SP-Star RedBlue vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the SP-Star RedBlue and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two notable contenders are the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch. The RedBlue switches are celebrated for their medium-light typing experience, providing a smooth, low-pitched sound profile that many users find pleasing and conducive to a quiet workspace. Ideal for gamers and typists alike, they cater to those seeking a more neutral feel without overwhelming auditory distractions. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches stand out with their unique hall effect mechanism, which offers a captivating combination of smooth operation and a rich, deep sound. These switches not only boast a satisfying tactile experience but also deliver enhanced performance, particularly for those using Wooting’s innovative keyboards. While the RedBlue caters to users looking for a polished and mild sound, the Rice Pudding appeals to enthusiasts seeking precision and versatility. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your personal typing and gaming preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star RedBlue and the Everglide Rice Pudding exhibit both similarities and differences that contribute uniquely to their overall sound profiles and aesthetic features. Both switches employ polycarbonate for the top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This characteristic is largely due to polycarbonate's relatively stiff nature, which ensures a more resonant and clear sonic output. Additionally, the translucent quality of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for those who wish to utilize RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the switches significantly. As such, users of either switch can expect a vivid RGB lighting experience, along with comparable auditory characteristics from the top housing regardless of the brand.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials differ between the two switches, leading to distinct differences in their sound profiles. The RedBlue utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, thereby continuing the theme of clarity and brightness found in its top counterpart. On the other hand, the Rice Pudding features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, creating a rounder and softer auditory experience. This divergence means that while both switches may exhibit similar sound qualities in the upper spectrum, the RedBlue will maintain that sharpness throughout, while the Rice Pudding will introduce a warmer, more rounded sound from the bottom housing, affecting the overall acoustic signature of each switch.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in each switch yields a balance of auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different user preferences. The RedBlue retains its consistency in sound clarity from both top and bottom housings but provides a more straightforward sonic profile. In contrast, the Rice Pudding offers a blend of sharpness from the top and a softer fullness from the bottom, creating a duality in sound that may appeal to those seeking richer acoustics in their typing experience. Therefore, while both switches can deliver exceptional performance, the choice hinges on individual preferences for sound characteristics and how those characteristics will affect the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The RedBlue switch has an unknown actuation force but has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which is considered medium-light. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch features a known actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, classified as light. This makes the Rice Pudding the lighter option overall, appealing to users who prefer a softer touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Meanwhile, the RedBlue's higher bottom out force may provide a more substantial feel when bottoming out, which could be favored by those who appreciate a heavier tactile experience. As such, users should consider their typing preferences when choosing between these two switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, the SP-Star RedBlue stands out with a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Everglide Rice Pudding offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference positions the RedBlue as the option for those who appreciate a more substantial keypress, providing a familiar and traditional travel distance that many users find satisfying. Conversely, the Everglide Rice Pudding's 3.5 mm travel distance caters to gamers and users seeking quicker response times, as the shorter distance can facilitate faster actuation. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches comes down to personal preference: if you prefer a more pronounced keypress, the SP-Star RedBlue is the ideal choice, while the Everglide Rice Pudding may be better suited for those who favor rapid inputs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
The Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding 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 SP-Star RedBlue linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched tone that provides a muted, bass-heavy quality to each keystroke. This makes it well-suited for a variety of environments, whether for casual use at home or in a professional setting, as its neutral and thocky attributes ensure a deeper "thud" upon actuation without being overly disruptive. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is noted for delivering a deep sound as well, creating a satisfying auditory feedback that additionly enhances its precision. While the specifics of the Rice Pudding's sound profile are less detailed, both switches cater to users who appreciate a more subdued auditory experience, making them similarly appealing choices for those who prefer a quieter typing environment.
When it comes to feel, the RedBlue switches deliver a medium-light typing experience characterized by mildness and polish. This results in a more approachable touch, suitable for users of varying skill levels, and is enhanced by a factory-lubed, smooth finish that minimizes friction during use. The deep and smooth operation described for the Rice Pudding switch suggests a similarly refined typing feel, although specific details about the tactile sense of the Rice Pudding are not provided. In this respect, both switches likely offer users a satisfying blend of comfort and responsiveness, making typing an enjoyable experience.
In conclusion, while the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch is recognized for its medium-light feel and low-pitched sound profile, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch offers a deep sound that enhances its smooth operation. Both switches seem to occupy a similar niche, catering to enthusiasts who seek a balanced and refined typing experience. Those who choose either option are likely to enjoy a satisfying auditory and tactile interaction, with the richness of the sound and the smoothness of keystrokes making them excellent contenders for any mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your specific preferences and use cases. If you're someone who enjoys a medium-light typing experience with a low-pitched, thocky sound, the RedBlue may be the ideal switch for you. It offers a polished feel with reduced friction, making it a great option for both work and casual use, providing a satisfying keystroke for a variety of tasks. On the other hand, if you prefer an even lighter touch and are drawn to a smooth operation with a deeper, resonant sound profile, the Rice Pudding switch will likely cater to your needs more effectively. Its compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards also makes it perfect for enthusiasts who desire versatility and performance in their typing experience. Therefore, consider what matters most to you in terms of actuation force, sound, and the overall typing sensation to make the most informed choice between these two excellent switches.
Mentioned in this article
