Everglide Rice Pudding vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often face a delightful dilemma between distinct characteristics and typing experiences offered by various options. The Everglide Rice Pudding switch is a hall effect switch celebrated for delivering a smooth operation paired with a deep, satisfying sound, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize precision and a balanced typing experience. Its compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards further enhances its appeal for those seeking versatility in their setup. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch, characterized by its linear design, offers a delightful thocky sound profile that envelops the user in a rich auditory experience. With a lengthened single-stage spring providing bouncy feedback and a standard spring weight that caters to a broad audience, the Tourmaline Blues are both enjoyable and accessible to many keyboard enthusiasts. Each switch has its unique strengths, appealing to different user preferences; however, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Everglide Rice Pudding and Everglide Tourmaline Blue key switches share similarities in their top housing, as both are constructed from polycarbonate material. This choice of material yields a sound profile characterized by its sharpness, higher pitch, and overall crispness. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for a more resonant acoustic experience, which can be particularly beneficial for those who enjoy the aesthetic of RGB lighting—thanks to the translucency of the material. As a result, users can expect a consistent sound signature when comparing the two switches at the top level, instrumentally enhancing the typing experience.
However, the tonal qualities diverge when we consider the bottom housing of each switch. The Rice Pudding utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for imparting a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer properties enable it to absorb more sound, resulting in a typing experience that is heavier and rounder at the bottom-out point. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue's bottom housing remains polycarbonate, aligning with the crisper sound profile established by its top housing. Its stiffer characteristics ideally complement its top housing, resulting in a continuous accentuation of the higher pitch that polycarbonate offers, thus leading to a more uniform sound signature across both halves of the switch.
Ultimately, the interplay between the differing materials in each switch contributes to their unique sound profiles. The Rice Pudding's nylon bottom softens the auditory experience, creating a rounded tone that contrasts with the sharpness provided by its polycarbonate top. In comparison, the Tourmaline Blue maintains a consistent crispness throughout its construction. For those seeking a uniform experience, the polycarbonate top and bottom housing of the Tourmaline Blue will provide a sharper, clearer result. Conversely, the Rice Pudding offers a varied auditory experience, merging the crispness of its top with the depth of its nylon bottom, enabling users to explore different facets of sound with each keystroke. This thoughtful combination of materials allows enthusiasts to choose their preference based on desired sound characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Rice Pudding switch features a light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Therefore, the Rice Pudding is the lighter option, while the Tourmaline Blue is the heavier one. This disparity in forces means that users of the Rice Pudding can expect a quicker response with less effort, whereas those opting for the Tourmaline Blue will enjoy a stronger push sensation, which may lend a sense of durability and satisfaction during use.
Travel distance
The Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Rice Pudding switch offers a shorter travel and might be more appealing to gamers or users who favor faster response times. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue, with its longer travel distance, provides a more traditional feel that some users may find more satisfying due to its depth. Therefore, those who value responsiveness may lean towards the Everglide Rice Pudding, while individuals who appreciate a heartier, more pronounced keystroke would likely prefer the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. Overall, the distinction in travel distance may impact user experience, giving each switch its unique appeal.
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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
The sound profile of the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is characterized by a deep and resonant tone that contributes to a satisfying auditory experience during typing. The combination of smooth operation and a rich sound creates an immersive environment for users who appreciate audio feedback while they type. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches also deliver a deep and thocky sound, which further enhances the typing experience. This switch's sound is neutral, making it versatile enough for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting, thus appealing to both beginners and advanced users alike.
When it comes to feel, the Rice Pudding switch is noted for its smooth operation, offering a satisfying and precise typing experience that is enjoyable and conducive to long typing sessions. The Tourmaline Blue, with its buttery and easy-to-press characteristics, provides a seamless keystroke experience. Its lengthened single-stage spring contributes to a bouncy feel with each press, promoting comfort and reducing finger fatigue. Both switches, while different in design philosophy, focus on offering accessible typing experiences tailored to a wide range of users.
In conclusion, while both the Everglide Rice Pudding and Tourmaline Blue switches provide unique auditory and tactile experiences, they cater to users seeking different qualities. The Rice Pudding leans towards a deeper sound complemented by smooth operation, while the Tourmaline Blue features a thocky sound with an included bouncy feel and approachable actuation. Despite their differences, both switches share a commitment to comfort and satisfaction, ensuring that newcomers to mechanical keyboards can find enjoyment in either choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, consider your typing preferences and intended use. If you value a lighter actuation force and enjoy a smooth, satisfying typing experience, the Rice Pudding switch would be ideal for you. Its 48-gram bottom-out force makes it effortless to press, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions, and its compatibility with Wooting's keyboards also opens up avenues for enhanced performance and versatility. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile experience with a deeper sound profile, the Tourmaline Blue switch, with its 67-gram bottom-out force, offers a heavier but still enjoyable typing feel. Its buttery and mild characteristics make it suitable for a broad audience, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned typist. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a lighter touch for comfort and versatility with the Rice Pudding or a rich, satisfying auditory feedback and a more weighty feel with the Tourmaline Blue.
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