Outemu Tom vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Tom 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 Tom and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) present distinctive options that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Outemu Tom, a tactile switch, is often favored for its responsive feedback, allowing typists to feel a pronounced bump with each keypress, beneficial for those who enjoy a more interactive and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), classified as a hall effect switch, offers a delightfully balanced typing experience characterized by a smooth keystroke and a neutral sound signature that approaches the desirable "thock" sound sought after by enthusiasts. This switch’s innovative design incorporates a dustproof stem that curbs wobble, resulting in an enhanced overall performance and a refined tactile sensation. Both switches hold their own unique appeal—one for its tactile responsiveness and the other for its smoothness and acoustic pleasure. 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
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 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
Both the Outemu Tom and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, a choice that significantly influences the acoustic performance of these switches. The use of polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. Consequently, both switches deliver a clear and resonant audio experience, enhancing the overall typing feedback. This shared material also lends itself well to RGB lighting applications, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for optimal light diffusion, giving both switches an aesthetically appealing glow when illuminated. Therefore, users can expect similar auditory characteristics and visual effects from either switch due to this common design feature.
On the bottom side, both the Outemu Tom and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) are made from nylon, another material known for its classic application in switch housings. As a softer plastic, nylon effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer bottom housing contributes to a more subdued acoustic experience, contrasting with the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate top. Given that the bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, both switches will provide a consistent, rich auditory experience upon key presses, allowing typists to appreciate the nuanced differences in sound while still enjoying overall rounder feedback.
In summary, while both the Outemu Tom and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) share common materials—polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom—they create a complementary sound profile through the distinct characteristics of each material. The combination of a clear, high-pitched response from the polycarbonate top and the muted, fuller response from the nylon bottom ensures a balanced auditory experience. Users can expect both switches to perform similarly in terms of sound and appearance, making them great options for enthusiasts looking for a dynamic and visually striking switching experience.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, the differences in actuation force highlight their distinct typing experiences. The Outemu Tom has an actuation force of 55 grams, offering a firmer push compared to the lighter 40 grams required by the Sticky Rice (V2). This makes the Tom switch a better choice for users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming, as its heavier actuation force can convey a satisfying tactile feedback. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2), with its lower actuation force, is suitable for those who type for extended periods, as it allows for easier keystrokes that may reduce finger fatigue. While the bottom out force for the Outemu Tom is unavailable, the Sticky Rice (V2) has a recorded bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating it requires some resistance when pressed all the way down. Ultimately, if users prioritize a lighter touch for longer typing sessions, the Sticky Rice (V2) stands out as the preferable option, whereas those desiring a heavier switch for a more robust typing experience may gravitate towards the Outemu Tom.
Travel distance
The Outemu Tom tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch present a distinction in their travel distances, with the Tom having a travel distance of 3.3 mm and the Sticky Rice (V2) measuring 3.5 mm. This makes the Outemu Tom the shorter option, appealing to gamers and those who prefer quicker response times, as it allows for faster key presses. Conversely, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial tactile feedback, catering to users who enjoy a deeper keypress experience. Therefore, choosing between the two switches hinges on individual preferences for responsiveness versus a more pronounced depth during typing.
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 Tom 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 Tom switch does not have a distinct sound profile noted in the available information, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison with the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2). The Sticky Rice (V2) is recognized for its neutral sound signature, which is appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate the "thock" sound typical of well-built mechanical keyboards. The well-balanced acoustics of the Sticky Rice (V2) are complemented by its construction, which minimizes unwanted noise and contributes to a satisfying auditory experience. However, since the Outemu Tom's sound characteristics are undefined, one may find that with the right keyboard and keycap pairing, it could produce a sound that might be pleasant or satisfactory, though it may lack the specific appeal of the Sticky Rice.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Tom switch is similarly undefined, giving no clear insight into its tactile response or actuation. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers a notably smooth keystroke that enhances its tactile feedback thanks to a dustproof stem designed to reduce wobble. This results in a refined typing experience that is both satisfying and consistent, making it a prime choice for users who prioritize a seamless tactile sensation. Without clear information on the Outemu Tom's feel, it's challenging to gauge how they might compare in terms of tactile satisfaction, leaving potential users to experiment with the Tom to discover its unique qualities.
In conclusion, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is well-regarded for its balanced sound and smooth feel, the Outemu Tom lacks specific technical descriptions that would aid in a direct comparison. This absence of data leaves a wide gap regarding its auditory and tactile qualities, making the Sticky Rice a more predictable option for someone seeking defined performance metrics in a switch. Newcomers to mechanical keyboards who prioritize sound and feel may lean toward the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) due to its established reputation, while those willing to experiment may find hidden gems in the Outemu Tom.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, it’s essential to consider your priorities in a typing experience. If you are looking for a switch that provides a smooth and refined tactile sensation, the Sticky Rice (V2) is your best bet, particularly if you enjoy a balanced sound and prefer a light bottom-out force for a pleasant feedback experience. This switch excels in offering the coveted "thock" sound that many enthusiasts appreciate, combined with a super smooth keystroke that minimizes wobble during use. On the other hand, if you’re not particularly focused on the tactile experience and seek a more straightforward typing solution, you might lean towards the Outemu Tom. While details on its characteristics are scarce, it typically represents a more budget-friendly choice for those new to mechanical keyboards or who prefer a simpler tactile interaction. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences in typing feel, sound, and whether you favor a premium experience or a more accessible option in your keyboard setup.
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