Outemu Milk Tea vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Tea and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, options abound, but two notable contenders are the Outemu Milk Tea and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2). The Milk Tea switch is recognized for its tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for typists and gamers who appreciate a defined bump during keystrokes. Meanwhile, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) stands out with its innovative hall effect design, providing a super smooth keystroke that offers a satisfying "thock" sound signature while significantly reducing wobble thanks to its dustproof stem. This unique blend of tactile sensation and refined performance makes the Sticky Rice a top pick for those seeking both a premium feel and functionality. When weighing your options, consider whether you prioritize tactile feedback or a smooth, quiet 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Milk Tea switches and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches, the distinctions primarily lie in the top housing. The Outemu Milk Tea utilizes a newer type of plastic for its top housing, known for producing a bright sound signature that leads to resonant clacks when typing. This sound characteristic provides a lively auditory experience, making it attractive for users who prioritize sound. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing that delivers a sharper and crisper sound profile. The comparative stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to its clear and resonant audio, ideal for those who enjoy a high-pitched typing experience. Visually, polycarbonate's translucency also makes it a preferable choice for RGB lighting setups, allowing the light to shine through more effectively.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Outemu Milk Tea and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) utilize nylon, a material known for its classic status in switch construction. This consensus in bottom housing material implies that both switches will deliver a similar deep and fuller sound profile. Due to nylon's softer properties, it absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder typing experience. Regardless of the differences in their top housings, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches produce a pleasing, rounded sound upon bottoming out, thus creating a satisfying typing feel that many users appreciate.
Overall, the differing materials of the top housings lead to distinct sound profiles for each switch, while the consistent use of nylon at the bottom ensures a shared auditory richness that enhances the overall typing experience. Users can expect lively clacks from the Milk Tea due to its unique top housing material, while those opting for the Sticky Rice (V2) will benefit from the sharper sounds generated by polycarbonate. Despite these differences, the use of nylon in both switches guarantees that users will enjoy a deeper, fuller sound when the keys are pressed down, showcasing a rich auditory dynamism across both models.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, we observe some notable differences. The Milk Tea switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, which makes it slightly heavier than the 40 grams required for the Sticky Rice (V2). In terms of bottom out force, the Milk Tea switch does not have a specified value, while the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that, while the Milk Tea switch may provide a stronger tactile feedback during actuation, it lacks the information regarding bottoming out, which can be critical for evaluating the overall typing experience. For those who favor a lighter key feel for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Sticky Rice (V2) would be the preferred choice, while those who appreciate a heavier push for a more substantial feel may lean towards the Outemu Milk Tea. Ultimately, these differences in force characteristics cater to varying preferences in switch feel and typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, there is a notable difference. The Milk Tea switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sticky Rice (V2) measures at 3.5 mm. This makes the Milk Tea switch the longer option, offering a more traditional depth that some users may prefer for a satisfying tactile experience. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2), with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers and those who favor quicker response times during gameplay. If you prioritize rapid key activation, the 3.5 mm distance might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your preference for travel distance—longer for that hearty depth or shorter for enhanced responsiveness.
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 Tea 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 Tea tactile switch is not explicitly described in terms of sound, leaving it difficult to compare harmoniously with the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) in this aspect. However, the Sticky Rice (V2) is celebrated for its neutral sound signature, providing a pleasing "thock" that many enthusiasts desire. The combination of the switch design and construction aims to minimize vibrations and produce a consistent acoustic feedback that is both satisfying and subtly understated. While the Milk Tea's auditory characteristics remain undefined, typists will likely appreciate a focus on their mechanical experience rather than auditory nuance.
When it comes to feel, the Milk Tea is not specifically detailed, but the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) stands out with its super smooth keystroke. Thanks to its dustproof stem, it significantly reduces wobble and enhances performance, allowing for a tactile sensation that balances refinement and responsiveness. Typists who appreciate a well-defined tactile bump would find the Sticky Rice (V2) to be a compelling choice. Without a description of the Milk Tea’s feel, it’s challenging to draw direct comparisons. However, if one values a smooth experience, the Sticky Rice (V2) clearly excels in that regard.
Overall, while the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch lacks specific known qualities in both sound and feel, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) impresses with its neutral sound profile and silky smooth tactile feedback. The detailed exploration of the Sticky Rice (V2) distinguishes it as a well-rounded option for those seeking a quality typing experience. In terms of which switch to choose, if you prioritize a delightful sound experience combined with a smooth feel, the Sticky Rice (V2) makes an excellent case for itself, whereas the Milk Tea could still be a wildcard until more characteristics are revealed.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the kind of typing experience you desire. If you prefer a tactile switch that provides a smooth experience without a firm bottom-out force, the Outemu Milk Tea may be a great fit for you, especially if noise level is a concern, as it's designed to be relatively quiet. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a softer feel during their typing sessions and may be more suited for casual use or office environments. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more structured, balanced typing experience with that classic "thock" sound that many keyboard enthusiasts crave, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is a compelling choice. Its 50-gram bottom-out force offers the assurance of a tactile feedback while reducing wobble, enhancing overall performance in both gaming and typing scenarios. Therefore, consider which attributes matter most to you—be it smoothness and quiet operation or tactile feedback and satisfying sound—to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard journey.