Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) can significantly influence your typing experience. The Sticky Rice (V2) is celebrated for its balanced feel and neutral sound, delivering that coveted "thock" so beloved by enthusiasts. Its low-pitched, polished, and silky characteristics provide a refined tactile sensation, making it a fantastic option for those who appreciate both performance and comfort without excessive noise. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) showcases Ly stems that contribute to an exceptionally smooth keystroke, complemented by a resonant sound profile. This makes it particularly appealing for gamers or typists who prioritize swift and uninterrupted key presses. While the Sticky Rice (V2) is perfect for users seeking a harmonious tactile feedback, the Tomcat (Heavy) leans more toward a straightforward linear feel for fast-paced action. 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
40g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
64g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Extended spring
Housing materials
Both the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) employ polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in notable similarities in sound profile characteristics. The use of this stiffer plastic contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, which is a hallmark of polycarbonate construction. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate makes it highly compatible with RGB lighting setups, allowing for vibrant illumination that enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches. Since both switches share this commonality, users can expect comparable sound clarity and visual effects when using either switch.
In contrast to the similarities found in their top housings, the bottom housings of the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) each feature nylon, a material known for its distinct acoustic advantages. Nylon is noted for its ability to absorb sound better than harder plastics, which results in a deeper, fuller sound profile. This characteristic gives the tactile experience of typing on these switches a warmer and rounder quality compared to typists who are accustomed to switches made with harder materials. Consequently, both switches will provide a familiar auditory experience in terms of depth and warmth, but differ from the crispness of the top housing's sound.
Overall, even though the housing materials of the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) share similarities in their top sections, the impact of their different bottom housings creates a nuanced interplay of sound and feel. The top housing’s polycarbonate brings a bright and clear response while the nylon bottom contributes a softer, more muted feel when bottoming out. Thus, while the switches may appear similar in their acoustic properties due to their shared polycarbonate top housings, the unique characteristics brought by the nylon bottom housings ensure that each switch delivers a distinct typing experience. Users looking to achieve a well-rounded and satisfying sound profile will find that both options hold merit, as they balance the clarity and depth in their respective sound signatures.
Weight
The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch present contrasting characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Sticky Rice (V2) has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a suitable option for individuals who type or game for extended periods, as it minimizes fatigue. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, catering to users who prefer a more substantial, tactile typing experience. Consequently, while both switches fulfill different user preferences, those who choose the Sticky Rice (V2) will enjoy a lighter touch, allowing for quicker key presses, whereas the Tomcat will provide a more deliberate and weighty feel. Overall, this comparison highlights the importance of selecting a switch based on personal typing style and comfort preferences, as the differences in weight and force significantly impact user experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, we find that the Sticky Rice (V2) has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you're seeking a more responsive feel, the Sticky Rice (V2) may be the better choice, as its shorter distance can facilitate quicker actuation. In contrast, those who prefer a more substantial key press may gravitate towards the Tomcat (Heavy), as its longer 3.6 mm travel distance provides that added depth. In summary, the Sticky Rice (V2) is the shorter option, while the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a marginally longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) comes in at $2.99 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 Sticky Rice (V2) offers a low-pitched tone that tends to deliver a bass-heavy and mellow sound signature, appealing to those who seek that satisfying “thock” with each keystroke. This neutral sound profile makes them versatile for various typing environments, adding a certain depth without being overly intrusive. On the other hand, the sound quality of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) is noted to be resonant; however, specific descriptors such as pitch or characteristics are not provided. It's important to recognize that the ultimate sound experience can vary significantly based on the keyboard construction, additional materials, and chosen keycaps, meaning users can experience similar outcomes from both switches if paired effectively.
When considering the feel, the Sticky Rice (V2) stands out with its polished and silky characteristics, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. The careful design minimizes friction, allowing keypresses to glide effortlessly, further enhanced by its mild and buttery sensations that keep the typing experience comfortable and approachable for many users. The Tomcat (Heavy), while noted for its super smooth operation thanks to its Ly stems, lacks further specific feel descriptors. Thus, while it is likely that both switches provide a satisfying level of smoothness and ease during typing, the complete tactile profile of the Tomcat is less clearly defined.
In conclusion, both the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) excel in their own right, catering to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Sticky Rice switches are celebrated for their low-pitched sound and an exceptionally smooth tactile feel, creating a balanced experience that appeals to many enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the Tomcat switches promise a resonant acoustics and smooth keypresses, although the lack of specific descriptors leaves some qualities unspecified. Ultimately, both switches could yield a satisfying typing experience, but the choice depends on the user's prioritization of sound character and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you favor a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 50 grams, the Sticky Rice (V2) will be your best bet, offering a smooth and polished experience with its notably low-pitched sound that borders on the "thock" enthusiasts adore. This switch is perfect if you value a gentle key press and desire a refined, buttery feel that minimizes resistance, making it ideal for long typing sessions while allowing for a more pleasant auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a firmer feel with a medium-heavy tactile response—seeing a bottom-out force of 64 grams—the Tomcat (Heavy) switch will better suit your needs. Its resonant sound profile complements a solid yet smooth keystroke, providing a more pronounced feedback that’s appreciated by those who enjoy a bit more heft in their key presses. Ultimately, your decision will depend on whether you prioritize a light, effortlessly smooth typing experience, or a more tactile and assertive feel.
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