Durock Sea Glass vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Durock Sea Glass and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choices can be overwhelming, especially when comparing two standout options: the Durock Sea Glass and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2). The Sea Glass switches are beloved for their captivating pastel colors and a typing experience that is both light and airy, thanks to a unique material blend that imparts a frictionless touch. With a bottom-out force of 62g, they offer a delightful sense of weightlessness, although the distinct dryness and hollow sound signature contribute to a unique auditory experience. On the other hand, the Sticky Rice (V2) switches by Everglide are designed for those who crave a balanced feel, marked by their neutral sound profile and the enticing “thock” that enthusiasts adore. The super smooth keystroke and excellent performance due to the dustproof stem make these switches ideal for anyone who prioritizes a refined tactile sensation. Each switch has its own merits, appealing to different preferences in typing experience and acoustics. 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
P3+
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Sea Glass and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which directly influence the sound profiles produced by each switch. The Sea Glass utilizes a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE, resulting in a sound profile that is pleasant and slightly bright, but not overly sharp. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiffness. This rigidity enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it ideal for users seeking a crisp auditory feedback. Furthermore, the translucency of the polycarbonate also benefits users with RGB lighting setups, as the clear housing allows for effective light diffusion, creating vibrant visual effects.
When examining the bottom housing materials, both switches leverage nylon but in different blends, which significantly affects the character of the sound produced. The Sea Glass employs a polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for the bottom housing, contributing to a brighter sound profile. Meanwhile, the Sticky Rice (V2) utilizes classic nylon, a softer plastic that tends to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller acoustic experience. This variance suggests that while both switches can produce an enjoyable sound, the specific qualities of each housing material combine to create distinctly different auditory characteristics. Therefore, when bottoming out, the sound and feel will be influenced by the bottom housing’s properties, leading to varying tactile experiences for typists.
In summary, while the Durock Sea Glass and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) both utilize nylon, the differences in their top housing materials—polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend versus polycarbonate—yield contrasting sound profiles. Those looking for a sharp and crisp typing experience may lean toward the Sticky Rice (V2), while the Sea Glass might appeal to users who prefer a brighter yet less aggressive sound. Ultimately, both switches offer unique auditory experiences that showcase the properties of their respective materials, allowing for user preference to guide choice. Additionally, incorporating similar housing materials may lead to comparable sound results, albeit with variations in intensity and character depending on the specific blends used.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sea Glass has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, marking it as a light switch. This difference means that users of the Sea Glass switch will exert more effort during typing, providing a more substantial feel, which some may prefer for a robust typing experience. Conversely, the Sticky Rice switch's lower forces could lead to easier prolonged use, making it suitable for long gaming sessions or extended typing without fatigue. Overall, the Sea Glass is the heavier option while the Sticky Rice (V2) is the lighter switch, offering distinct experiences based on user preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, we find that the Sea Glass boasts a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Sticky Rice (V2) has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This suggests that the Sea Glass switch provides a deeper feel, which may be preferred by users who favor a more substantial keypress and find shorter distances too abrupt. On the other hand, the Sticky Rice (V2), with its shorter travel distance, could appeal to gamers or individuals looking for quick response times in their keystrokes. Overall, the comparison indicates that if you prioritize depth and a more tactile experience, the Durock Sea Glass is the better choice, whereas if you are drawn to responsiveness, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) could be the way to go.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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
The sound profile of the Durock Sea Glass switches is characterized by a uniquely hollow quality, which creates an ethereal auditory experience that stands apart from other switches. This distinct sound signature plays well into the overall convenience and aesthetic of the pastel colors. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches have a neutral sound signature that resonates with that much-coveted "thock" often desired by enthusiasts. This deeper, fuller sound can provide a more substantial auditory feedback compared to the lighter resonance of the Sea Glass switches. It’s important to note that both switches' sound can be influenced by the choice of keyboard construction and keycaps, meaning that while they present different fundamentals, user setup will play a critical role in the final audio experience.
In terms of feel, the Durock Sea Glass switches excel with their frictionless, mild, and feathery characteristics. Their operation is marked by an effortless fluidity and gentle actuation force that contributes to a comfortable typing experience, especially beneficial for extended sessions. Users can expect a soft touch that requires little exertion, thereby reducing finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches focus on providing a super smooth keystroke, augmented by a dustproof stem that minimizes wobble. While the specific descriptors for feel aren't provided, one can infer that the Sticky Rice switches maintain a refined tactile sensation that complements their performance, although they might lean more towards a traditional mechanical feel compared to the almost airy lightness of the Sea Glass.
Considering the overall profiles of both switches, both the Durock Sea Glass and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offer unique propositions for different preferences. The Sea Glass leans towards a lighter, ethereal experience with a hollow sound and a frictionless feel, making them conducive to long typing sessions with minimal effort. Meanwhile, the Sticky Rice (V2) caters to users seeking deeper auditory feedback and a smoother keystroke, emphasizing a balance between tactile satisfaction and performance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether one prioritizes an airy typing experience or a more substantial, refined feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch largely depends on your personal preferences and the typing experience you seek. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force with a smooth and frictionless feel, the Sea Glass switches are an excellent choice, especially if you appreciate a distinct airy and hollow sound signature that sets them apart. They offer a feathery typing experience, making them particularly enjoyable for extended typing sessions, such as during work or gaming, without inducing finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you desire a lighter touch with a softer bottom-out force, the Sticky Rice (V2) switches may be more to your liking. These switches present a balanced typing experience with a satisfying "thock" sound that many enthusiasts cherish, along with a super smooth keystroke that minimizes wobble and enhances performance. They’re great if you’re looking for a refined tactile sensation while maintaining a neutral sound profile. Ultimately, consider what aspects are most important to you—if you lean towards a vibrant, airy feel, opt for the Sea Glass, but if you favor a more grounded, refined feedback with an emphasis on sound, the Sticky Rice (V2) will serve you well.
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