Everglide Rice Pudding vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Gateron Silent Ink Black offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences and environments. The Rice Pudding switch is celebrated for its smooth operation and deep sound, delivering a satisfying typing experience that balances precision and texture. Its compatibility with Wooting's keyboards makes it a versatile option for those who prioritize performance alongside a unique auditory experience. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is designed for quieter settings, featuring a cushy bottom-out feel that minimizes audible feedback. This silenced version of the Ink Black switch is ideal for users who seek a more muted experience without sacrificing quality. Both switches have their merits—whether you prefer the engaging acoustics of the Rice Pudding or the silent elegance of the Silent Ink Black. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Rice Pudding and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches demonstrate distinct differences in their design and resulting sound profiles. The Rice Pudding features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when the key is released, making it particularly appealing for users looking to highlight RGB lighting effects through the clear housing. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, resulting in a similarly pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, though it has a slightly softer tone, described as satisfying and clacky rather than overly sharp. Both switches therefore produce a sound that’s rich in complexity, but the Rice Pudding offers greater clarity and brightness due to the polycarbonate material's inherent qualities.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, the differences become even more pronounced. The Rice Pudding employs nylon, a classic housing material that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This material absorbs some of the sound, leading to a rounder sound when keys are pressed down. Conversely, the Silent Ink Black's bottom housing also consists of the proprietary INK blend, which matches the top in creating the high-pitched sound, but without the plush softness associated with nylon. As a result, while both switches offer an elevated auditory experience, the Rice Pudding may appeal to users who prefer a richer sound during key presses, whereas the Silent Ink Black maintains a more consistent clarity throughout the keystroke.
Ultimately, the contrast between the housing materials of the Rice Pudding and Silent Ink Black suggests that while both can provide satisfying sound profiles, they cater to different auditory preferences. The synergy of top and bottom materials in each switch gives a unique sensation and sound upon keypress, defining user experience significantly. If you’re looking for a blend of highs and depth, the Rice Pudding leverages its nylon bottom to absorb sound, while the Silent Ink Black offers an experience characterized by a clear and clacky tone throughout. Understanding these differences can guide users in making a choice based on whether they prioritize high-pitched clarity or fuller depth in their keyboard experience.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces are notable. The Rice Pudding switch features a light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it easier on the fingers for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, offering a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. This means that if you favor a lighter switch for comfort over long periods, the Rice Pudding is the better choice, while those who appreciate a stronger push will likely lean toward the Silent Ink Black. Overall, the differences in force signify that the Rice Pudding allows for more effortless keystrokes, whereas the Silent Ink Black provides a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, the Rice Pudding features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Ink Black offers a longer travel distance at 4 mm. This means that the Rice Pudding switch provides a more responsive feel, appealing to gamers or users who favor quicker feedback from their keys. Conversely, the Silent Ink Black, with its lengthier travel, offers a deeper pressing experience, which some users might find more satisfying and comfortable during extended typing or gaming sessions. Thus, if you're looking for prompt actuation, the Rice Pudding would be the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a more substantial key press might prefer the Silent Ink Black for its additional depth.
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 Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 switch delivers a deep and resonant tone that enhances the overall typing experience, making it satisfying and engaging. This sound quality is particularly notable in environments where ambient noise can be part of the atmosphere, providing a pleasant auditory feedback that some users find highly appealing. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is specifically designed for quieter environments, featuring a muted audio profile that minimizes the clack and ping associated with traditional mechanical switches. This makes it ideal for office settings or shared spaces where the sound of typing may be a distraction. While both switches excel in their respective sound qualities, the Rice Pudding is more expressive, while the Silent Ink Black ensures a peaceful typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is known for its smooth operation, providing a balanced tactile feedback that feels both satisfying and precise during typing. This switch promotes an enjoyable typing rhythm due to its seamless key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch features a "silky" sensation that enhances the smoothness of each keystroke, along with a "polished" finish that reduces friction. This combination allows for a cushy, pillow-like feel at the bottom-out point, making it easy on the fingers during extended typing sessions. Both switches offer an exceptional typing experience, though the Rice Pudding stands out with its tactile smoothness, while the Silent Ink Black emphasizes a cushioned and refined touch.
In conclusion, both the Everglide Rice Pudding and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches serve distinct purposes, catering to different user preferences. The Rice Pudding's rich sound provides an engaging typing experience, complemented by its smooth and precise feel. Meanwhile, the Silent Ink Black offers a quieter operation with a silky and polished touch, perfect for those who require discretion while typing. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound dynamics or a subdued, comfortable typing experience. Both switches will contribute to an enjoyable keyboard experience but appeal to different styles and settings.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch ultimately hinges on your individual typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you value a lighter actuation force, smooth typing experience, and appreciate a distinct sound profile, the Rice Pudding switches will serve you well, especially in performance-oriented setups, such as gaming or typing-heavy tasks. Their compatibility with Wooting keyboards also makes them ideal for enthusiasts looking for added versatility. However, if you find yourself in quieter environments—be it at the office or home—and require a switch that prioritizes silence without sacrificing comfort, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches are worth considering. Their medium-heavy resistance offers a sturdier typing feel, along with a silky and polished finish that enhances the overall experience. In essence, your choice will be shaped by your need for sound levels and tactile feedback, with each switch catering to different typing atmospheres and user experiences.
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