Everglide Rice Pudding vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Rice Pudding and Gazzew U4 offer intriguing options tailored to different preferences. The Rice Pudding switch is renowned for its smooth operation and deep sound, providing a satisfying typing experience that combines precision and comfort. Ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate performance and versatility, these hall effect switches are fully compatible with Wooting's innovative keyboards, making them a solid choice for those seeking adaptable options. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switches present a different appeal with their sharp tactile bump and plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, creating a unique typing experience that marries style with a muted auditory profile. This makes them perfect for users who favor a tactile response without the distraction of loud keystrokes. Each switch has its unique strengths, catering to different player preferences, but 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
62g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Gazzew U4 switches present an interesting juxtaposition in terms of sound profile and material characteristics. The Rice Pudding utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer nature, producing a higher-pitched and clearer sound profile. This is particularly beneficial for users looking to achieve a sharper auditory response, especially when RGB lighting is involved, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows light to pass through effectively. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 features a proprietary "boba plastic" blend for its top housing, which yields a richer and deeper sound due to its softness. This difference in top housing materials suggests that while the Rice Pudding may shine in clarity and brightness, the U4 focuses on depth and warmth in sound.
When examining the bottom housings, both switches find common ground through the use of nylon in the Rice Pudding and a proprietary soft blend in the Gazzew U4, which also contributes to a fuller sound profile. Nylon, as a traditional switch housing material, provides a rounded auditory response thanks to its sound-absorbing properties. This allows for a deeper sound experience that complements the top housing's qualities. Conversely, the Gazzew U4's "boba plastic" bottom housing mirrors this soft nature, offering a similarly rich and deep sound profile. As such, despite the divergence in top housing materials leading to different characteristics in sound clarity and richness, both switches harmonize on the bottom housing, enhancing their ability to deliver a satisfying auditory experience.
Ultimately, the interplay between the different housing materials in these two switches illustrates how sound profiles can be tailored through material choice. While the Rice Pudding’s polycarbonate top emphasizes brightness and clarity, the U4's proprietary blend contributes warmth and fullness to the auditory experience, especially when bottomed out. However, the similar softness in both bottom housings unifies them, creating a significant foundation for sound that balances out the differences above. Therefore, both switches can achieve comparable results in terms of depth and resonance, albeit through different tonal pathways, emphasizing how careful selection of materials can ultimately shape user experience in the realm of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch with its actuation force of 38 grams and bottom out force of 48 grams to the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, we can identify significant differences in their characteristics. The Rice Pudding switch is lighter overall, making it a more suitable choice for users who prefer a softer touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the U4 switch offers a heftier feel, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with its greater actuation and bottom out forces. While both switches provide tactile feedback, the Rice Pudding switch clearly stands out for users seeking a lighter and more responsive typing feel, whereas the U4 might appeal more to those who appreciate a firmer key press. Overall, depending on personal preference, users can expect varying typing experiences, with the Rice Pudding promoting comfort and ease, while the U4 delivers a more pronounced tactile sensation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, there is a slight difference between the two. The Rice Pudding features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gazzew U4 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Rice Pudding the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel, which can be preferable for gamers seeking quicker key actuation. In contrast, the Gazzew U4, with its slightly longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial bottoming out sensation, which could appeal to those who appreciate a deeper key press. Therefore, users who favor speed and responsiveness might lean towards the Rice Pudding effectively, while those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile experience may opt for the U4.
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 Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50 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 Everglide Rice Pudding switch offers a deep sound profile, praised for delivering a rich and satisfying auditory experience. This makes it an appealing option for those who enjoy a pronounced acoustic signature while typing. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch takes a different approach with a sound profile characterized as muted and low-pitched, resulting in a softer and quieter typing experience. The U4's whisper-quiet operation makes it ideal for environments where noise is a concern, allowing for a serene typing experience without the clack typically associated with mechanical switches. Overall, while the Rice Pudding provides a more resonant sound, those who prefer subtlety and minimal noise will favor the U4.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is known for its smooth operation, offering a pleasant typing experience that balances comfort with precision—exactly what many enthusiasts look for in a keyboard switch. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 provides a sharp tactile bump that offers intense feedback, making every keystroke distinctly noticeable. The combination of this sharp feedback with the U4’s plush bottom-out sensation creates a unique typing experience that is both exhilarating and cushioned, contrasting the smoothness of the Rice Pudding. Thus, while both switches cater to tactile preferences, they do so in fundamentally different ways.
In summary, the Everglide Rice Pudding and Gazzew U4 tactile switches present unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences. The Rice Pudding excels with its deep and rich sound and smooth operation, making for a satisfying yet precise experience, whereas the U4 is designed for users who prioritize a quieter operation and a more pronounced tactile feel. Ultimately, choosing between them will depend on whether one values sound and smoothness over a muted, sharp tactile experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a light actuation force and a smooth, satisfying typing experience with a deeper sound profile, the Rice Pudding switches are an excellent choice. Their compatibility with Wooting keyboards adds to their versatility, making them a great option for enthusiasts who value performance. Conversely, if you prefer a firmer typing feel with a pronounced tactile bump, the Gazzew U4 switches would be more suitable for you. The U4's medium actuation force and muted, low-pitched sound profile allow for a quiet yet engaging typing experience, which is ideal for shared or noise-sensitive environments. Ultimately, consider your priorities: whether you value a lighter touch and more fluid interactions or a firmer feedback with a pronounced tactile sensation. Adjusting your choice based on these aspects will help you find the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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