Outemu Silver vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)

Overview

When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silver and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) present two distinct options that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Outemu Silver, known for its linear action, offers a smooth keystroke with no tactile bump, making it an excellent choice for gamers seeking rapid key presses and fluid movement. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) features a hall effect mechanism that provides a pleasingly balanced typing experience, characterized by a neutral sound signature and a desirable "thock" sound that many enthusiasts crave. With its dustproof stem design, the Sticky Rice enhances performance through reduced wobble and a refined tactile sensation. Each switch has its unique merits: the Outemu Silver excels in speed and efficiency, while the Sticky Rice caters to those who value smoothness and auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Silver Linear

Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) Hall Effect

$3.10 per 10

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Outemu Silver and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches share notable similarities in their housing materials, which leads to comparable auditory characteristics. Both switches utilize a polycarbonate top housing, known for its ability to produce a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This effect is largely attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, making it a preferred choice for enthusiasts seeking enhanced clarity in their typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate adds an aesthetic advantage, particularly for users who value RGB lighting. Given that both switches employ the same top housing material, users can expect similarly vibrant and well-defined sound profiles when typing on either switch.

Some contrasting elements emerge when looking at the bottom housing materials of these switches. While both the Outemu Silver and Sticky Rice (V2) incorporate nylon for their bottom housings, they achieve different sound characteristics due to the inherent properties of nylon. Being a softer plastic, nylon contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile and absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This softness allows the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch to be more resonant and rounded. Despite this similarity in material, the perception of sound will differ based on the integration of the nylon bottom with the polycarbonate top, giving each switch its unique sonic fingerprint during usage.

In conclusion, while the Outemu Silver and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches leverage the same polycarbonate top housing, providing a crisp auditory experience, their nylon bottom housings contribute to differing emotional acoustic responses. The combination of materials leads to a distinctive interplay between the sharper sounds produced by the polycarbonate top and the rounder tones elicited by the nylon bottom. As a result, users will find that, although the top housing material is the same, the overall sound and feel of the switches might still diverge, with the bottom housing playing a crucial role in shaping the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback. This mix of attributes results in a unique typing experience for each switch, despite the commonality in their top structure.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, notable differences can be seen in both their actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who favor a less strenuous typing experience, particularly useful for extended use during work or gaming sessions. Thus, while both switches have distinct characteristics, the Outemu Silver is overall heavier than the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), catering to different user preferences based on typing feel and duration.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, it is clear that they differ, with the Silver featuring a travel distance of 4.0 mm and the Sticky Rice (V2) having a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Outemu Silver, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience and a deeper press, lending itself to a more robust feel. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), with its reduced travel distance, caters to those who favor faster response times, particularly gamers who prioritize speed and efficiency during use. Thus, if you lean toward a traditional feel, the Outemu Silver is the better choice, whereas if you desire quicker actuation with less travel, the Sticky Rice (V2) would suit your needs.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Silver linear switch's characteristics are not well-documented, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is celebrated for its neutral sound profile, with a satisfying "thock" that many enthusiasts crave. This auditory signature offers a satisfying sound for typists looking for an enjoyable acoustic experience. However, it's important to note that the actual sound produced will also depend on factors like the keyboard's construction, materials used, and the keycaps you choose, so results can vary substantially between setups.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Silver switch lacks specific descriptors, so its tactile feedback remains somewhat of an enigma. Conversely, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) excels in this category with a super smooth keystroke that minimizes wobble, thanks in large part to its dustproof stem. This design enhances the overall typing experience, allowing for a refined and pleasant sensation that won't compromise on comfort. Many users who appreciate a smooth, consistent keystroke while typing are likely to find the Sticky Rice switch particularly enticing.

In conclusion, while the Outemu Silver linear switch presents uncertainties in both sound and feel, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) provides a well-rounded option favored for its neutral sound signature and smooth keystrokes. For newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards, if you’re leaning towards a switch with established qualities, the Sticky Rice (V2) may be the better choice due to its consistency and user-appreciated features. However, those intrigued by the Outemu Silver may still find merit in exploring its potential, keeping in mind that its performance may not be as readily defined.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, it largely comes down to your typing preferences and the kind of experience you seek. If you prefer a medium-heavy key feel and appreciate a straightforward linear switch, the Silver may be your choice, especially if you enjoy the feel of a 65-gram bottom-out force, which can provide a more substantial feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you're looking for a lighter typing experience, with a bottom-out force of only 50 grams, the Sticky Rice (V2) is likely to be more suited to your needs. This switch offers a delightfully smooth keystroke complemented by the "thock" sound that many enthusiasts adore, delivering a refined typing sensation that doesn’t compromise on performance. Ultimately, your decision should depend on whether you value a heavier, straightforward linear feel or a lighter, more tactile experience that emphasizes smoothness and sound.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Silver Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) Hall Effect

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn more