Everglide Rice Pudding vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two standout options for enthusiasts are the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Gazzew U4Tx. The Rice Pudding, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its smooth operation and deep sound, delivering a balanced typing experience that pairs satisfyingly with performance and versatility, particularly on Wooting’s innovative keyboards. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx, a tactile switch, excels in offering a refined auditory experience, combining an appealing deep "thock" when bottoming out with a whisper-quiet topping out, while providing a pronounced tactile bump that enhances the typing experience. Both switches have their distinct advantages: if you prioritize a smooth and versatile typing experience, the Rice Pudding may be your choice; however, if you seek a luxurious touch with an emphasis on sound and tactility, the U4Tx might be more suited to your taste. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Partial box
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 Korean spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Rice Pudding and the Gazzew U4Tx switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles. The Rice Pudding features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, creating a sharper and crisper sound when the key is released. This material's translucency also enhances the RGB lighting effect, making it visually appealing for illuminated setups. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx employs a proprietary blend often referred to as "boba plastic," which is softer than polycarbonate. This difference in material yields a richer and deeper sound profile, emphasizing a more muted and rounded tone when releasing keys. Thus, users can expect a distinct auditory experience between the two switches, with the Rice Pudding offering a more vibrant sound and the U4Tx presenting a mellow response.
However, the bottom housings of both switches are constructed from materials that lean towards softness, resulting in more similarities than differences in their overall acoustic profiles. The Rice Pudding utilizes nylon, a classic choice known for its ability to absorb sound effectively, producing a fuller and deeper sound upon bottoming out. The U4Tx, once again featuring the proprietary Gazzew blend, also delivers a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. This shared quality means that when users press down on either switch, they'll experience a rounded and pleasant sound that doesn't overpower the typing experience. Therefore, while the top housings create distinct sound signatures, the bottom housings work to balance those characteristics, providing a cohesive auditory experience in both switches.
Considering the specific contributions of the housing materials, one can achieve a similar tonal balance using either switch, albeit through different mechanical properties. The response felt during key presses will be influenced mainly by the bottom housing, where both nylon and the Gazzew blend impart a whisper of depth, although they do so in unique ways. This synergy allows users to enjoy a satisfying typing experience irrespective of the switch choice, as the decisive impact of each housing plays a critical role in modulating the sound and feel during use. Ultimately, the Rice Pudding’s crisper top combined with the U4Tx’s rounded bottom creates a diversified sound palette, appealing to different preferences while retaining an underlying harmony in the acoustic landscape.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, there are notable differences in their force specifications that cater to varying user preferences. The Rice Pudding features a light actuation force of 38 grams, which facilitates easier typing and longer usage without fatigue, making it an appealing choice for extended work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the U4Tx has no specified actuation force but possesses a significantly higher bottom out force of 62.5 grams, suggesting a heavier and more tactile typing experience. This could provide a more satisfying push feel for users who prefer a sturdier switch. Overall, the Rice Pudding is the lighter option, while the U4Tx comes across as heavier with its bottom out force. For users prioritizing weight and comfort, the Rice Pudding would be the recommended choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it is clear that the Rice Pudding has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the U4Tx features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Although both distances are relatively close, the Rice Pudding is the shorter option by 0.1 mm. This minimal difference suggests that users aiming for quicker response times may find the Rice Pudding to be the more appealing choice, as shorter travel distances are often preferred by gamers seeking to enhance their performance. However, those who favor a more substantial feel when pressing keys might prefer the U4Tx for its deeper travel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference: whether one prioritizes speed and responsiveness or a heftier tactile 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 Gazzew U4Tx 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
When comparing the sound profiles of the Everglide Rice Pudding Hall Effect switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, each has its own unique acoustic characteristics. The Rice Pudding delivers a deep and resonant sound, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the U4Tx switches boast a more refined sound, characterized by a combination of deep, bassy "thock" when bottoming out and a nearly muted quality when topping out. This makes the U4Tx a versatile option for those seeking a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the enjoyment of an appealing sound. Both switches offer different auditory experiences, catering to different preferences based on the user’s environment and taste in acoustic feedback.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches are noted for their smooth operation, which contributes to a pleasant and satisfying typing experience, although specific descriptions of their tactile feedback are absent. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx switches are designed to deliver a sharp tactile bump that is distinctly felt with each keystroke. This high-intensity feedback makes the U4Tx switches particularly engaging for users who enjoy a tactile sensation when typing. While the Rice Pudding prioritizes a smooth keypress, the U4Tx emphasizes a more pronounced tactile response, leading to different feel dynamics that cater to individual typing preferences.
In conclusion, both the Everglide Rice Pudding and Gazzew U4Tx switches present compelling yet distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Rice Pudding excels with its deep sound and smooth feel, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a well-rounded typing sensation. Conversely, the U4Tx offers a bassy yet muted sound, paired with a sharp tactile feedback that appeals to users seeking a more pronounced interaction with their keyboard. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference regarding sound and feel, thus allowing users to find the right balance for their typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter actuation with a smooth, balanced feel and a deep, satisfying sound, the Rice Pudding switch will likely be your ideal choice. This switch is particularly well-suited for fast-paced typing or gaming sessions where precision and speed are paramount, not to mention its remarkable compatibility with Wooting keyboards for added versatility. On the other hand, if you value a more pronounced tactile bump with a medium force requirement, along with a unique acoustic experience that resonates with a deeper "thock" sound while remaining mostly muted on the top out, the U4Tx would be the perfect match for you. It’s crafted for those who appreciate a luxurious typing experience combined with auditory satisfaction. Ultimately, both switches excel in their respective areas, so consider your typing habits and preferences to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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