SP-Star RedBlue vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the SP-Star RedBlue and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the competition between options like the SP-Star RedBlue and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) can be quite telling of personal preferences and typing styles. The SP-Star RedBlue switches are renowned for their medium-light actuation and low-pitched sound profile, making them ideal for users who enjoy a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience that feels both polished and satisfying. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches are celebrated for their unique hall effect technology, which provides a refined tactile sensation and a neutral sound signature with a subtle "thock" that many enthusiasts crave. With their super smooth keystroke and dustproof design minimizing wobble, the Sticky Rice switches cater to those who prioritize precision and comfort. Ultimately, both switches have distinct advantages—whether you seek a medium-light touch or a more tactile engagement, your choice will reflect your typing style and sound preferences. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The SP-Star RedBlue and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) both feature polycarbonate top housings, which share similar acoustic properties that contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The polycarbonate material's stiffness allows for a more resonant sound, ensuring clarity during typing. Aesthetically, the translucency of the polycarbonate also enhances the RGB lighting effects, making it an ideal choice for users who enjoy customizable lighting in their mechanical keyboards. Thus, both switches will provide comparable auditory experiences and visual appeal through their top housing, laying a strong foundation of performance for each model.
In contrast, the bottom housings reveal the distinct characteristics of each switch model. The RedBlue utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which aligns with the acoustic properties noted in its top housing. This will produce a cohesive sound profile, maintaining that crispness throughout the keypress. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) employs a nylon bottom housing, known for its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that dampens the higher frequencies produced by its polycarbonate top housing. Thus, while the RedBlue will provide a consistent sound signature from top to bottom, the Sticky Rice (V2) will offer a more versatile experience by blending the bright tones from the top with the rounder sounds of the bottom.
As a result, the differences in bottom housing materials will significantly impact the overall typing experience of each switch. For the RedBlue, the uniformity in housing materials means that the sound profile will remain consistent throughout the keypress, contributing to a crisper bottom-out noise. On the other hand, the Sticky Rice (V2) will deliver a more nuanced sound due to its nylon housing, creating a distinct separation between the high-pitched sound when pressing the key down and the fuller sound when releasing it. Ultimately, this merging of characteristics creates an engaging typing experience where users can choose between a unified sound profile or a more complex auditory experience, underscoring the importance of housing materials in mechanical switch design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, clear differences in their feel and performance emerge. The SP-Star RedBlue has an undefined actuation force, making it difficult to directly compare that aspect; however, it has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which is classified as medium-light. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) boasts a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 50 grams. This disparity indicates that the Sticky Rice (V2) provides a more effortless typing experience, making it ideal for extended use, while the RedBlue may appeal to those who prefer a stronger push feel due to its higher bottom out force. Overall, the Sticky Rice (V2) is the lighter option, while the SP-Star RedBlue is on the heavier side, suited for users who enjoy a more substantial keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, a clear distinction emerges. The RedBlue switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it more traditional and suited for users who appreciate a deeper, more tactile press. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times and a snappier feel. While both switches cater to different preferences—one favoring depth and the other prioritizing quick activation—the RedBlue's travel distance is notably longer than that of the Sticky Rice (V2). If you're someone who enjoys a fully engaged keystroke, you might lean towards the RedBlue for its greater travel distance, whereas the Sticky Rice (V2) would be better for those who prefer a more immediate, responsive action.
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 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
When considering the sound profile of these switches, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch stands out with its relatively low-pitched tone, which delivers a mellow, bass-heavy sound that many find appealing for extended typing sessions. The RedBlue switch also boasts a certain "thock" quality, producing a rich, satisfying sound on actuation reminiscent of a deep thud or soft knock, a characteristic that can enhance the auditory pleasure of typing. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) features a neutral sound signature, which points to a versatile experience suitable for varied usage scenarios, whether at home or in a workplace. While the specifics of the Sticky Rice's sound profile are less defined, it is crafted to appeal to enthusiasts who enjoy a balanced auditory experience. Both switches will produce satisfying results, though the RedBlue leans towards a more distinctive thock sound.
The feel of the SP-Star RedBlue switch is characterized by its mild and polished attributes. This means users can expect a gentle typing experience that lacks overwhelming feedback, making it approachable regardless of one’s typing style or experience level. The polished finish enhances the smoothness of the key travel, reducing friction and contributing to an overall sleek performance that users appreciate during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the tactile feel of the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is also likely to offer smooth keystrokes thanks to its dustproof stem, which minimizes wobble and boosts feel quality. However, as specific descriptors for the Sticky Rice's feel weren't provided, it's unclear how it will compare directly to the RedBlue. Nevertheless, both switches promise a refined typing experience.
In conclusion, while both the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch aim to cater to those seeking a pleasant typing experience, they do so in different ways. The RedBlue offers a distinct low-pitched thocky sound and a mild but polished feel, ideal for users who prioritize auditory satisfaction alongside smooth key presses. The Sticky Rice, although lacking specific feel descriptors, emphasizes a neutral sound signature and enhanced smoothness through its design. Ultimately, users can find satisfaction with either switch depending on their sound preferences and typing needs, as both seem to deliver enjoyable performance, albeit with unique characteristics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch boils down to your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and the overall experience you seek from your keyboard. If you enjoy a medium-light typing experience with a smooth, polished feel and a low-pitched sound profile, the RedBlue switch could be a delightful option for you. It's particularly well-suited for general use, whether in a home or office environment, making it great for both beginners and experienced typists. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter actuation force and are enamored with the thocky sound signature that many enthusiasts cherish, the Sticky Rice (V2) may be your ideal match. Its super smooth keystrokes and dustproof stem will enhance your typing experience, offering a more refined tactile sensation that’s rewarding for prolonged use. Ultimately, your decision should reflect how you want to balance sound, feel, and force; whether you prioritize a gentle, approachable typing experience or a tactile, thocky feel that brings joy with every keystroke.
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