Gateron Silent Ink Black vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence your typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2). The Gateron Silent Ink Black shines in quieter settings, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer minimal audio feedback, as it delivers a cushioned, pillow-like feel at the bottom of each keystroke. This switch is perfect for those who work in shared spaces or late-night gaming, where sound levels matter. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers a superbly balanced typing experience, featuring a neutral sound signature that produces the sought-after "thock" sound, pleasing tactile feedback, and an impressively smooth keystroke. The dustproof stem significantly reduces wobble, which is a defining characteristic for enthusiasts who enjoy refined, responsive typing without sacrificing feel. Both switches cater to distinct preferences and environments, with one focusing on silence and comfort, while the other emphasizes tactile delight and auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), we see a notable contrast between the top housing materials used in each switch. The Silent Ink Black employs a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, resulting in a sound profile that is characterized by a pointed and higher-pitched tone. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for creating a crisper and more resonant sound. While both materials contribute to a similar high-pitched sound profile, the INK blend is described as having a clackier quality, while the polycarbonate’s inherent stiffness gives it a sharper resonance. Despite these differences, both materials can produce satisfying auditory feedback for the typist, making for an engaging typing experience.
Looking at the bottom housings reveals further differences in material choice that significantly affect sound and feel. The Silent Ink Black features the same proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing as it does for the top, promoting a consistent sound profile that remains pointed and higher-pitched throughout a keypress. Conversely, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) opts for nylon in its bottom housing. Nylon is softer than the INK blend, enabling it to absorb more sound, resulting in a deeper, fuller auditory experience. This variation between the bottom housing materials is crucial because the bottom housing generally has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback when pressing a key, indicating that the typing experiences can diverge significantly despite some similarities in sound profile from their respective top housings.
In summary, while both the Gateron Silent Ink Black and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) have components that contribute to similar high-pitched sound qualities, their distinct materials in both the top and bottom housings yield varying auditory and tactile experiences. The combination of the clackier INK blend in the Silent Ink Black and the fuller sound produced by the nylon housing in the Sticky Rice (V2) highlights the importance of material selection in switch design. Thus, even if the top housings provide a shared sharper sound quality, the bottom housings diverge in their contributions, resulting in two unique typing experiences overall. While users may find enjoyment in both switches, the specific characteristic differences make them appealing to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch to the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Silent Ink Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference suggests that users who prefer a lighter feel may find the Sticky Rice (V2) more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might gravitate towards the Silent Ink Black. Ultimately, if a user desires a heavier switch for a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Silent Ink Black is the better option. Conversely, users looking for less resistance and a lighter touch will benefit from the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2).
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, there is a notable difference. The Silent Ink Black features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sticky Rice (V2) has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that users who prefer a more traditional keystroke depth may favor the Silent Ink Black, as its 4 mm travel provides a more substantial tactile experience. In contrast, the 3.5 mm travel of the Sticky Rice (V2) may appeal to gamers or those seeking quicker response times, as shorter travel distances can facilitate faster actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference: those who enjoy depth may lean toward the Gateron Silent Ink Black, while users desiring responsiveness could opt for the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2).
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is best suited for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. Its muted sound profile produces a softer, quieter typing experience, effectively reducing the typical clatter associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes it an excellent choice for those who need to avoid disruptive noise in shared spaces. The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switch, on the other hand, features a neutral sound signature that leans towards a satisfying "thock," which keyboard enthusiasts often covet. While it offers a more pronounced sound than the Silent Ink Black, factors like your choice of keyboard and keycaps will also significantly influence the auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Silent Ink Black switch provides a remarkably silky and polished typing experience. This smoothness enhances overall key travel, while the cushy bottom-out adds a plush sensation, making it pleasing for extended typing sessions. The design minimizes resistance, contributing to its refined feel, which many users appreciate. The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) also promises a delightful typing experience, particularly with its smooth keystroke stemming from a dustproof stem that reduces wobble. While the specific descriptors for its tactile sensation are not provided, the notion of a balanced and refined experience suggests it might cater to users who enjoy a subtle tactile feedback without compromising the overall smoothness.
In summary, both the Gateron Silent Ink Black and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches cater to distinct preferences in sound and feel. The Silent Ink Black excels in quietness with a plush sensation, ideal for noise-sensitive environments, while the Sticky Rice (V2) focuses on delivering a refined typing experience with a neutral sound that taps into the "thock" that many enthusiasts look for. Depending on your specific needs and priorities, both switches offer a compelling choice, albeit in slightly different areas of the typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches ultimately depends on your specific preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you find yourself in a workspace that requires minimal noise—such as an office, library, or shared setting—the Silent Ink Black is an excellent option. With its medium-heavy actuation force of 70 grams, it offers a cushy, muted typing experience that prioritizes discretion while still providing a satisfying feel, thanks to its silky and polished characteristics. On the other hand, if you lean more towards a lighter touch and enjoy a bit more tactile feedback, the Sticky Rice (V2) makes a compelling case. With its lighter 50-gram actuation force, you’ll experience a refined keystroke that combines a smooth, dustproof stem with the desirable “thock” sound profile—ideal for home setups or when you're showcasing your typing prowess. Ultimately, balancing the need for noise reduction and tactile enjoyment will guide your decision, so consider what matters most to you in your typing experience.
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