Outemu Red vs. Everglide Rice Pudding

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Red and the Everglide Rice Pudding each offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Outemu Red, a linear switch, is favored by gamers and typists who appreciate a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke without tactile feedback. Its straight-up linear action allows for rapid key presses, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming scenarios. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding is a hall effect switch, renowned for its harmonious combination of smooth operation and a satisfying sound profile. This switch provides a balanced typing experience, making it appealing for both typists and gamers alike, while also being fully compatible with Wooting's innovative keyboards, which enhances its versatility. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on your personal preferences for actuation feel and sound; 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

Outemu Red Linear

Everglide Rice Pudding Hall Effect

$3.10 per 10

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

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Housing materials

Both the Outemu Red and Everglide Rice Pudding switches share a commonality in their top housing material, with both utilizing polycarbonate. This shared characteristic results in a similar acoustic profile, producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of sound, creating a vibrant auditory experience. Furthermore, both switches benefit aesthetically from the translucency of polycarbonate, particularly for those who enjoy RGB lighting. The synergy between the polycarbonate top housing and lighting is an enticing feature, as it allows light to pass through and illuminate the switch beautifully.

In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches differ, with the Outemu Red employing nylon and the Everglide Rice Pudding also utilizing nylon. This choice leads to a fuller, deeper sound profile during typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, resulting in a muted and rounded auditory experience. Therefore, while both switches offer the same top housing material which contributes to their high-pitched sharpness, the sound signature experienced when bottoming out differs due to the nylon bottom housing. This creates a well-rounded acoustic profile from the Rice Pudding, prevading a sense of depth that enhances the overall typing experience.

Overall, while the Outemu Red and Everglide Rice Pudding switches feature the same polycarbonate top housing, the nylon bottom housing provides varying results in terms of sound characteristics. The polycarbonate top leads to clarity and sharpness, while the nylon base adds depth and fullness. When typing, users will notice that the feel and sound on the bottom-out phase differ despite the shared top housing - the nylon of the Rice Pudding leads to a rounded sound, setting it apart from other switches that might rely solely on a stiffer plastic throughout. Thus, even though the switches may produce similar results in certain aspects, the overall amalgamation of materials offers a unique experience from each switch.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Red linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, significant differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Red requires a relatively medium actuation force of 46 grams, complemented by a bottom out force of 62 grams. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding is notably lighter, with an actuation force of just 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This makes the Rice Pudding more suited for users who prefer a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing sessions or prolonged gameplay without fatigue. Conversely, the Outemu Red offers a heavier feel for those who favor a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, if you value a lighter switch for comfort, the Rice Pudding would be the preferable choice, whereas the Outemu Red would cater to those seeking a more pronounced tactile feedback.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Red linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, we see a noticeable difference. The Outemu Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional switch design, offering a more robust feedback for those who appreciate a deeper press. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option. This reduced distance caters to gamers and users who prioritize quicker response times, as the shorter travel can lead to faster key actuation. However, for some users who prefer a more substantial feel with each keystroke, the 4 mm travel distance of the Outemu Red may be more appealing. Therefore, while both switches serve different preferences, the Outemu Red offers a deeper experience, whereas the Everglide Rice Pudding might be more suited for those desiring snappy performance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When examining the sound profile of the Outemu Red linear switch, it is crucial to note that it is generally regarded as a quieter option, producing minimal noise during operation. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch is celebrated for its deep sound, offering a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. This makes the Rice Pudding a more engaging experience for those who enjoy noticeable acoustics during their typing sessions. However, it's important to acknowledge that the overall sound can significantly vary depending on the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps, which may influence both switches' acoustic properties.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Red linear switch provides a smooth and linear typing experience. Users often appreciate the consistent resistance throughout the keypress, which allows for fluid typing without tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch combines a smooth operation with a tactile sensation, promoting a balanced typing experience that is both satisfying and precise. While the Red focuses solely on that uninterrupted linear feel, the Rice Pudding offers a slight complexity that may appeal to users seeking a more engaging tactile feedback while typing.

Combining all the information available, the Outemu Red and Everglide Rice Pudding switches cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Outemu Red is a fitting choice for those who prefer a quieter, linear switch that allows for uninterrupted typing, whereas the Rice Pudding offers a deeper sound and a blend of smoothness with tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound profile and tactile experience or favor a more muted, linear feel. Both switches will provide satisfying results, but the differences in their auditory and tactile qualities can lead to distinct user experiences.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Red linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch largely hinges on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force and enjoy a straightforward, linear typing experience without additional sound characteristics, the Outemu Red may be a solid fit for your typing or gaming needs. However, if you seek a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 48 grams, the Rice Pudding is likely to provide a more comfortable and responsive typing experience. Additionally, the Rice Pudding's reputation for smooth operation and deep sound can enhance your enjoyment, making it ideal for both casual typing and dedicated gaming sessions. Furthermore, if versatility and compatibility with innovative keyboards are important to you, the Rice Pudding switches offer that edge. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what attributes matter most to you—whether it's the balance of force, tactile feedback, sound profile, or compatibility—ensuring you settle on a switch that not only meets your technical needs but also enhances your overall experience with your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Red Linear

$3.10 per 10

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Everglide Rice Pudding Hall Effect

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn more