Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch can make all the difference. On one hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its remarkable balance, providing a smooth keystroke that minimizes wobble while delivering the desired "thock" sound profile that many enthusiasts crave. Its refined tactile sensation and dustproof design make it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a precise and satisfying feedback with each stroke. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, classified as a linear switch, offers a deep, thocky sound that envelops you in a gratifying typing experience. Featuring a lengthened single-stage spring, it provides a bouncy feel that enhances the enjoyment of typing, making it accessible to a broad spectrum of users. While both switches have their unique attributes—one focusing on smooth performance with a tactile sound and the other delivering a delightful auditory experience with a cushioned feel—they cater to different tastes and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue share a commonality in their top housing material, both utilizing polycarbonate. This similarity means that users can expect a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile benefit from the polycarbonate’s stiffer characteristics. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly advantageous when RGB lighting is present, allowing for effective illumination. As such, both switches can deliver a vibrant lighting experience, along with a similar auditory profile during key release, fostering a cohesive experience when it comes to aesthetics and sound for those who prioritize both visual and auditory elements.
When it comes to their bottom housing materials, the differences contrast markedly between the two. The Sticky Rice (V2) features a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound because of nylon's ability to absorb more sound due to its softer plastic properties. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which maintains the sharp, clear sound profile similar to that of its top housing. This means that while the Sticky Rice (V2) will generate a more muted and resonant sound on bottoming out, the Tourmaline Blue will provide a sharper, more pronounced keystroke feedback when pressed down.
These differences in housing materials affect the overall auditory experience of the two switches. The Sticky Rice (V2) will leverage its nylon bottom housing to deliver a rounder sound profile, enhancing typing comfort and sensation for users who favor a cushioned feel. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing will ensure consistency throughout the keystroke, resulting in a more uniform and clear sound. Due to the characteristics of each material, users will experience a distinct sound signature, ultimately influencing their choices based on personal preference for sound profile and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch differ significantly in their actuation and bottom out forces, offering unique tactile experiences for users based on their preferences. The Sticky Rice (V2) features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, such as during long work hours or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial push feel that caters to users who appreciate a firmer resistance while typing. Therefore, the Sticky Rice (V2) is the lighter option, suitable for those seeking comfort and ease in usage, while the Tourmaline Blue is the heavier choice for individuals who enjoy a robust typing experience. Thus, selecting between these switches ultimately depends on whether one values lightness and comfort or a more pronounced tactile feedback in their typing or gaming activities.
Travel distance
The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Sticky Rice (V2) the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers or those seeking faster response times due to its reduced travel distance. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, could cater to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile depth and a less abrupt feel when pressing keys. In summary, if you prioritize quick performance, the Sticky Rice (V2) is the preferable choice, whereas if you value deeper actuation, the Tourmaline Blue would likely suit your needs better.
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers a delightfully balanced auditory experience that leans towards a neutral profile, subtly hinting at the desirable "thock" sound that many keyboard enthusiasts crave. It’s well-suited for a variety of environments, making it a versatile choice whether you're typing at home or in a more professional setting. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue boasts a deeper and more pronounced "thock," enhancing the acoustic pleasure and adding a satisfying dimension to each keypress. While both switches are commendable for their sound qualities, the Sticky Rice provides a more subtle approach, whereas the Tourmaline Blue delivers a distinctly resonant experience.
In terms of feel, the Sticky Rice (V2) excels with its remarkably smooth keystroke, offering a refined tactile sensation that enhances the overall typing experience. The design incorporates a dustproof stem, which minimizes wobble and further contributes to the highly satisfying feel of each keypress. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue presents a buttery and gentle typing experience with its lengthened single-stage spring, creating a bouncy sensation that users will find enjoyable. The Tourmaline Blue's easy-to-press nature ensures minimal resistance during key activation, allowing for a comfortable typing experience that reduces potential finger fatigue. Both switches are designed to foster a pleasant typing environment, but the Sticky Rice emphasizes smoothness while the Tourmaline Blue focuses on a more effortless, bouncy keystroke.
In summary, both the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and Tourmaline Blue switches offer exceptional qualities catered to different preferences. The Sticky Rice (V2) is ideal for those who appreciate a refined and neutral sound with a super smooth feel, whereas the Tourmaline Blue appeals to users who favor a deeper sound profile and a lively, responsive typing experience. Depending on your specific priorities in sound and feel, either switch can serve you well, ensuring a rewarding mechanical keyboard experience that suits your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a light, smooth keystroke with a refined tactile sensation, the Sticky Rice (V2) would be an ideal option for you. These switches provide a satisfying "thock" sound and are particularly well-suited for enthusiasts who appreciate a balanced typing experience, making them great for extended writing sessions or gaming where precision and comfort are paramount. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced, bouncy feel with a deeper sound profile, the Tourmaline Blue would be the better choice. With its medium-heavy actuation force, it offers a satisfying auditory and tactile feedback that many typists find enjoyable, making it accessible for both beginners and seasoned users. Consider your typing style and needs: go for the Sticky Rice (V2) for a smooth, lightweight experience, or select the Tourmaline Blue for a more resonant, engaging feel.
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