Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2). The Sea Salt Smoothie, a linear switch, is celebrated for its medium weight and all-POM construction, offering a thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness—perfect for gamers and typists seeking a satisfying and quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), which utilizes hall effect technology, aims to provide a balanced typing experience with a neutral sound signature and an impressive lack of wobble, making it an attractive choice for enthusiasts who appreciate a refined tactile sensation. Each switch has its merits: if you prioritize a smooth and quiet experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie is an excellent pick, while the Sticky Rice (V2) caters to those seeking a tactile yet smooth keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your individual needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) utilize different materials in their housing designs, leading to distinct auditory experiences. The Sea Salt Smoothie features a top housing made from POM (Polyoxymethylene), which is renowned for producing a deeper, more muted sound profile that is pleasing and unique. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and results in a sharper, crisper sound profile. This choice of material means that while both switches provide unique auditory feedback, the Sea Salt Smoothie's sound is more subdued whereas the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a more resonant experience. If one aims for a similar tactile response when using RGB lighting, integrating polycarbonate in the top housing may yield a more vibrant visual effect compared to POM.
The bottom housings also diverge in material choice, with the Sea Salt Smoothie featuring another POM housing, while the Sticky Rice (V2) utilizes nylon. POM’s deeper tone repeated in both the top and bottom of the Sea Salt Smoothie reinforces its overall sound profile, resulting in that pleasing and relatively muted auditory experience. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing in the Sticky Rice (V2) is a softer plastic that absorbs sound more effectively, leading to a fuller, deeper sound. This differentiation is crucial as the bottom housing largely impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Therefore, while both switches aim for a satisfying typing experience, the nuances in their materials shape their resultant sound signatures significantly.
In essence, the Sea Salt Smoothie and the Sticky Rice (V2) exemplify how housing materials influence the overall sensory experience of a mechanical switch. With the Sea Salt Smoothie’s POM contributions nurturing a muted, deep sound, and the Sticky Rice (V2) blending polycarbonate and nylon to create a sharper yet fuller auditory sensation, each switch appeals to different preferences. Users can expect the Sea Salt Smoothie to produce a smoother and perhaps quieter typing experience, whereas the Sticky Rice (V2) will delight those who favor a more pronounced auditory feedback with sharper notes. Those looking to achieve similar results between the two may find that adjusting their typing technique or key press dynamics can help bridge the sound experiences, despite the inherent differences in materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Sea Salt Smoothie features an actuation force of 48 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), which has an actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Sea Salt Smoothie would require a bit more effort to trigger a keystroke, potentially offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Conversely, the Sticky Rice (V2) is lighter, making it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it allows for faster key presses with less fatigue. However, the bottom out force of the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown, while the Sticky Rice (V2) has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it provides a firmer feedback when pressed fully down. Consequently, users who favor a softer touch will likely lean towards the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), while those desiring a sturdier feel might prefer the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, despite the unknown bottom out force for the latter.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, the Sea Salt Smoothie features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Sticky Rice (V2) has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you choose the Sea Salt Smoothie, you will experience a deeper keystroke, which some users may prefer for a more pronounced feel during typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Sticky Rice (V2), with its shorter travel distance, may cater better to those who prioritize rapid response times and a quick actuation, making it a potentially better choice for gamers who thrive on speed. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for depth versus responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch is characterized by a thocky sound profile that many enthusiasts find satisfying. This sound signature contributes to a pleasant acoustic experience that is often favored by users looking for a deeper, more resonant sound. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers a neutral sound signature that subtly hints at the desirable "thock" found in higher-end switches. This quality provides a refined auditory experience that doesn't overpower the senses. While both switches offer enjoyable sound profiles, they cater to slightly different preferences—those who prefer a pronounced thock might lean towards the Sea Salt Smoothie, while those who appreciate a more balanced sound might favor the Sticky Rice (V2).
When it comes to feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie is widely regarded for its exceptional smoothness, providing a seamless typing experience that many users desire. Its medium-weight characteristic ensures that each keystroke is satisfying and consistent without feeling too heavy or light. Conversely, the Sticky Rice (V2) is known for its super smooth keystroke, enhanced by its dustproof stem that reduces wobble and optimizes overall performance. This contributes to a refined tactile sensation that both experienced typists and casual users can appreciate. While both switches deliver a smooth feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie emphasizes consistent medium-weight action, while the Sticky Rice (V2) leans into stability and tactile refinement.
In conclusion, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) both present appealing qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Sea Salt Smoothie excels with its thocky sound and smooth operation, making it an enticing option for those who appreciate a rich auditory experience paired with reliable performance. Meanwhile, the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a balanced auditory profile and a refined tactile feel, appealing to users seeking both stability and smoothness without sacrificing enjoyment. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, but both switches promise a high-quality typing experience that can satisfy a wide range of keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your preferences for typing feel, sound, and the specific typing experience you seek. If you prioritize a smooth, thocky sound profile with a suspension of the tactile sensation, the Sea Salt Smoothie is an excellent option. Its medium-weight design makes it versatile for both gaming and typing, providing a blend of comfort and satisfaction without overwhelming resistance. On the other hand, if you desire a more balanced typing experience with an emphasis on refinement and reduced wobble, the Sticky Rice (V2) is a fantastic choice. With its light bottom out force and neutral sound signature, it tends to cater well to those who enjoy a more controlled keystroke, making it favorable for long typing sessions or precise gaming maneuvers. Ultimately, understanding your typing habits and preferences will guide your decision, ensuring you choose a switch that brings joy to your daily interaction with your mechanical keyboard.
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