Everglide Rice Pudding vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, preferences can vary significantly based on typing style and intended use. The Everglide Rice Pudding switches are celebrated for their perfect blend of smooth operation and deep, satisfying sound, which makes them an appealing choice for those who value both performance and a pleasing auditory experience. These hall effect switches offer a balanced typing experience, making them a perfect fit for enthusiasts who seek versatility, especially given their compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches are tailored for speed, featuring a short travel distance that allows for lightning-fast actuation. Crafted entirely from POM, they deliver an exceptionally smooth feel and a unique thocky sound, paired with a feather-light touch that can benefit gamers and fast typists alike. While both switches have distinct advantages, the choice between them will largely depend on your personal typing preferences and the specific experience you seek. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
The Everglide Rice Pudding and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches showcase different housing materials in their construction, which significantly affects their sound profiles. The Rice Pudding features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper and more resonant sound due to its stiffness. This quality facilitates a higher-pitched sound profile that is particularly beneficial when RGB lighting is used, as the translucency allows for greater illumination effects. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver employs POM for its top housing, which results in a deeper and more muted sound. While polycarbonate may create a crisper auditory experience, POM enhances the switch's overall auditory aesthetic by lending itself to a unique lower tone. Thus, although the tactile feedback of both switches may feel similar, their auditory profiles set them apart distinctly.
The bottom housings of both switches further complement their respective top housing materials. The Rice Pudding's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile that contrasts with the sharper tones produced by its polycarbonate top. This duality crafts an interesting auditory experience where the bottom housing enhances the overall depth of sound while the top housing elevates its clarity and resonance. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver, with its POM bottom housing, mirrors the muted characteristics found in its top housing, resulting in a consistent deeper sound profile. While both sets of bottom housing aim for a fuller auditory impact, the nylon in the Rice Pudding introduces a layer of complexity that is somewhat different from the consistent sound the Smoothie Silver delivers.
Ultimately, the differences in sound profiles attributable to the varying housing materials mean that the experience of typing on these switches will differ substantially. While the Rice Pudding creates a dynamic interplay between the crispness of the polycarbonate top and the muted fullness of the nylon bottom, the Smoothie Silver maintains a more uniform auditory experience with both top and bottom made from POM. When pressed down, the Rice Pudding's bottom housing resonates differently compared to the smooth, consistent feedback of the Smoothie Silver. However, both switches can yield satisfactory results in terms of sound and tactile feedback; if users aim for a more nuanced sound stage with depth, the Rice Pudding may be the preferred choice, while those who favor consistency and a deeper sound profile might lean toward the Gateron Smoothie Silver.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, we notice distinct differences in their actuation forces. The Rice Pudding features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams while the Smoothie Silver has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. This means the Rice Pudding may be more suitable for users seeking a lighter feel for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it requires less effort to register a keystroke. Regarding bottom out force, the Rice Pudding has a bottom out force of 48 grams, providing a defined tactile feedback when the switch is fully pressed down. However, the Gateron Smoothie Silver's bottom out force is unavailable, making it challenging to make a direct comparison in this aspect. Overall, the Rice Pudding offers a lighter and more comfortable typing experience, while the Smoothie Silver leans towards a heavier feel, catering to those who prefer a more substantial keystroke.
Travel distance
The Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Rice Pudding the longer option by a marginal 0.1 mm. Both switches are relatively close in their travel distances, with the Rice Pudding providing a bit more depth, which may appeal to those who prefer a more traditional feel. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver's shorter travel distance could offer gamers a slight edge in responsiveness due to its quicker actuation. Ultimately, while both switches will deliver satisfactory performance, the choice between them may boil down to personal preferences regarding depth and responsiveness: opt for the Rice Pudding for a fuller key feel or the Smoothie Silver for a snappier gaming experience.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is known for its deep and rich auditory character, providing a satisfying thocky thud that can enhance the tactile experience of typing. In comparison, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch also boasts a thocky sound, which lends itself to a complementary auditory profile. Both switches produce sounds that engage the user during typing, although the specific tonal quality may vary slightly based on the keyboard and keycap choices.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches offer a balanced typing experience that combines smooth operation with a sense of precision, making them ideal for both typing and gaming. Meanwhile, the Smoothie Silver features a feather-light touch paired with an emphasis on smoothness, thanks to its all-POM construction and short travel distance. While the Rice Pudding provides a more balanced touch feel, the Smoothie Silver excels in quick actuation for fast-paced environments, making them perfect for those who prioritize speed and agility.
In conclusion, both the Everglide Rice Pudding and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches bring distinct attributes to the table. The Rice Pudding excels with its deep sound and balanced feel, while the Smoothie Silver appeals with its thocky sound profile and feather-light actuation. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will hinge on whether you prefer the satisfying weight and depth of the Rice Pudding or the rapid responsiveness and smoothness of the Smoothie Silver.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a balanced typing experience with a satisfying sound and a lightweight feel, the Rice Pudding switch is an excellent option. Its 48-gram bottom-out force offers a gentle resistance that can enhance your typing speed without sacrificing comfort. Additionally, if you're looking for a switch that works seamlessly with Wooting's innovative keyboards, this switch stands out in terms of versatility. On the other hand, if your priority is achieving lightning-fast actuation, the Smoothie Silver is designed for performance, featuring a short travel distance and a feather-light touch that allows for quick keystrokes. The unique thocky sound and unparalleled smoothness of the Smoothie Silver cater well to gamers and typists who demand speed and responsiveness. Ultimately, your selection should align with how you intend to use your keyboard—whether for casual typing, gaming, or a blend of both—allowing you to fully enjoy the benefits each switch has to offer.
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