Huano Sakura vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Huano Sakura and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Sakura and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) present two distinct options tailored for different typing experiences. The Sakura switch is revered for its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts who engage in lengthy typing sessions without fatigue. With its linear characteristics, the Sakura provides a smooth keypress that many appreciate for gaming and typing alike. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) showcases a hall effect design with a super smooth keystroke, offering a balanced typing feel and a neutral sound signature that appeals to those seeking the satisfying "thock" sound often associated with high-quality switches. The dustproof stem of the Sticky Rice reduces wobble and enhances performance, appealing to users who prioritize tactile precision without sacrificing comfort. Ultimately, while both switches have their unique advantages, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Huano Sakura and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches utilize distinctly different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles and overall feel. The Sakura features a polyketone (POK) top housing, known for its smoothness due to a coefficient of friction of 0.04. This superior material not only provides a silky typing experience but also contributes to a clackier sound when keys are released. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) uses a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and transparency. This material tends to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound, delivering a more resonant auditory experience compared to the softer tones generated by the Sakura's POK material. While both materials aim to enhance the typing experience, their fundamental properties result in distinctly different auditory outcomes.
For the bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon, a classic material known for its sound-dampening qualities. The nylon used in both the Sakura and the Sticky Rice (V2) effectively absorbs sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during key presses. This shared characteristic allows both switches to maintain a cohesive auditory signature, with the nylon bottom offering a rounded sound that complements the effects of their respective top housings. Therefore, while the top housing materials lead to varied sound profiles, the commonality of nylon in the bottom housing grounds both switches in a deeper auditory realm, creating a more balanced overall experience.
When considering the combined effects of the housing materials, it becomes clear that even though the top housings of the Sakura and Sticky Rice (V2) differ significantly, the overall performance of each switch can still be categorized within the same auditory space. As the top housing predominantly influences the release sound, the POK material of the Sakura provides a smoother and clackier feel, while the polycarbonate on the Sticky Rice yields a crisper sound. Nonetheless, the nylon bases ensure that both switches retain a fuller, deeper sound profile upon activation. This shared bottom housing material ultimately harmonizes the overall typing experience, allowing users to achieve satisfying results regardless of the top housing differences.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Sakura linear switch to the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, both exhibit light characteristics, but they differ slightly in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sakura features an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option overall. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) has a higher actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which adds a bit more resistance to keystrokes. While both switches are designed to provide a satisfactory typing experience, the lighter actuation force of the Sakura may appeal more to those who prioritize extended typing sessions, reducing finger fatigue. Conversely, the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a slightly heftier feel, which can cater to users who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback while typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference, with the Sakura being the preferred choice for a lighter typing experience and the Sticky Rice (V2) offering a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
The Huano Sakura linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch offer different travel distances, with the Sakura measuring 3.6 mm and the Sticky Rice (V2) at 3.5 mm. This makes the Sticky Rice (V2) the shorter option by a mere 0.1 mm, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times due to the reduced distance needed to press the key. On the other hand, the Sakura's slightly longer travel distance provides a bit more depth, which some users might find enhances their typing experience by feeling less abrupt. Ultimately, if you prioritize responsiveness in your gaming or typing, the Sticky Rice (V2) could be your optimal choice, whereas those who prefer a deeper, more traditional feel might lean towards the Huano Sakura.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sticky Rice (V2) for $6.79.
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 Huano Sakura linear switch presents a medium acoustic profile that strikes a balance, offering a discreet auditory experience suitable for both typing and gaming. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter environment while still enjoying a satisfying keypress. Conversely, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) features a neutral sound signature, enhanced by the sought-after "thock" that many enthusiasts look for. This distinct sound is a result of its unique construction and contributes to the overall pleasure of the typing experience. Both switches can produce satisfying acoustic results, but the context of their use—such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps—will ultimately influence the exact auditory feedback you experience.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Sakura switch is known for its feather-light touch, which promotes comfort during extended typing sessions. This lightness can enhance speed and reduce fatigue, making it an excellent option for those who type for long periods. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers a super smooth keystroke, largely owing to its dustproof stem that minimizes wobble. This design results in a refined tactile sensation that enhances the overall typing experience without sacrificing comfort. In essence, while both switches provide unique tactile experiences, the Sakura emphasizes a lighter touch, whereas the Sticky Rice (V2) capitalizes on smoothness and reliability.
In conclusion, both the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Sakura's medium acoustics and feather-light feel make it an enticing option for extended use, while the Sticky Rice (V2) combines a neutral sound signature with an exceptionally smooth keystroke, appealing to those who appreciate a refined typing sensation. Depending on your personal preferences, you may find yourself leaning towards one switch or the other, but both are designed to enhance the typing experience in their own unique ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you lean towards extended typing sessions and desire a light touch, the Sakura switches are a fantastic option. They provide a feather-light feel with medium acoustics, making them ideal for those who prioritize endurance and ease of typing comfort. Conversely, if you prefer a balance of feel and sound quality with an enhanced tactile experience, the Sticky Rice (V2) will likely suit you better. With its slightly firmer bottom-out force, you get a refined, smooth keystroke that delivers that satisfying "thock" sound cherished by enthusiasts. Its design minimizes wobble and maximizes performance, making it a perfect fit for both gaming and professional typing environments. So, consider what aspects are most important to you—lightness and ease of use with the Sakura, or a balanced, tactile experience with the Sticky Rice (V2)—to find the switch that best complements your style.
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