Everglide Rice Pudding vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie. The Rice Pudding switch is renowned for its harmonious blend of smooth operation and a deeply satisfying acoustic profile, making it an excellent choice for typists who value both performance and auditory feedback. Its compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards further enhances its appeal for enthusiasts looking to maximize versatility in their setups. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie, categorized as a linear switch, offers a medium-weight feel with an emphasis on a thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness, effectively combining quality with affordability. This makes it a compelling choice for those seeking a reliable switch that doesn't compromise on performance. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches, the differences in housing materials significantly influence their acoustic properties. The Rice Pudding features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sharpness, high pitch, and crisp sound profile, while the Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes a POM top housing, which lends itself to a deeper, more muted sound. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature promotes clarity and resonance, making these switches particularly suited for RGB lighting applications due to their translucency. On the other hand, POM's softer attributes lead to a sound profile that is pleasing, yet it lacks the bright character characteristic of polycarbonate. Overall, these differences suggest that the Rice Pudding would excel in a more vibrant sound stage, while the Sea Salt Smoothie would offer a warmer auditory experience.
The bottom housing materials further accentuate the distinctions between the two switches. The Rice Pudding employs a nylon bottom housing, a classic choice that adds a fuller, deeper sound profile. Nylon’s relatively soft plastic composition absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie's bottom housing also utilizes POM, which is noted for producing a unique, pleasing sound similar to that of its top housing, but with a deeper, more muted characteristic. This similarity between bottoms enhances the more subdued sound palette of the Sea Salt Smoothie compared to the Rice Pudding, which starkly contrasts with its nylon housing. Thus, while both switches feature dynamic sound profiles, they achieve their unique results through different material combinations.
When using either switch, the combined effects of the housing materials will produce distinct acoustic outputs during operation due to their differing physical properties. The Rice Pudding, with its polycarbonate upper, will resonate brightly when a key is released, while the nylon bottom absorbs sound to give a fuller bottom-out feel. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie's dual POM housings will create a more consistent deeper sound throughout both the key press and release phases, resulting in a more uniform auditory experience. If users seek a blend of characteristics, employing the two switches together might offer a balanced acoustic experience by capitalizing on the sharper resonances of polycarbonate with the smoother tones of POM, thus allowing for an interesting auditory profile across typist preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation forces. The Rice Pudding features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer and more effortless typing experience, especially beneficial during extended use like long work hours or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a heavier actuation force of 48 grams, which provides a more substantial feel for users who appreciate a firmer push. While the Rice Pudding's bottom out force is measured at 48 grams, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown. Therefore, while both switches exhibit different actuation forces, the Rice Pudding is the lighter option, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie caters to those who might prefer a heftier keystroke. If the bottom out force of the Sea Salt Smoothie were known and aligned with its actuation force, it could provide comparable results, but as it stands, that information is not available.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we find notable differences. The Rice Pudding switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Rice Pudding the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its greater travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel that some users prefer for a heartier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus a deeper 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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 hall effect switch offers a deep, resonant audio profile that provides a pleasing acoustic experience with each keystroke. The thockiness of the sound can lend an added layer of satisfaction, particularly for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. Conversely, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie presents a thocky sound profile as well, which is both rich and distinctive. Both switches deliver a sound experience that can enhance the enjoyment of typing, but the Rice Pudding's deeper tone may resonate more with those who prefer a muted auditory signature, while the Sea Salt Smoothie's consistency pairs well with its similarly smooth operation.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Rice Pudding excels with its smooth performance that balances tactile feedback with a pleasant actuation experience. This switch caters to those who appreciate a refined feel that promotes both precision and comfort. Meanwhile, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie also shines in this department, boasting a smoothness that rivals its competitors while maintaining a medium weight that is often preferred among users who want a balance between resistance and ease. Therefore, both switches provide a satisfyingly smooth keypress that is crucial for a pleasant typing experience.
Overall, both the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches deliver unique yet comparable qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard realm. With their distinctive sound profiles—deep thock from the Rice Pudding and a similarly rich sound from the Sea Salt Smoothie—and the smoothness of their operation, users can find great satisfaction in either choice. For enthusiasts wishing for versatility and performance, the Rice Pudding is particularly appealing, especially with its compatibility with Wooting keyboards. Ultimately, selecting between these two will come down to personal sound and feel preferences, as both options promise an enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Everglide Rice Pudding Hall Effect switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you gravitate towards a lighter switch that provides a uniquely satisfying sound and a smooth feel while typing, the Rice Pudding would be an excellent choice, especially if you value precision in your keystrokes and compatibility with Wooting keyboards. It's particularly well-suited for gamers and typists looking for a responsive yet quiet experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more robust switch that delivers a thocky sound profile with a smooth operation, and you don’t mind the unknown bottom-out force, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie may be your go-to option. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a medium-weight feel and high-quality construction, making it perfect for prolonged typing sessions without sacrificing quality. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prioritize weight and compatibility or if you lean towards a more versatile switch with a distinctive sound.
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