Everglide Rice Pudding vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Rice Pudding and Durock White Lotus showcase two distinct philosophies in typing experience, catering to different preferences among users. The Rice Pudding switches are renowned for their smooth operation and pleasing auditory feedback, offering a balanced typing experience that is satisfying and precise. Ideal for enthusiasts and gamers alike, they are fully compatible with Wooting's innovative technology, enhancing versatility in use. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switches present an exquisite, light tactile option, perfect for long typing sessions. With a subtle tactile feedback that doesn’t overwhelm, these switches are designed for the discerning typist, and their removable light column allows for vibrant RGB lighting, elevating your keyboard's aesthetic appeal. Choosing between these two switches ultimately comes down to whether you prioritize a smooth and deep-sounding experience or a gentle tactile feel with impressive visual flair. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
56g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Durock White Lotus switches, notable distinctions can be found in their top housing compositions. The Rice Pudding features a polycarbonate top housing, which is renowned for its stiffness and optical clarity. This enhances the sound profile, producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus utilizes a modified blend of polycarbonate (PC) and UPE for its top housing. While it may not provide the same precise sound qualities as pure polycarbonate, this hybrid material still offers a unique texture and an appealing aesthetic for those who prioritize visual aspects alongside performance. Both designs ultimately reflect an intention to optimize sound and light diffusion, especially important when RGB lighting is involved.
When we examine the bottom housing of these two switches, the similarities are pronounced. Both the Rice Pudding and White Lotus utilize nylon as their material choice for the bottom housing. This classic material is characterized by its softness compared to harder plastics, leading to a deeper, fuller sound when typing. The absorption qualities of nylon allow each switch to produce a rounded auditory profile that many typists appreciate for its comfortable and muted tone. Given that the bottom housing plays a crucial role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, users can expect a comparable experience when it comes to this particular aspect of performance in both switch models.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch’s housing structure results in a unique but ultimately compatible sound profile. While the polycarbonate top of the Rice Pudding provides a clearer and more resonant sound, the modified PC and UPE blend in the White Lotus looks to deliver a premium user experience with a rich aesthetic. However, the common nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a fullness in sound. Thus, in practical terms, users of either switch can enjoy deep, pleasing acoustics and tactile experiences, albeit with different tonal characters based on the top housing used. Whether one prefers the clarity of the Rice Pudding or the hybrid nature of the White Lotus, similar auditory satisfaction can still be achieved through their shared nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch to the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Rice Pudding has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for users seeking a softer typing experience ideal for long hours of use, such as in a work or gaming environment. In contrast, the White Lotus features a medium-light actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, providing a slightly heavier feel that might appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, if you enjoy a moderating push, the White Lotus is the better choice, while the Rice Pudding caters to those favoring a lighter touch. Overall, while both switches serve distinct preferences, they certainly achieve different typing dynamics due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch exhibit differing travel distances, with the Rice Pudding measuring 3.5 mm and the White Lotus at 4 mm. This makes the Rice Pudding the shorter option, appealing to gamers and those who favor a more responsive feel during key presses for quicker response times. In contrast, the White Lotus, with its 4 mm travel distance, offers a deeper experience that some users may prefer for a more tactile feedback and pronounced keystroke. Ultimately, if you opt for functionality that emphasizes speed and quick actions, the Rice Pudding is ideal; however, if you enjoy a more robust and satisfying typing experience, the White Lotus may be the better choice.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 deliver a deep, resonant tone that enhances the auditory experience of typing. This adds a satisfying weight to each keystroke, making it a pleasure to type on for extended periods. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switches feature a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, characterized by their mellow, bass-heavy qualities. This means that while the Rice Pudding provides a more profound auditory feedback, the White Lotus offers a versatile sound that is unobtrusive yet pleasant, making it suitable for both workspaces and home environments. Ultimately, you'll find that the sound quality may vary depending on your choice of keyboard and keycaps, impacting your experience with either switch.
In terms of feel, the Rice Pudding switches excel in providing a smooth typing experience; however, specific attributes of their tactile feedback are not detailed here. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus switches are designed to be easy to press, offering gentle resistance that makes them comfortable for long typist sessions. This switch provides a mild and subtle tactile feedback, ensuring that users of all levels will appreciate the ease of operation and low impact it has on finger fatigue. This careful balance makes the White Lotus a great option for those seeking a user-friendly typing experience, especially in settings where intensive input may be required.
In summary, the Everglide Rice Pudding and Durock White Lotus switches present distinct characteristics that cater to varying preferences. The Rice Pudding stands out for its deep auditory feedback and smooth operation, appealing to tactile enthusiasts who appreciate rich sound profiles. Meanwhile, the White Lotus caters to those who prefer a light, tactile option that supports extended usage without strain. Both switches, while different, offer compelling benefits regardless of your typing needs and could lead to equally satisfying results based on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage context. If you favor a lighter actuation force and a smooth, satisfying typing experience, particularly if you enjoy the sound of deeper acoustics, the Rice Pudding switches are an excellent fit for you. They excel in versatile scenarios, especially when you're interested in pairing them with Wooting's innovative keyboards for enhanced performance. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a switch that offers a balanced tactile feedback coupled with an engaging RGB lighting experience, the White Lotus is the way to go. The medium-light resistance and gentle tactility make it an ideal choice for prolonged typing sessions, providing comfort without compromising on responsiveness. The neutral sound profile also makes these switches appropriate for both home and office environments, ensuring you can type away without disturbing those around you. Therefore, consider how you type and the environment you're in to make the best switch choice for your needs.
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