Gateron Quinn vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Quinn and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the diverse world of mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out for their unique characteristics are the Gateron Quinn, a tactile switch, and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), a hall effect switch. The Quinn switches are celebrated for their crisp and light tactility paired with a deep, resonant sound profile resulting from specially designed nylon housings. Each keystroke delivers a rich auditory experience that infuses character into the typing rhythm, appealing to users who favor a pronounced tactile bump. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers a more balanced typing experience characterized by a smooth, neutral sound signature that hints at the "thock" sound many enthusiasts crave. The dustproof stem minimizes wobble, making these switches ideal for those seeking a refined tactile sensation along with seamless performance. While both switches cater to varying preferences—one for an immersive and resonant experience and the other for a sleek, smooth feel—it's essential to delve deeper into their features and performance to determine which switch will best fit your typing style and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Quinn and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), it is evident that there is a distinct contrast between the top housings of these switches, while the bottom housings share similarities. The Gateron Quinn utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its ability to deliver a duller and rounder sound profile. This softer material absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing, noted for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer resonance, making it particularly advantageous for those who use RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances aesthetic appeal. Thus, while the Quinn projects a warm and muffled sound signature, the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a bright and vibrant auditory experience.
Despite the differences in their top housings, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, which helps to unify their performance characteristics in terms of sound profile. The nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures a similar experience when bottoming out, as this material absorbs sound and contributes to a deeper tone. Typing on either switch elicits a rich timbre, embodying a fullness that is characteristic of nylon. Thus, regardless of the distinct top housing materials, users will find a consistent bottom-out experience with both the Gateron Quinn and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), which fosters an overall cohesion in their auditory feedback.
In terms of user experience, the differing top housings will bring unique qualities to each switch’s performance. When actuating a key press, the Quinn will present a warmer and rounder tone due to its nylon top, while the Sticky Rice (V2) will produce a more pronounced and resonant sound as a result of its polycarbonate design. Nevertheless, both switches share the common nylon bottom housing, which ties together the sound characteristics and ensures a familiar bottoming-out feel. Ultimately, a typist will appreciate the contrasting auditory signatures of the two switches, which will cater to different preferences, while still enjoying a similar experience as they reach the bottom of their key presses.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Quinn tactile switch to the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, there is a noticeable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Quinn switch features a medium-heavy actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that may be preferred by users who enjoy a heavier key feel. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) boasts a much lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for those who favor prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. This significant difference means that the Gateron Quinn is the heavier switch, while the Everglide is the lighter option, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for typing comfort and feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, the Quinn measures at 3.4 mm, while the Sticky Rice (V2) reaches 3.5 mm. This makes the Quinn the shorter of the two switches, offering a slightly more responsive feel that aligns well with the preferences of gamers who favor quicker actuation. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2), with its longer 3.5 mm travel distance, may be better suited for users who appreciate a more substantial key press, adding depth to their typing experience. Therefore, if you prioritize rapid response times, the Quinn is the more favorable option. However, for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Sticky Rice (V2) could provide a more satisfying experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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.
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 sound profile of the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is distinctly rich and immersive, characterized by its deeper resonant qualities that create a pronounced auditory experience with each keystroke. Users can expect a blend of bassy and clacky tones, with low-pitched resonance contributing to a sound that is both deep and sharp. This combination imbues the typing experience with vibrant character, appealing to those who enjoy a pronounced auditory feedback. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switch is known for its more neutral sound signature, designed to deliver a refined "thock" that is less intrusive, yet still satisfying. While the specifics of its sound profile are not elaborated upon, it generally aligns more with the subtleties of a balanced auditory experience, making it appealing for those who prefer a quieter typing environment.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Quinn switch excels in providing a lively and responsive typing experience, featuring a snappy tactile bump that energizes the user with each press. The polished nature of its design minimizes friction, resulting in a smooth key travel that enhances the overall typing sensation. The switch is described as bouncy, offering an elastic feedback that engages the typist while maintaining a medium tactile presence that strikes a balance between subtlety and prominence. Meanwhile, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is noted for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes owing to its dustproof stem, which further reduces wobble and contributes to a seamless typing experience. However, specific descriptors for its tactile feel are not given, leaving this aspect somewhat ambiguous compared to the pronounced tactile characteristics of Quinn.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Quinn and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Quinn offers a rich and vibrant auditory experience along with a lively tactile response, ideal for users seeking a more engaging typing environment. Conversely, the Sticky Rice (V2) provides a refined, balanced typing experience with a focus on smoothness and less intrusive sound. Ultimately, your choice between them would depend on your personal preferences in typing feedback and sound, ensuring an enjoyable experience regardless of the option you select.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a more pronounced tactile experience coupled with a deep, resonant sound profile, the Quinn switch may be the right choice for you. With its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 67 grams, it provides a snappy and lively feel that can enhance both gaming and typing experiences, particularly for those who appreciate a rich auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter, smoother keystroke experience with a neutral sound profile, the Sticky Rice (V2) is an excellent option. With its 50 grams bottom-out force, this switch delivers a refined tactile sensation that is both polished and buttery, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions and those who value comfort and ease in their keystrokes. Ultimately, consider how much you prioritize sound and tactile feedback, as well as the weight of key presses, to find which switch best fits your keyboard needs.
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