Everglide Rice Pudding vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch for your typing needs, two popular contenders stand out: the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl. The Rice Pudding, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its harmonious mix of smooth operation and satisfying auditory feedback, providing a balanced typing experience that caters to both precision and enjoyment. Its compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards further enhances its appeal, making it a versatile choice for enthusiasts who desire performance. On the other hand, the WS Pearl, recognized for its linear design, utilizes ball-bearing technology to minimize friction during keystrokes, resulting in an exceptionally smooth typing experience. This switch produces a medium-high pitched sound signature, adding a unique auditory characteristic to every press. Whether you gravitate towards the Rice Pudding's satisfying tactile feedback or the WS Pearl's ultra-smooth performance, both switches offer distinct advantages tailored to different preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Rice Pudding and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl both leverage distinct materials for their top housings, leading to differing auditory experiences. The Rice Pudding features a polycarbonate top housing that is known for its capability to produce a sharper and crisper sound profile. This stiffness allows for a clearer and more resonant output, making it particularly suited for users who appreciate the subtleties of sound, especially when RGB lighting enhances the visual aspect of typing. In contrast, the WS Pearl incorporates a nylon top housing that emphasizes a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs a significant amount of sound energy. This results in a rounder, more muted auditory experience, favoring a warmer typing feel for those who prefer a less pronounced acoustic response from their switches.
However, both the Rice Pudding and the WS Pearl utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes similarly to their overall sound profiles. As both switches embrace the classic nylon material in this section, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound when bottoming out, regardless of the top housing material. The soft texture of nylon allows for sound absorption, ensuring a less harsh auditory experience when the switches are activated. Consequently, while the top housings create contrasting sound profiles—sharp and clear versus rounded and warm—the shared nylon bottom housing harmonizes the typing experience, providing a consistent and pleasing tactile feedback across both models.
By examining the collective impact of their materials, both the Rice Pudding and WS Pearl switches present unique sound signatures that nevertheless converge in their nylon bottoms. Users seeking a more pronounced, high-pitched experience might gravitate towards the polycarbonate top of the Rice Pudding, whereas those preferring a subdued auditory output might opt for the nylon top of the WS Pearl. Nevertheless, the nylon bottom in each switch guarantees a common signature of deep and full keystrokes. Therefore, regardless of the choice of top housing, both switches offer a complementary blending of auditory and tactile feedback, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience that caters to diverse preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Rice Pudding switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the WS Pearl's heavier 30 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, especially during extended gaming or work sessions. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Rice Pudding again remains lighter at 48 grams, while the WS Pearl exhibits a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams. This heavier bottom out in the WS Pearl may appeal to typists seeking a more pronounced, substantial feel when pressing keys down fully. Ultimately, the Rice Pudding offers a lighter touch at both actuation and bottom out stages, while the WS Pearl presents a blend of lighter actuation and a heavier bottom out experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Rice Pudding Hall Effect switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, both switches share the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable feel when pressing down on the keys, as both switches provide the same amount of travel from top to bottom. This uniformity in travel distance can lead to similar performance and feedback during use, making either switch a comfortable choice for keystrokes.
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 Wuque Studio WS Pearl comes in at $6.00 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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch delivers a deep, resonant tone that many users find satisfying and rich. This balanced sound profile contributes to the overall typing experience, making each keystroke feel rewarding. On the other hand, the WS Pearl switch produces a medium-high pitched sound signature that stands out as more pronounced compared to the Rice Pudding. The unique nature of the WS Pearl's sound will appeal to those who enjoy a crisper auditory response while typing. However, it’s essential to remember that sound perception can be influenced by various factors, including the type of keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch offers a smooth operation that balances satisfaction with precision, making every keystroke enjoyable and easy. Users generally appreciate the responsiveness in their typing. Conversely, the WS Pearl switch truly sets itself apart with its use of ball-bearings, resulting in an exceptionally smooth feel that can almost be described as surreal. This innovative design minimizes friction, allowing for effortless keystrokes, which may be particularly appealing to those who prioritize a premium typing experience.
Overall, both switches cater to different preferences while offering unique advantages. The Everglide Rice Pudding excels in sound depth and balanced feel, appealing to users looking for a classic yet satisfying typing experience. Meanwhile, the WS Pearl stands out with its higher pitched sound and ultra-smooth keystrokes, thanks to its ball-bearing mechanism. Ultimately, much of the enjoyment of these switches will depend on individual user preference and the specific keyboard setup used, but both offer remarkable quality and performance for enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 48 grams, the Rice Pudding switch is an excellent choice, particularly if you're seeking a smooth, satisfying typing experience combined with a deeper sound signature that can enhance your overall keyboard feel. Its compatibility with Wooting keyboards further adds to its appeal, especially for gamers and enthusiasts looking for versatility. On the other hand, if you’re someone who enjoys a more substantial typing experience with a medium bottom-out force of 58 grams, the WS Pearl switch could be your go-to option. Its unique ball-bearing mechanism delivers incredibly smooth keystrokes alongside a medium-high pitched sound signature, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions where reduced friction is key. Therefore, if you prioritize performance and a distinct auditory feedback while typing, the WS Pearl may better suit your needs. Ultimately, consider what aspects—like actuation force, sound, and smoothness—are most important to you in a switch, and you'll be able to confidently choose the switch that enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
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