Everglide Rice Pudding vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Rice Pudding and Akko Rosewood switches offer two distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Everglide Rice Pudding switches stand out with their unique hall effect technology, delivering a smooth and satisfying typing experience complemented by a rich, resonant sound. Their compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards adds to their appeal, making them an excellent choice for enthusiasts looking for both performance and versatility. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switches provide a classic linear feel, producing a deep, thocky sound thanks to a factory-applied layer of lubricant that enhances the overall auditory experience. This design is perfect for users who prefer a quieter, effortless typing experience without tactile bumps or audible feedback. While both switches have their merits—one focusing on smoothness and sound, the other on linear precision—each will contribute uniquely to your typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Akko Rosewood switches, notable differences emerge, particularly regarding the top housing. The Rice Pudding features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This contrasting sound signature is primarily due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, resulting in a crisp and resonant auditory experience, especially when accentuated by RGB lighting due to its translucency. Conversely, the Akko Rosewood utilizes a nylon top housing, characterized by its softer composition that yields a deeper and fuller sound profile. This inherent softness allows it to absorb sound, leading to a more muted, rounder auditory effect compared to the sharper response delivered by polycarbonate.
Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing materials, as they both feature nylon. The nylon bottom housing in both the Rice Pudding and the Rosewood contributes to a deeper sound profile, further reinforcing the overall acoustic characteristics of each switch. Given that nylon is a classic choice, its use in both models indicates a consistency in producing a rounder and fuller sound experience when typing. Hence, while the top housings differ in resonance, the bottom housing maintains a cohesive feel and sound, grounding the switch performance in a rich and absorbed acoustic quality.
The synergy of different materials in the Rice Pudding and the Rosewood allows for a unique blend of auditory experiences. While the polycarbonate top of the Rice Pudding promotes a brighter and more pronounced sound release, the shared nylon bottom in both switches ensures that the overall typing experience is still accompanied by a comforting depth and fullness. Similarly, the Rosewood's nylon top, while producing a deeper tone, is complemented by the consistent nylon bottom, anchoring it in that satisfying feel and sound. Together, these materials reflect a thoughtful design approach that caters to diverse auditory preferences, achieving distinct yet connected results in performance.
Weight
The Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch both offer a light typing experience, with the Rice Pudding having an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Rosewood features an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Although the actuation forces are relatively close, the Rice Pudding is slightly lighter overall, making it suitable for users who prioritize a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Rosewood, with its marginally higher force requirements, provides a bit more resistance, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial feeling under their fingers. Both switches fall within the "light" category, thus delivering a comparable typing experience, but the Rice Pudding ultimately offers a gentler action overall.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, we note that the Rice Pudding has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Rosewood boasts a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Rice Pudding, being 3.5 mm, is likely to appeal to gamers and users who favor quicker response times, making it a good choice for fast-paced actions. Conversely, the Rosewood's 4 mm travel distance provides a more traditional feel, which might be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper, more tactile experience when typing or gaming. Ultimately, if you choose the Rice Pudding, you'll benefit from enhanced responsiveness, while the Rosewood will deliver a more substantial keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches deliver a deep and resonant auditory experience that many users find invigorating and satisfying. This sound profile creates a balanced atmosphere for typing, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the keyboard. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switches produce a similarly thocky sound, also characterized by depth, largely due to a factory-applied lubricant that contributes to a richer acoustic quality. While both switches provide a pleasing auditory experience, the Rice Pudding tends to emphasize smoothness in its sound profile, while the Rosewood leans towards a more distinct thock.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches are known for their smooth operation, providing users with a precise and satisfying tactile feedback that enhances typing efficiency. The design of the Rice Pudding encourages a fluid motion through key presses, which can be particularly appealing for those who type frequently. Conversely, the Akko Rosewood switches are designed to maintain that smooth feeling while delivering a different kind of tactile experience, primarily due to their structure and lubrication, which can give an added layer of refinement to each key press. Both switches aim for an enjoyable typing experience but may cater to slightly different preferences in sensation and precision.
In summary, both the Everglide Rice Pudding and Akko Rosewood switches offer unique yet complimentary auditory and tactile qualities that can enhance a typist's experience. The Rice Pudding excels with its deep sound and smooth feel, making it perfect for those who prioritize a fluid typing rhythm. The Rosewood, with its distinctive thock and well-lubricated structure, offers a slightly different appeal that many users find satisfying as well. Depending on your personal preferences, either option can serve you well, or you may even find that alternating them may yield a balanced combination of both auditory satisfaction and tactile pleasure.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Everglide Rice Pudding Hall Effect switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a lightweight feel and a balanced typing experience that combines smooth operation with a deep, satisfying sound, the Rice Pudding is an excellent option, especially if you’re considering compatibility with Wooting keyboards or engaging in gaming where performance is key. On the other hand, if the thocky sound and a slightly heavier actuation force appeal to you, along with the assurance that you’ll get a rich auditory feedback right out of the box, the Akko Rosewood is the way to go. Its natural sound and feel make it perfect for a typing experience that strikes a balance between tactile feedback and a pleasing acoustic profile. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize a versatile and smooth experience or a thocky auditory engagement during your typing sessions.