Outemu Lotus vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lotus and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Lotus and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) present distinct characteristics appealing to different types of users. The Outemu Lotus, recognized for its smooth linear action, offers a straightforward typing experience with minimal resistance, making it an attractive option for gamers and typists who appreciate rapid keypresses without tactile feedback. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), a hall effect switch, strikes a balance between a refined tactile sensation and a pleasing sound profile, producing the sought-after "thock" that many enthusiasts crave. The absence of wobble due to its dustproof stem contributes to its smooth keystroke, making it a favored choice for those who prioritize a serene and satisfying typing experience. However, 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
35g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Lotus and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), a notable distinction arises in their top housing constructions. The Outemu Lotus features a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer properties that absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller acoustic profile. This quality gives the Lotus a sound that is characterized by a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material that provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate’s stiffness allows for a clearer resonance, making it an ideal choice for users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory experience, especially when RGB lighting enhances the overall aesthetic of the switch.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This shared material promotes a similar sound profile characteristic across both switches, wherein the deeper and fuller sound that nylon elicits significantly influences the tactile feel and audio feedback of the switches when bottoming out. The inherent softness of nylon leads to a sound that is rounded and subdued, thereby fostering a comfortable typing experience. Therefore, while the top housing materials create diverging auditory profiles—nylon yielding warmth and polycarbonate offering clarity—the shared nylon bottom housing harmonizes the overall sound signature of both switches, with a focus on tactile sensation and auditory depth when the keys are fully pressed.
Ultimately, the distinct contrast in the top housing materials and their respective auditory characteristics allows for a unique experience with each switch, despite the similarity found in the bottom housings. The Outemu Lotus, with its softer nylon top, promises a typing experience that feels grounded and warm, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) delivers a crisper and clearer sound that caters to those who prefer a pronounced auditory response. Collectively, this combination of materials provides users with the potential for varied sound and feel profiles based on their preferred typing style, while retaining a consistent depth contributed by the nylon bottoms in both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, both exhibit relatively light forces, but they do differ in their actuation forces. The Lotus has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams, whereas the Sticky Rice (V2) requires 40 grams to actuate, making the Lotus the more suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. Interestingly, both switches have the same bottom out force of 50 grams, which means that while the actuation force differs, users will experience no difference in the force needed to fully press the keys down. This similarity can provide a balanced typing experience despite the variance in initial force required to trigger a keystroke. Overall, if a lighter force is desired for fatigue-free typing, the Outemu Lotus stands out, while the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a marginally heavier activation for those who prefer a more substantial feel.
Travel distance
The Outemu Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference in distance means that the Lotus switch offers a more responsive feel, appealing to gamers who favor quicker keypresses for enhanced performance. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2), with its longer travel distance, may provide a more pronounced depth during use, which some users might find more satisfying. Therefore, if you prefer a snappier and more immediate response, the Outemu Lotus is the better choice, while those who appreciate a more robust typing experience might lean towards the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2). Overall, the comparison highlights the distinct preferences that can guide a user's switch selection based on their travel distance preferences.
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 Lotus 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 it comes to sound, the Outemu Lotus switch is relatively quiet, making it a suitable option for environments where noise levels are a concern. The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), on the other hand, offers a more auditory experience with a neutral sound profile that leans toward the desirable "thock" sound that many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts crave. This characteristic sound of the Sticky Rice switches is complemented by the stem design, which minimizes wobbles and enhances the auditory response. However, it is essential to note that the overall sound produced by either switch can vary greatly depending on the keyboard construction, such as the type of board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Lotus switch is designed for a smooth keystroke, although specific nuances about its tactile feedback remain unspecified. Conversely, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is well-regarded for its super smooth keystroke coupled with a refined tactile sensation, attributed to its dustproof stem. This design feature not only reduces wobble significantly but also contributes to a more consistent and enjoyable typing experience. Users who prefer a tactile experience may find the Sticky Rice upgrade their overall typing satisfaction compared to the more undefined feel of the Lotus.
Considering all these factors, the Outemu Lotus and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) cater to different preferences when it comes to sound and feel. If one is seeking a quieter switch experience, the Lotus stands out; however, those who appreciate the auditory feedback and tactile smoothness of the Sticky Rice might find it the more satisfying option. Ultimately, both switches can deliver enjoyable typing experiences, but their distinctions will cater to various user preferences for sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, you should consider your personal preferences and intended use. If you lean towards a linear switch that provides a straightforward typing experience with a light bottom out force of 50 grams, the Outemu Lotus is a solid choice, especially if you appreciate speed and responsiveness in your keystrokes. However, if you are looking for a more refined typing experience, characterized by a super smooth stroke and a satisfying "thock" sound, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is likely the better option for you. This switch excels in delivering a balanced feel, with minimal wobble and an overall enhanced performance that caters to enthusiasts who value both sound and tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice should align with what you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard experience—be it a straightforward operation with the Lotus or the sophisticated touch offered by the Sticky Rice (V2).
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