly offers a more defined auditory experience and a smooth tactile feel, making it a solid choice for enthusiasts and those who appreciate performance. While the specific qualities of the Outemu Gold remain unclear, its lesser-known status could mean it won't offer the same robust experience as the Rice Pudding, particularly for those who value pleasing sound and a refined feel in their mechanical keyboard experience. If sound and smoothness are priorities for you, the Rice Pudding is likely the better option to consider.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a medium bottom-out force with a classic clicky feel for tactile feedback, the Outemu Gold might be your go-to option, especially if you appreciate a more traditional mechanical typing experience. However, if you prefer a lighter touch, which allows for quicker keystrokes and less finger fatigue, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch becomes appealing. Known for its smooth operation and deep, satisfying sound, it provides a versatile typing environment that caters well to both casual and competitive gaming. Furthermore, if you are an enthusiast who values adaptability, the Rice Pudding's full compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards enhances its appeal. Overall, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a vintage clicking sensation with the Gold or the responsive, quieter feel of the Rice Pudding that excels in precision and versatility.