Durock Piano vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)

Overview

When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often narrows down to personal preference and typing style. The **Durock Piano** switches stand out in the linear category for their unique proprietary material blend, delivering a gliding push feel coupled with a deep, creamy sound signature. Users often appreciate the **bassy and silky** characteristics of the Durock Pianos, which can make long typing sessions more pleasant and engaging. In contrast, the **Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)** switches introduce a hall effect design that offers a delightful balance in the typing experience. With a neutral sound signature that tempts keyboard enthusiasts with a satisfying "thock," these switches boast a **super smooth keystroke**, supported by a dustproof stem that minimizes wobble, ensuring a **polished, buttery feel** for those who crave refined feedback during every press. While both options cater to different preferences—one prioritizing a rich sound experience and the other emphasizing precision and smoothness—it's essential to delve deeper beyond these generalities to determine which switch will best meet your specific needs.

By the numbers

Durock Piano Linear

Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) Hall Effect

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Piano and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches present an intriguing comparison of sound profiles and aesthetic characteristics. The Piano's proprietary POM blend top housing is noted for generating a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile, suggesting that it leans toward a rich auditory experience. Conversely, the top housing of the Sticky Rice (V2) is made of polycarbonate, a material known for its rigidity and clarity, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. This difference in housing materials highlights a stark contrast in sonic characteristics; while the Piano may appeal to those seeking depth in their key presses, the Sticky Rice (V2) may attract users looking for brightness and clarity, particularly when paired with RGB lighting due to polycarbonate’s translucent nature.

When examining the bottom housing, the Durock Piano continues to employ its proprietary POM blend, echoing the auditory richness found in its top housing. Similarly, the Sticky Rice (V2) features a nylon bottom housing, a time-tested material that emphasizes a deeper and fuller sound profile. Here, the distinctions between the housings continue, as nylon's softer qualities allow it to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounded auditory experience. Thus, while both switches may share an inclination towards a satisfying sound, the Durock Piano aims for depth through the properties of POM, while the Sticky Rice (V2) relies on nylon to achieve a similar fullness but with a slightly different tonal quality.

Ultimately, the combined effects of the housing materials create distinctive sonic experiences for each switch. The Durock Piano synthesizes depth through both its top and bottom POM blend housings, assuring a cohesive sound from key press to release. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) presents a more separated sound profile, with the polycarbonate top emphasizing clarity during upward key travel and the nylon bottom rounding out the bottom-out impact. Despite their differences, both switches can deliver enjoyable typing experiences if tuned correctly; users may find that, with the right keycaps and modifications, the richness of the Piano and the brightness of the Sticky Rice (V2) can be blended to achieve a satisfying range of sound profiles suited to personal preference.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Piano linear switch to the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Durock Piano switch lacks a specified actuation force but has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has a notably lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a lower bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference makes the Sticky Rice (V2) a better choice for those who prefer a lighter switch, ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may favor the heavier Durock Piano. With the Sticky Rice (V2) allowing for easier actuation and a softer bottom out, it caters to users seeking less resistance, while the Piano offers a firmer typing feel overall.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Durock Piano linear switch measures 4 mm, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that players who choose the Piano switch will experience a more pronounced keystroke depth, which can provide a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2), with its shorter travel distance, offers a quicker response time, making it particularly appealing for gamers seeking fast, reactive keystrokes. Therefore, those who prefer a more tactile and hearty depth in their keystrokes may favor the Durock Piano, while users prioritizing rapid actuation might opt for the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2). Overall, the difference in travel distances offers distinct advantages based on personal preference: 4 mm for a more traditional feel versus 3.5 mm for enhanced responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Piano linear switch boasts a deep and creamy auditory profile, offering a bassy sound that enriches the typing experience with a robust tonal depth. This rich sound signature is characterized by lower frequencies that strike a pleasing chord during keystrokes. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) embodies a low-pitched sound signature, hinting at the desirable "thock" that many keyboard enthusiasts seek. While the Sticky Rice provides a mellower tone when typing, the balance it strikes contributes to an overall harmonious typing ambiance. Both sound profiles are subject to variation based on external factors, such as the choice of keyboard plate and keycaps, so users may find that they can achieve pleasing auditory results with either option.

In terms of feel, both switches present a remarkably smooth typing experience. The Durock Piano is lauded for its silky texture, allowing effortless key presses and ultra-smooth transitions as fingers glide over the keys. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) also shares the silky quality, ensuring minimal resistance during keystrokes. Additionally, the Sticky Rice's polished surface offers a refined touch, reducing friction and enabling a seamless typing action. With a mild character, the Sticky Rice caters to users seeking an approachable feel without the extremes found in other switch types. Notably, the combination of these descriptors implies that users can expect a similarly plush and effortless typing sensation from both switches.

Overall, both the Durock Piano and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches present compelling options for those seeking a pleasurable typing experience. The Piano excels in delivering a deeper, bassy sound profile complemented by its silky feel, making it an intriguing choice for those who appreciate richer auditory feedback. Conversely, the Sticky Rice switches provide a more balanced low-pitched sound and an equally silky feel, appealing to users who prefer a refined yet approachable typing experience. With both switches offering smoothness and quality sound, newcomers to mechanical keyboards will find they can achieve a satisfying typing experience regardless of their choice.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Durock Piano linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a medium-heavy actuation force and are drawn to a deeper, bassy sound profile, the Durock Piano switch will likely enhance your typing experience with its smooth, silky feel and rich auditory feedback. This switch excels in delivering a satisfying glide that many typists find enjoyable, making it a great option for those who prioritize a more immersive typing experience, particularly in a quieter workspace. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and an overall balanced typing sensation, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is your go-to choice. With its lighter 50 grams of actuation force, it offers a polished feel that minimizes friction and promotes quick, effortless keystrokes while producing a low-pitched "thock" that appeals to many enthusiasts. Furthermore, the mild and buttery characteristics of the Sticky Rice switch cater well to casual typists or gamers who seek a comfortable experience without extreme tactile feedback. Therefore, your decision should rest on what elements resonate more with your tactile and auditory preferences, as both switches can significantly enhance your overall typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Piano Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) Hall Effect

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn more