Everglide Rice Pudding vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Durock Sea Glass offer two distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Rice Pudding switches are celebrated for their smooth operation and satisfying, deep sound, striking a harmonious balance for typists who value precision and enjoyable feedback. Their compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards adds a layer of versatility, making them a compelling choice for enthusiasts who appreciate performance. In contrast, the Sea Glass switches are notable for their pastel aesthetic and unique properties that create an airy, feathery feeling with a distinct dryness. With a lighter 62g bottom-out force, these switches deliver a surprisingly effortless typing experience, complemented by a uniquely hollow sound profile that invites exploration. Each switch brings its own charm—choosing the Rice Pudding may appeal to those who favor a more robust tactile experience, while the Sea Glass can attract those who prioritize an elegant and weightless feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Rice Pudding and Durock Sea Glass switches, both share similarities while also showcasing distinct characteristics. The Rice Pudding features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This enhanced clarity makes it particularly suitable for use with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Sea Glass utilizes a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing, which produces a brighter sound that isn't as sharply defined as that of polycarbonate. Despite this difference, both materials aim to provide pleasing sound profiles, allowing users to experience a satisfying auditory response while typing.
The bottom housings of the Rice Pudding and Sea Glass switches further highlight their contrasting approaches to sound design. The Rice Pudding uses a nylon bottom housing, a classic material that yields a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer properties. This characteristic makes it ideal for absorbing sound, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass utilizes the same polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend in its bottom housing, which again emphasizes a brighter tone without the pronounced sharpness found in the Rice Pudding. Thus, while both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housings, the unique blend in the Sea Glass creates a specific sound profile that offers a different auditory experience than the classic nylon used in the Rice Pudding.
Ultimately, even though the Everglide Rice Pudding and Durock Sea Glass switches utilize different top housing materials, their bottom housing—integrating nylon and a blend of materials in the Sea Glass—ensures that both designs offer favorable sound profiles tailored to different typing preferences. The top housing determines the sound experienced when releasing the key, while the bottom housing shapes the feel and tone during key presses. Despite their unique compositions, both switches strive for pleasant auditory outcomes while catering to a wide range of user preferences, thus allowing enthusiasts to achieve enjoyable results regardless of their choice.
Weight
The Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch present clear contrasts in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Rice Pudding has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a gentler typing experience, beneficial for extended use in both work and gaming scenarios. In contrast, the Sea Glass switch possesses a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, catering to users who appreciate a more substantial push feel. These differences suggest that while the Rice Pudding is ideal for those seeking comfort and ease of use, the Sea Glass appeals to individuals who favor a firmer response during typing. Consequently, if you prefer lighter switches, the Rice Pudding will fulfill those needs, while the heavier Sea Glass will offer the sturdiness some typists or gamers may desire.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, the Rice Pudding features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sea Glass has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm means that the Rice Pudding switch offers a shorter and more responsive experience, making it potentially more appealing to gamers who prefer quicker actuation for faster response times. In contrast, the Sea Glass, with its greater travel distance, may provide a more pronounced tactile feedback for those who enjoy a deeper press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference; if you prioritize quickness, the Everglide Rice Pudding would be the preferable option, while those who favor a more substantial key press might opt for the Durock Sea Glass.
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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 it comes to sound, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches are known for their deep and satisfying auditory profile, providing a rich sound that enhances the typing experience. This deeper tone contributes to the overall enjoyment and precision during use, making them appealing to both typists and gamers alike. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switches present a uniquely hollow sound signature that can be described as airy and wisp-like. While both switches offer distinct sound characteristics, the Rice Pudding prioritizes a more resonant auditory experience, whereas the Sea Glass offers a lighter and perhaps less pronounced sound, contributing to a different aural environment for the user.
In terms of feel, the Rice Pudding switch is recognized for its smooth operation, which strikes a balance between tactile satisfaction and precision, ensuring a pleasant typing experience. The focus here is on delivering a highly approachable and refined feel that caters well to various typing styles. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch excels with its frictionless design, allowing for an incredibly light and smooth feel with minimal resistance. This contributes to a mild, feathery touch that minimizes finger fatigue, making it suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. The Sea Glass switch’s easy-to-press nature further enhances this effortless typing experience, making it distinctly approachable and comfortable compared to the Rice Pudding.
In summary, while the Everglide Rice Pudding switches offer a deeper sound and a smooth yet satisfying feel, the Durock Sea Glass switches deliver a hollower sound profile paired with an extraordinarily light and frictionless feel. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Rice Pudding excelling in a resonant acoustic experience and tactile feedback, while the Sea Glass promotes an airy sound and a virtually effortless touch. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to whether one prioritizes rich sound and satisfying feedback or a lightweight, smooth typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switches and Durock Sea Glass linear switches primarily depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you favor a lighter, more responsive feel with a satisfying sound profile, the Rice Pudding switches may be ideal for you. Their 48-gram bottom-out force makes them perfect for lengthy typing sessions or gaming, where quick keypresses matter, and the smooth operation paired with a deep sound adds to an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, if you appreciate a bit more resistance with a unique auditory signature and visual appeal, the Durock Sea Glass switches could be more to your liking. With a 62-gram bottom-out force, they provide a slightly more substantial typing feel, all while maintaining that frictionless and lightweight impression, making it easier to type or game without tiring your fingers. Their unique hollow sound can add character to your setup as well. Overall, choose the Rice Pudding if you prioritize speed and agility in your key presses, and opt for the Sea Glass if you're drawn to a more nuanced typing experience complemented by aesthetic appeal.