Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often navigate a sea of options, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches stand out with their balanced typing experience and super smooth keystrokes, thanks to a dustproof stem that enhances performance while minimizing wobble. The neutral sound signature provides a satisfying "thock" that appeals to those who appreciate a refined auditory experience without sacrificing tactile feedback. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches deliver a punchy, thuddy sound profile that injects character into every keystroke. With pronounced tactility, these switches provide satisfying feedback without overwhelming the user, perfect for those who enjoy a more invigorating typing sensation. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches comes down to personal preference: the Sticky Rice (V2) may be ideal for those seeking smoothness and balance, while the Viola Tricolor may attract those looking for a more dynamic tactile experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the Haimu Viola Tricolor both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This shared material choice has implications for the sound profiles of both switches, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances resonance, making these switches particularly effective for users who appreciate clarity and brightness in their keystrokes. The translucency of polycarbonate also offers aesthetic benefits, especially for setups featuring RGB lighting. Therefore, both models are aligned in their ability to produce vibrant lighting effects while maintaining a clear sound signature, demonstrating a commitment to both functional and visual performance.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Sticky Rice (V2) and the Viola Tricolor are constructed from nylon, a material recognized for imparting a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer properties of nylon contribute to sound absorption, resulting in a mellower and more rounded auditory experience compared to stiffer alternatives. This harmonious matchup between nylon and polycarbonate allows each switch to deliver a unique sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. Users will notice that the beneficial characteristics of the bottom housing material play a critical role in the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a satisfying tactile response while ensuring a deeper tone during keystrokes.
While the materials differ between the top and bottom housings, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in both the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the Haimu Viola Tricolor creates a balanced auditory experience. The top housings provide brightness and clarity, while the bottom housings contribute depth and warmth. As a result, users can expect a compelling blend of sound that ensures both switches offer an excellent typing experience. Even though the top and bottom haptic qualities are distinct, the effective pairing of these materials allows for consistently high performance across both models, making them attractive choices for enthusiasts seeking both aesthetic and auditory pleasure in their mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The Sticky Rice (V2) features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for long typing sessions or gaming, where reduced fatigue might be a priority. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor lacks a defined actuation force, but it has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This makes the Viola Tricolor preferable for users who enjoy a more substantial tactile response and a stronger push feel while typing. Given this, the Sticky Rice (V2) is the lighter option, which might appeal to those who favor a more effortless typing experience, whereas the Haimu Viola Tricolor caters to users who appreciate a firmer resistance and feedback in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, we find that the Sticky Rice (V2) measures 3.5 mm, while the Viola Tricolor has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This indicates that for users seeking a more responsive keypress, the Sticky Rice (V2) may be the better option due to its shorter travel distance, catering to gamers who favor quicker response times. Conversely, those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and depth in their key presses might lean towards the Haimu Viola Tricolor, which offers a more substantial feel with its longer travel distance. Thus, if you're looking for a switch that provides a more abrupt reaction, the Sticky Rice (V2) would suit you better, while the Viola Tricolor would be ideal for those who appreciate a deeper typing experience.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 sound profile of the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switch is characterized by a neutral signature that tends to hint at the desirable "thock" that many keyboard enthusiasts seek. This sound is not overly pronounced, allowing for a more refined auditory experience that is pleasing yet unobtrusive. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor boasts a punchy and thuddy sound profile, which is bassy and low-pitched, providing a deeper resonance during keypresses. This richer sound not only adds character to the typing experience but also delivers an engaging auditory feedback that elevates the overall interaction with the keyboard.
When it comes to feel, the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a super smooth keystroke that is complemented by a dustproof stem, effectively reducing wobble. This switch provides a balanced tactile sensation without compromising the overall comfort during prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor features an accented tactile feedback that strikes a perfect balance of being neither overly tactile nor too soft. Its invigorating nature allows for pronounced feedback along with a moderate to firm actuation force, creating a snappy and reactive feel that can be incredibly immersive for the user.
In summary, while both switches have distinct sound and feel characteristics, they each provide an enjoyable typing experience tailored to different preferences. The Sticky Rice (V2) leans toward a neutral sound with a smooth tactile response, suitable for those who prefer a refined experience. Meanwhile, the Viola Tricolor supports a more engaging auditory feedback paired with prominent tactile sensations. Choosing between these two will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize a more subdued and refined sound or a punchy and invigorating feedback during your daily typing activities.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switches largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter actuation force with a smooth, refined keystroke, the Sticky Rice (V2) would be an excellent choice. Its neutral sound profile and pleasant "thock" cater to those who enjoy a balanced typing experience without aggressive tactile feedback—ideal for long typing sessions or if you're sensitive to sound. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more pronounced tactile sensation combined with a deeper and bassy sound, the Viola Tricolor would serve you well. Its medium-heavy actuation force offers invigorating feedback that enhances each key press, making it suitable for users who thrive on a robust tactile experience and enjoy the satisfying thuddy sound during their typing. Ultimately, consider your typing habits, the ambient environment, and what you find most enjoyable when making your selection, as both switches present unique characteristics that can elevate your overall keyboard experience.
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