Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) vs. Gateron Type S
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the Gateron Type S switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the benefits of tactile feedback against the smoothness and sound profile of each option. The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), a hall effect switch, stands out for its well-balanced typing experience, providing a super smooth keystroke complemented by a neutral sound signature that enthusiasts crave. Its dustproof stem minimizes wobble, resulting in a refined tactile sensation that's ideal for users seeking precision without sacrificing comfort. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S, known for its robust 65g bottom-out and contemporary factory lubing techniques, offers a weightier keystroke along with a deeper, neutral acoustic experience. This makes it a perfect choice for those who prefer a sound that’s both pleasing and subdued, fostering an engaging typing atmosphere. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether you prioritize a clean, tactile feedback or enjoy a heavier, smoother travel experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you decide which switch is truly the best fit for your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the Gateron Type S switches are both designed with distinct housing materials that significantly influence their acoustic profiles and tactile experiences. The top housing of the Sticky Rice (V2) is made from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for producing sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sounds. This material's rigidity allows for a clearer and more resonant sound, which is particularly amplified when pairing the switch with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Gateron Type S utilizes a nylon top housing, which, being softer than polycarbonate, absorbs more sound to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This fundamental difference in top housing material results in the Sticky Rice (V2) offering a more bright and articulate sound, while the Type S gives off a warmer and rounder tone.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, a different narrative unfolds. The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and Gateron Type S both incorporate nylon for their bottom housings, sharing similar acoustic characteristics. As nylon tends to absorb sound, users can expect a deep and rich auditory experience from both switches when pressed down. In this case, the impact of the bottom housing is more noticeable, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel significantly for both switches. Since the bottom housing is identical in both switches, this congruence helps bridge the perceived differences that arise from the variations in the top housing materials. Users can expect a cohesive tactile feedback regardless of which switch they choose.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials of the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and Gateron Type S would lead to a distinct overall sound profile experienced during different phases of keystrokes. While the Sticky Rice (V2) boasts a brighter sound courtesy of its polycarbonate top, the Gateron Type S's nylon top results in a sound that is softer and rounder. However, the similarity of their nylon bottom housings ensures that both switches maintain a pleasing compatibility in sound depth and fullness at the bottom-out point. This interplay between the different top and similar bottom housings exemplifies how the combination of housing materials can consistently influence the auditory and tactile experiences of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch with the Gateron Type S linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Sticky Rice (V2) has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Type S features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial feel during use, which may appeal to those who favor a firmer push. As such, the Sticky Rice (V2) can be seen as preferable for those who prioritize comfort and reduced fatigue, while the Type S caters to users who enjoy a stronger tactile feedback. Overall, if users prefer a lighter experience, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) would be the better choice, while those who appreciate more pronounced resistance might gravitate towards the Gateron Type S.
Travel distance
The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Type S linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Sticky Rice switch provides a quicker, more responsive typing experience due to its shorter travel distance, making it a suitable choice for gamers who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the Type S, with its longer travel distance, offers a more conventional and hearty feel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. Thus, those who appreciate a deeper press may gravitate towards the Gateron Type S, while those seeking faster actuation might favor the Sticky Rice. In summary, the Sticky Rice is the shorter option, while the Type S is the longer, reflecting the ongoing balance between speed and traditional typing preferences.
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 Gateron Type S comes in at $4.70 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
The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switch produces a delightfully balanced sound signature that leans towards the coveted "thock" that many keyboard enthusiasts seek. This neutral tone is complemented by a subdued acoustics profile, making it versatile for various environments, whether in a home office or a competitive gaming setup. The inherent characteristics of the switch, combined with factors like the type of keyboard and keycaps used, can enhance or alter the acoustic experience, but overall, the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a rich auditory feedback that can satisfy both casual users and enthusiasts looking for premium sound quality. In contrast, the Gateron Type S also boasts a neutral sound signature but is noted for a deeper, more subdued acoustic profile. This switch is engineered to provide a more dampened sound when pressed, catering to those who prefer a less obtrusive noise environment without sacrificing the pleasing sound of typing.
When assessing feel, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) excels in providing a smooth keystroke experience that minimizes wobble and enhances performance. Its dustproof stem contributes to its refined tactile sensation, making each keystroke notably satisfying and consistent. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S offers a 65g bottom-out actuation force that delivers a weightier feel, appealing to users who enjoy a firmer keystroke. The factory lubing technique employed in the Type S aims to further supplement its smoothness, making both switches a strong contender for anyone looking for a quality typing experience. While each switch offers a different tactile experience, both aim to deliver the satisfaction that many users seek in mechanical keyboards.
In summary, both the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the Gateron Type S linear switches deliver distinctive yet compelling auditory and tactile experiences. The Sticky Rice (V2) shines with its rich "thock" sound and smooth feel, catering to those who appreciate subtle feedback and a refined typing experience. Meanwhile, the Gateron Type S appeals with its dampened sound and slightly heftier keystroke, suitable for users looking for a solid and durable feel. While the two switches serve slightly different preferences, both are engineered to provide excellent performance, and users can expect quality typing experiences regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a lighter touch with a smooth keystroke and a satisfying "thock" sound, the Sticky Rice (V2) is likely to enhance your typing experience. It's ideal for those who enjoy a refined feel, whether you're writing, gaming, or just typing for long hours. Conversely, if you prefer a heftier keystroke with more resistance and appreciate a somewhat deeper acoustic profile, the Gateron Type S is a solid option. This switch suits individuals who like a more substantial feedback during typing, offering a balance of sound and tactility that can be especially satisfying in both work and gameplay. Therefore, consider what aspects are most important to you—lightness and subtle sound versus weight and depth—before making your decision.
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