Outemu Silent Grey vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey 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, the Outemu Silent Grey and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) stand out for their unique characteristics and typing experiences. The Outemu Silent Grey switch is designed for users seeking a quiet yet tactile feel, featuring a pronounced bump that delivers a highly satisfying keystroke while maintaining a muted sound profile. This makes it an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers a different experience with its balanced typing feel and neutral sound signature, appealing to those who desire a refined tactile sensation without the loud click. Its smooth operation is enhanced by a dustproof stem that minimizes wobble, ideal for users who prioritize both performance and comfort in their typing experience. Each switch caters to distinct preferences, making them worthy contenders for different typing environments and personal styles. 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
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Silent Grey and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) both feature polycarbonate top housings, which significantly influences the auditory experience of each switch. Polycarbonate is known for providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This similarity means that users can expect a clear and resonant sound when typing, regardless of which switch they choose. Furthermore, both switches benefit aesthetically from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them ideal for setups that incorporate RGB lighting. The consistent use of polycarbonate in the top housings allows for similar results in terms of sound clarity and responsiveness, making both switches suitable options for enthusiasts looking for a punchy typing experience.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials differ between the two switches. Both the Silent Grey and Sticky Rice (V2) utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile that contrasts with the crispness of the polycarbonate tops. Nylon is a softer plastic, designed to absorb more sound than harder materials, yielding a rounded and subdued acoustics. Despite their top housings sharing a common polycarbonate material, the impact of the nylon bottom housing means that the overall sound profile is nuanced with a blend of auditory characteristics. Thus, while both switches share some similarities in their top structures, the nylon bottoms uniquely shape the bottom-out experience for the user.
Ultimately, the combined effects of the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom create a dual-layered auditory experience in both switches. The sharper sound from the top is balanced by the deeper tones produced by the softer nylon in the bottom. Users will notice these effects distinctly when typing; the polycarbonate top will contribute to the sound when pressing the key down and releasing it, while the nylon bottom will enhance the sound when the key bottoms out. This synergy allows for an enjoyable typing feel that is both resonant and rich, capitalizing on the best features of each material while still delivering unique experiences depending on personal preference and typing style.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch with the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, significant differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Grey requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it suitable for users who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, catering to those who prefer a less intense tactile experience, which is ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. Thus, the Silent Grey is the heavier switch while the Sticky Rice (V2) is the lighter option. This distinction means that the Silent Grey might be better suited for users who enjoy a more pronounced feel when typing, whereas the Sticky Rice (V2) would likely be favored by users seeking comfort and ease during prolonged use.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch differ in their travel distances, with the Silent Grey having a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sticky Rice (V2) features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that pressing the Silent Grey switch provides a deeper, more traditional key feel that some users appreciate for its hearty depth, making it preferable for those who enjoy a more tactile experience. Conversely, the Sticky Rice (V2), with its shorter travel distance, aligns with the trend towards quicker response times that many gamers seek, as it allows for a more immediate actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference: opt for the Silent Grey for a more pronounced depth, or choose the Sticky Rice (V2) if you favor a snappier response.
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 Silent Grey 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is characterized by a muted quality, which results in a quieter typing experience compared to many traditional mechanical switches. Its low-pitched sound profile produces a soft thock, creating an overall subtle auditory feedback that is ideal for users in shared or quiet environments. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) also boasts a low-pitched sound signature and is appreciated for its thocky qualities, offering a more bass-heavy and rich acoustic experience. While both switches produce lower noise levels than more clacky switches, the Silent Grey emphasizes tranquility, making it preferable for silent typing, while the Sticky Rice provides a more satisfying auditory punch without being overly loud.
When we examine the feel of each switch, the Outemu Silent Grey is noted for its sharp tactile feedback, which delivers a pronounced and crisp bump that can be distinctly felt with each keystroke. This strong tactile response engages users who appreciate bold feedback. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers a polished and silky feel, showcasing a remarkably smooth keystroke experience with minimal resistance. Its mild characteristics combine a smooth transition with a refined touch, making it easier to type on for extended periods. While the Silent Grey focuses on intensity and feedback, the Sticky Rice prioritizes smooth operation and overall comfort.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Silent Grey and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Silent Grey excels in producing a quiet yet tactile experience, making it perfect for those who desire a pronounced bump without the added noise. Meanwhile, the Sticky Rice (V2) provides a well-balanced, smooth typing experience with a satisfying sound profile that merges tactile feedback and a quiet ambiance. Ultimately, your choice should depend on whether you prioritize a sharper tactile sensation or a smoother, more refined experience, as both switches offer distinct qualities that can significantly influence your typing enjoyment.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, consider your typing environment and personal preferences. If you prioritize a quiet yet tactile experience, the Silent Grey switch is an excellent choice due to its medium-heavy 65-gram bottom out force, providing a pronounced tactile bump that’s satisfying without being overly loud. This makes it ideal for shared spaces, such as offices or homes, where noise can be an issue. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a super smooth and refined typing experience, the 50-gram bottom out force of the Sticky Rice (V2) is more suitable. Its polished and silky feel, coupled with a neutral sound signature that leans towards a rich "thock," makes it perfect for both gaming and typing enthusiasts seeking a versatile switch. Thus, your ideal choice ultimately depends on whether you value a stronger tactile feedback in a quieter switch or a smoother, lighter feel with enhanced acoustic characteristics.
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