Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the Gazzew U4 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 Gazzew U4 presents a fascinating intersection of typing comfort and auditory experience. The Sticky Rice (V2), known for its delightfully balanced typing experience, offers a super smooth keystroke with a neutral sound profile that enthusiasts appreciate for its "thock" characteristic. This hall effect switch excels in providing a refined tactile sensation while minimizing wobble, making it a great choice for users who prioritize precision and performance in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 stands out with its tactile bump that delivers sharp feedback and a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. As a silent tactile switch, the U4 is categorized by muted, low-pitched sounds, making it an exemplary option for users who favor a quieter environment without sacrificing the tactile response. Each switch brings unique benefits to the table: the Sticky Rice (V2) for those seeking smooth precision, and the U4 for users who value quiet yet exhilarating feedback. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the Gazzew U4 switches, a stark contrast emerges in their top housing compositions. The Sticky Rice (V2) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucence, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality not only enhances the auditory experience but also allows for superior RGB lighting visibility, making it a visually appealing choice for gamers and typists who enjoy backlighting. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic." This material is softer than polycarbonate, which translates to a more subdued sound profile. While both switches deliver distinct acoustic characteristics, the Gazzew U4's softer top housing promotes a deeper and richer sound that many users find appealing.
Examining the bottom housing, both switches incorporate softer materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Sticky Rice (V2) employs nylon for its bottom housing, a classic choice known for creating a deeper and fuller sound due to its sound-absorbing properties. This choice complements the sharper sound of the polycarbonate top, allowing for a more rounded auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 adopts its proprietary Gazzew blend for the bottom housing as well. This shared emphasis on softer materials across both switches allows both the Sticky Rice (V2) and Gazzew U4 to produce a rich auditory experience, albeit with differing characteristics in overall sound.
The divergence between the two switches highlights the significant impact that housing materials can have on the typing experience. The polycarbonate top of the Sticky Rice (V2) yields a more pronounced sound during key releases, while the nylon bottom gives a satisfying tactile feedback with a deeper sound upon bottoming out. In contrast, the Gazzew U4's blend is designed to create a smooth and cohesive sound signature, integrating its softer top and bottom materials. Despite these differences, both switches can achieve overarching goals in sound and feel through their respective combinations of housing materials. Ultimately, the user’s preference for sound, feel, and aesthetics will be the essential factor in selecting between these two innovative switch designs.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, notable differences exist in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Sticky Rice (V2) features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming due to reduced fatigue. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 has a medium actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier key feel. This means that the Sticky Rice (V2) is the lighter of the two, while the U4 is the heavier option. Users looking for a lighter touch for comfortable, prolonged use may gravitate toward the Sticky Rice, while those seeking a stronger push may find the Gazzew U4 more appealing. Both switches offer different tactile experiences suitable for varying preferences.
Travel distance
The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch have similar, yet distinct, travel distances. The Sticky Rice (V2) features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the U4 has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers seeking quicker actuation times. In contrast, the Gazzew U4's 3.6 mm travel distance offers a more pronounced tactile feedback, which some users might prefer for a more grounded typing experience. If you opt for the shorter distance of the Sticky Rice (V2), you can expect faster response times, while the U4 provides a deeper engagement with a marginally longer actuation 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 Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has a neutral sound signature that aligns well with the coveted "thock" that many typing enthusiasts seek. This balanced sound profile, combined with the inherent qualities of the switch, fosters a satisfying auditory experience without overwhelming volume. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is characterized by a muted, low-pitched tone that is softer and quieter than traditional mechanical switches. This whisper-quiet sound enhances the typing experience by minimizing distractions, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more subtle auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a super smooth keystroke that is accompanied by a refined tactile sensation, free from excessive wobble thanks to its dustproof stem. This balance results in a typing experience that feels comfortable and fluid, appealing to users who value a blend of tactile feedback and smoothness. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 features a sharp tactile bump that provides a distinct and exhilarating response with each keystroke. The switch delivers an unexpectedly plush bottom-out sensation, giving the user a unique blend of sharp responsiveness paired with an enjoyable, cushioned feel during typing.
Overall, both switches cater to different preferences while maintaining high-quality performance. The Sticky Rice (V2) delivers a satisfying auditory experience paired with a smooth and balanced feel, ideal for those seeking a tactile yet fluid typing sensation. Meanwhile, the Gazzew U4 excels in its sharp tactile feedback and muted sound, appealing to users who prioritize subtlety and refined feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences in auditory and tactile experiences, but both are designed to enhance and elevate typing pleasure.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences in typing experience and sound. If you favor a lighter and smoother keystroke with a delightful “thock,” along with a more neutral sound that won’t draw too much attention, the Sticky Rice (V2) is the switch for you. This option is excellent for long typing sessions, as its 50-gram bottom-out force reduces finger fatigue, while the dustproof stem enhances performance by minimizing wobble. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more pronounced tactile sensation with a sharper feedback and a plush feel at bottom-out, the Gazzew U4 will suit your style better. The U4's 62-gram bottom-out force provides a medium resistance that many find satisfying, and its muted, low-pitched sound profile makes it ideal for office environments or quiet settings where you don’t want to disturb others. Ultimately, your optimal choice should align with whether you prioritize a refined, lighter typing experience or a richer, tactile bump that stands out while still being discreet.
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