Outemu Milk Blue vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Blue and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Milk Blue and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) exemplify distinct approaches to typing experience, catering to different preferences among enthusiasts. The Outemu Milk Blue, known for its pronounced clickiness, provides an auditory feedback loop that many typists crave, making every keystroke feel satisfying and engaging. This switch is often favored by users who enjoy a tactile response and the classic "click" sound that enhances the typing experience, particularly for those who appreciate the nostalgic feel of old-school typewriters. Conversely, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) presents a more nuanced alternative with its hall effect technology. It is celebrated for delivering a balanced typing experience characterized by a smooth keystroke and a neutral sound signature that whispers rather than shouts, featuring the coveted “thock” sound favored among enthusiasts. The dustproof stem contributes to a refined tactile sensation, appealing to those who prioritize a seamless typing experience without sacrificing performance. Both switches have their merits, depending on whether you prefer the sharp feedback of the Milk Blue or the buttery smoothness of the Sticky Rice (V2). However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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 Milk Blue and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a remarkably similar sound profile characterized by a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp auditory response. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced upon keystrokes. Furthermore, both switches benefit aesthetically from the translucent nature of polycarbonate, making them particularly suitable for RGB lighting setups. This commonality in the top housing materials ensures that users will experience analogous sonic qualities when typing on keyboards equipped with either switch, granting a uniformity to the auditory experience regardless of the switch chosen.
In contrast to the similarities found in their top housings, the bottom housings of the Milk Blue and the Sticky Rice (V2) diverge from each other in terms of material. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which leads to a soft and deep sound profile. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and fuller sound when typing. This means that while the top housings of both switches contribute to a crisp sound upon keystroke, the bottom housing will play a crucial role in defining the overall sound archetype—an amalgamation of the deeper sounds from the nylon bottom and the sharper sounds from the polycarbonate top.
Ultimately, the interplays between the materials used in the top and bottom housings of both switches influence their overall auditory characteristics. Users enjoy a blend of the crispness from polycarbonate in both cases while simultaneously experiencing the richness of the nylon in the bottom housing. This combination allows for a unique typing experience; the Milk Blue and Sticky Rice (V2) switches deliver distinct auditory sensations, yet share foundational sound characteristics due to their polycarbonate tops. Therefore, if one seeks a sharp sound profile complemented by a fuller auditory experience, both switches provide a compelling option that effectively harnesses the properties of these materials.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces and the bottom out forces. The Milk Blue requires an actuation force of 50 grams, which is heavier than the 40 grams needed for the Sticky Rice (V2). This means that users who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions or gaming will gravitate towards the Sticky Rice, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Milk Blue due to its heavier actuation force. However, the bottom out force for the Milk Blue remains unknown, which makes it difficult to compare directly in this aspect. In contrast, the Sticky Rice has a known bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a clear indication of the force required when the switch is fully pressed. While the two switches have different actuation forces, the lack of bottom out data for the Milk Blue makes a complete side-by-side comparison challenging. Nonetheless, the Milk Blue is positioned as the heavier option, while the Sticky Rice offers a lighter feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The Milk Blue switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, aligning with the traditional switch feel that some users prefer for a more tactile and pronounced response. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, which caters to gamers who prioritize quicker actuation and faster response times. For those who enjoy a more responsive experience, the Sticky Rice (V2) would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, while the Milk Blue offers a deeper, more robust feel that some users may find more satisfying. Therefore, if you appreciate a hearty depth when typing or gaming, the Milk Blue switch is the longer option, whereas the Sticky Rice (V2) serves those favoring a quicker and more immediate keystroke.
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 Milk 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 Milk Blue clicky switch has a distinct sound profile characterized by its clicky actuation, which produces a sharp, audible click that typists often find satisfying. This click sound can provide auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience, making it more engaging. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch features a more neutral sound signature that delivers the sought-after "thock" sound, favored by many keyboard enthusiasts. This tone is subtler and less intrusive than the Milk Blue's click, allowing for a more subdued typing experience. However, the overall sound produced by both switches can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Milk Blue switch is designed to deliver a tactile typing experience, offering a pronounced actuation point that provides clear feedback as you type. This tactile sensation is often preferred by typists who enjoy a more interactive feel. The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), on the other hand, is engineered for a super smooth keystroke, thanks to its dustproof stem, which minimizes wobble and enhances the overall performance. This smoothness provides a refined tactile sensation, catering to those who prioritize a consistent and enjoyable typing experience without sacrificing the satisfying feedback usually found in tactile switches.
In summary, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch is known for its pronounced click sound and tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more engaging typing experience. Meanwhile, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers a quiet yet satisfying "thock" sound and smoother keystroke, appealing to users who value refined typing comfort. While both switches excel in their own right, the choice ultimately depends on personal preference for sound and feel, as each provides a unique experience for the typist.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Outemu Milk Blue clicky switches and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switches largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a classic typing experience reminiscent of traditional typewriters, and you appreciate an audible click for feedback, then the Milk Blue might be your ideal switch. It's perfect for users who love to hear each keystroke and enjoy a lighter typing feel, though specifics on its performance characteristics remain undefined. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and refined typing experience that delivers a balanced thock sound without the distraction of a pronounced click, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is likely the better choice for you. With a comfortable actuation force of 50 grams and a design that minimizes wobble, this switch caters well to both typists and gamers seeking a polished and accurate performance. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize the satisfying auditory feedback of a clicky switch or the refined and smooth characteristics of a hall effect option, thus allowing you to tailor your mechanical keyboard to your specific typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
