Everglide Rice Pudding vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the contrast between Everglide's Rice Pudding and Gateron's Smoothie exemplifies the diversity in user preferences and typing experiences. The Rice Pudding switches are celebrated for their exceptional blend of smooth operation and satisfying deep sound, making them an ideal choice for typists who prioritize a balanced and immersive typing experience. Their versatility is further enhanced by full compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards, appealing to enthusiasts looking for performance-driven options. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie switches standout with their all-POM construction, offering a thocky sound signature and remarkable smoothness, all at a budget-friendly price point. These linear switches provide a lightweight touch, perfect for users who prefer a fluid keystroke without tactile resistance. Both switches have distinct advantages, catering to different preferences in terms of sound and feel; 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
40g
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
3.60 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Gateron Smoothie, it becomes evident that each switch incorporates different materials for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Rice Pudding features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is in stark contrast to the Gateron Smoothie's POM top housing, which is designed to create a deeper and more muted sound profile. While the polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects, POM's unique characteristics lend themselves to a more organic and rich auditory experience, albeit with less brilliance. Thus, the use of these contrasting materials significantly influences how each switch behaves acoustically.
Delving deeper into their bottom housings, the Everglide Rice Pudding uses nylon, a classic switch housing material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile through its softer composition. The Gateron Smoothie, on the other hand, showcases a POM bottom housing that also produces a deeper and muted sound. While both switches aim for a richer auditory experience, the Rice Pudding’s nylon absorption properties enhance the dullness and roundness of its sound, whereas the POM offers a different kind of satisfaction with its distinct yet pleasing tonal qualities. Therefore, while both switches share a fundamental goal of delivering a satisfying acoustic experience, the materials used in their bottom housings present different emphases on sound depth and character.
Ultimately, the differences in the housing materials between the Rice Pudding and the Gateron Smoothie allow for a distinctive interplay of sound profiles when the switches are engaged. With the polycarbonate top housing of the Rice Pudding providing a sharper release sound and the nylon bottom housing lending a fuller bottom-out experience, it offers a unique yet cohesive result. Meanwhile, the Gateron Smoothie, with its combination of POM for both top and bottom housings, creates a uniformly muted and smooth experience throughout its operation. Thus, while the two switches may lead to similar results in terms of satisfying auditory feedback, the nature of their sounds and tactile feedback will differ greatly due to their individual material choices.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces. The Rice Pudding switch features an actuation force of 38 grams, making it relatively light, which can be advantageous for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Smoothie has a slightly higher actuation force of 40 grams, positioning it as the heavier option that may provide a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Regarding bottom out forces, the Rice Pudding’s bottom out force is 48 grams, indicating that it has a defined resistance when key presses are fully engaged. On the other hand, the Smoothie’s bottom out force remains unknown, leaving some uncertainty regarding its overall feel during deep presses. However, with their actuation forces being close, typists may find that despite the slight differences, the overall typing experience could feel somewhat similar between the two switches, especially for users who appreciate lighter keys.
Travel distance
When comparing the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch to the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, we see a slight difference in travel distances. The Rice Pudding switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Smoothie has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Rice Pudding switch is the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers or those who prefer a more responsive key press. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie, with its 3.6 mm distance, offers a marginally deeper travel, potentially providing a more tactile experience for users who favor a more substantial feel when typing. Thus, while both switches offer relatively short travel distances, the Smoothie edges out slightly in depth, catering to those who may enjoy the benefits of a longer travel distance.
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 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 Smoothie for $2.60.
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 comparing the sound of the Everglide Rice Pudding and Gateron Smoothie switches, the Rice Pudding provides a deep and rich auditory experience, although specific descriptors are not detailed. In contrast, the Smoothie is characterized by a thocky sound that produces a satisfying low-pitched thud reminiscent of a soft knock upon actuation. This low-pitched profile also offers a more subdued auditory experience compared to traditional switches. The rich resonance of the Smoothie enhances its appeal for those who enjoy a pronounced acoustic feedback when typing, albeit with the understanding that the overall sound produced can vary based on the keyboard and keycap selection.
In terms of feel, the Rice Pudding switches are not explicitly described, leaving a gap in their tactile sensation compared to the Gateron Smoothie. The Smoothie offers a buttery, creamy, and silky feel, making each keystroke a smooth and effortless experience. The use of POM in the construction of the Smoothie significantly contributes to its exceptional tactile fluidity, ensuring a seamless typing experience as fingers glide across the keys. The combination of these qualities makes the Smoothie particularly appealing for those prioritizing a soft touch and a lack of resistance during typing.
In conclusion, while the subjective qualities of the Everglide Rice Pudding switch remain somewhat undefined, the Gateron Smoothie presents clear advantages with its thocky sound and notably smooth feel. Both switches cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community, offering unique experiences that will resonate with varying user tastes. If the Rice Pudding offers a similarly rich and satisfying feel to its sound, enthusiasts may find a compelling alternative, providing that balance between acoustic feedback and tactile pleasure that many keyboard enthusiasts seek.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a light touch and a balanced, satisfying feedback that allows for precise keystrokes, the Rice Pudding switch is an excellent option. Its 48-gram bottom-out force makes it responsive and great for long typing sessions, especially if you enjoy a deeper sound profile that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that offers buttery smoothness without breaking the bank, the Gateron Smoothie might be more aligned with your needs. Known for its thocky sound and creamy feel, this switch is perfect if you appreciate a rich, low-pitched auditory feedback paired with a silky typing experience. Additionally, if you're an enthusiast exploring innovative features, the Rice Pudding switch’s compatibility with Wooting keyboards provides added versatility. Ultimately, both switches have their unique strengths, so consider what aspects of sound and feel matter most to you when making your selection.
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