Everglide Rice Pudding vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that enhance their typing experience in different ways. The Everglide Rice Pudding switches stand out as hall effect switches, renowned for their smooth operation and deep sound, providing a satisfying and precise typing experience that caters to those who prioritize a seamless keystroke. Additionally, their compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards adds a layer of versatility for users seeking high performance. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switches, categorized as tactile switches, offer a subtle to moderate tactile feel that makes them an appealing choice for typists who enjoy feedback in their keystrokes. Their balanced sound profile complements the tactile characteristics, creating an engaging typing environment. Both switches present their unique advantages, depending on your preferences for smoothness versus tactile feedback; 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
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Rice Pudding and the Gateron Weightlessness switches present a notable contrast in their top housing materials, utilizing polycarbonate and nylon respectively. The Rice Pudding’s polycarbonate top housing is designed to enhance sound clarity, resulting in a sharper, crisper acoustic profile. This material's stiffness coupled with its translucency not only contributes to a more resonant sound but also makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting experiences. In stark contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness features a nylon top housing that produces a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than stiffer materials, leading to a duller and rounder acoustics which may appeal to users looking for a softer typing experience.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, we see a similarity as both the Rice Pudding and Weightlessness utilize nylon. This consistency means they share characteristics that contribute to a fuller sound profile due to nylon's inherent ability to absorb sound. Both switches benefit from the softer texture of the nylon material, resulting in a muted bottom-out sound that enhances typing comfort. Despite the differences in their top housings, the use of nylon on the bottom means that both switches will deliver a similar acoustic experience while bottoming out, with a fuller and less harsh sound.
In conclusion, while the housing materials differ in the top designs of the Rice Pudding and Weightlessness switches, the shared use of nylon in their bottom housings aligns certain acoustic properties between the two. The Rice Pudding's polycarbonate top contributes to a sharper sound profile, leading to a unique typing experience influenced by the materials. Meanwhile, the nylon components, found in both switches, facilitate a rounded and deeper sound when the keys are pressed down. As such, users can achieve similar auditory results by considering the interaction between the two different housing materials, noting how they impact sound at different stages of key operation.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Rice Pudding switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, which makes it more suited for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for prolonged use such as at work or during long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial sensation when typing. While the bottom out force for the Weightlessness is listed as unavailable, the Rice Pudding switch boasts a bottom out force of 48 grams, further emphasizing its lightweight nature. Thus, if you desire a lighter switch, the Everglide Rice Pudding is the preferred option, whereas the Gateron Weightlessness delivers a firmer feel with its higher actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, it is evident that the Rice Pudding offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Weightlessness features a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Although both switches are relatively close in travel distances, gamers seeking quicker response times may prefer the shorter Weightlessness switch for its more immediate actuation. Conversely, those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress and a deeper feel might opt for the Rice Pudding, with its greater 3.5 mm travel distance. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences in terms of tactile feedback and responsiveness, the Rice Pudding stands out as the longer option, and the Weightlessness as the shorter.
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 Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 it comes to sound, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches provide a deep and resonant auditory experience during typing. The sound is balanced, adding to the satisfying nature of each keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches present a sound profile that ranges from subtle to moderate, offering a milder auditory feedback that aligns well with its tactile characteristics. Although both switches deliver distinct sound experiences, ultimately, factors like the keyboard’s construction and keycap material can influence how pronounced these sounds actually are.
Regarding the feel, the Rice Pudding switches are celebrated for their smooth operation, providing a seamless typing experience that enhances precision and satisfaction. Meanwhile, the Gateron Weightlessness switches are known for their subtle to moderate tactile feedback. This tactile sensation offers a clear indication of actuation without being overly pronounced, making them a good fit for those who appreciate a more refined feel. While both switches deliver enjoyable typing experiences, the Rice Pudding leans towards smoothness, whereas the Weightlessness emphasizes tactile presence.
In conclusion, both the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switches and Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Rice Pudding excels with its deep sound and smooth operation, making it ideal for those who seek a satisfying auditory and tactile experience. Conversely, the Weightlessness provides a more subtle sound profile coupled with a moderate tactile feel for those who appreciate a nuanced typing sensation. Depending on your preferences regarding sound and feel, either switch could offer a gratifying typing experience, but you can expect different vibes from each in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a lighter touch with a smooth operational feel and a pleasing deep sound, the Rice Pudding is your go-to choice, particularly when engaging in fast-paced gaming or extensive typing sessions where comfort and responsiveness are key. Additionally, its compatibility with Wooting’s innovative keyboards makes it a versatile option for tech enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile experience with a sound profile that is balanced yet subtle, the Weightlessness switch is ideal for situations where you value deliberate key presses, such as in coding or office work. Ultimately, your selection should align with whether you prioritize a lighter feel and a unique sound or a tactile response suited for focused tasks.
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