Everglide Rice Pudding vs. Gateron Type A
An in-depth look at the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Gateron Type A switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the distinctive traits of various options. The Everglide Rice Pudding switch stands out with its harmonious combination of smooth operation and a deep, satisfying sound, making it an attractive choice for users who appreciate a balanced yet precise typing experience. Additionally, its compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards enhances its appeal for those who prioritize versatility and performance in their setups. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A, a key player in Sillyworks' "Project Rehash" / SLAY series, offers a unique take on traditional travel distances. Designed with medium-weight preferences in mind, it employs advanced factory lubing techniques to provide a consistently subdued sound signature that caters to gamers and typists alike. Whether you're drawn to the Rice Pudding's satisfying feedback or the Type A's refined sound characteristics, each switch has its merits for different types of users. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Gateron Type A switches, the differences in top housing are particularly significant. The Rice Pudding utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes a higher-pitched, sharper sound profile. This is primarily due to the rigidity of polycarbonate, allowing for a clear and resonant sound. On the contrary, the Type A features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and rounder sound profile since nylon is a softer material that absorbs sound better than harder plastics. This fundamental difference in the top housing materials leads to contrasting auditory experiences even though both switches aim to deliver satisfying tactile feedback.
Both the Rice Pudding and Type A switches share nylon as their bottom housing material. This commonality results in deeper and fuller sound profiles for both switches upon bottoming out, as nylon's softer composition contributes to sound absorption. As a classic choice for switch housing, nylon effectively dulls sharp sounds, providing a more muted auditory experience during key presses. Consequently, despite differences in the top housings, the shared nylon material in the bottoms ensures that both switches maintain similar characteristics when it comes to sound when a key is fully depressed.
The combined effect of different top housing materials creates a unique auditory experience when using each switch. While the polycarbonate top of the Rice Pudding enhances clarity and brightness, the nylon top of the Type A gives a more rounded sound. However, both switches benefit from the nylon bottoms, which equalize some aspects of their sound profiles during key presses. Therefore, while the overall experiences might differ, particularly in the top-out sound, users can expect a level of sound absorption and fullness in the bottom-out phase from both switches due to their nylon bottoms. Ultimately, players can appreciate the unique sound qualities each switch brings, with the potential for similar results when bottoming out due to their shared nylon material.
Weight
The Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch provide distinct typing experiences due to their differing force characteristics. The Rice Pudding switch features a light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Type A has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. This means that the Rice Pudding switch is lighter overall compared to the Type A, which may lead to fatigue over longer periods for users who favor heavier switches. Therefore, while both switches can provide satisfying keystrokes, the Everglide Rice Pudding is best for those who prioritize ease of use and comfort, while the Gateron Type A appeals to those who appreciate a more pronounced push sensation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch, a clear difference emerges. The Rice Pudding switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Type A switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you prefer a more responsive feel with quicker key actuation, the Everglide Rice Pudding, with its shorter travel distance, may be the better option for your gaming needs. Conversely, if you enjoy a more tactile experience with a more substantial key press, the Gateron Type A is the way to go, offering a deeper feel. In summary, the Rice Pudding switch provides a more rapid engagement compared to the Gateron Type A, catering to different user preferences in keyboard feel and performance.
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 Type A comes in at $4.70 per 10 switches.
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 its deep tonal quality, which provides a pleasing auditory feedback during typing. This switch is renowned for delivering a rich and satisfying sound that enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Type A exhibits a more neutral sound signature, which can be perceived as subdued. It produces a dampened auditory response that strikes a balance between being noticeable yet unobtrusive. While the Rice Pudding offers a more pronounced auditory pleasure, the Type A provides a versatile sound that suits various environments, making both switches sound unique yet pleasing in their own respective ways.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches are celebrated for their smooth operation, ensuring that each keystroke feels both satisfying and precise. This smoothness contributes to a typing experience that many enthusiasts seek, providing feedback that enhances control. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A switch is crafted to offer a medium-weight feel, which positions it as an ideal compromise between light and heavy actuation. While the specifics of the Rice Pudding's tactile sensation are not detailed, it is understood that both switches cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on what feels best for their typing style.
In conclusion, both the Everglide Rice Pudding and Gateron Type A switches cater to distinct but appealing qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Rice Pudding boasts a deep sound and a smooth typing experience that satisfies enthusiastic users. In contrast, the Type A provides a more neutral sound and a medium-weight actuation, making it a versatile choice for all users. Overall, each switch offers a unique typing experience that highlights personal preferences, and these factors will aid newcomers in discerning which switch best suits their needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch, your preferences and intended use case will play a crucial role in your decision. If you appreciate a lighter touch that offers a smooth and satisfying typing experience, along with a deeper sound profile, the Rice Pudding switch would be an excellent choice for you. This switch is particularly advantageous if you're into performance-centric keyboards like those from Wooting, making it ideal for gamers and tech enthusiasts seeking both responsiveness and versatility. However, if you prefer a more balanced, medium-light actuation with a neutral sound that adapts well to both work and gaming environments, the Gateron Type A switch would be a suitable fit. Its well-rounded characteristics, including a deeper sound signature while maintaining a subdued auditory profile, make it great for those looking for a versatile switch that doesn't overpower in noise. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you value the unique aspects of the Rice Pudding's light touch and deeper sound or the balanced performance and adaptability of the Type A.
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