Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Mechanical keyboards have grown increasingly popular among typing enthusiasts, with various switch options available to enhance the overall experience. The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) stands out with its hall effect design, offering a perfectly balanced typing sensation characterized by a neutral sound signature that hints at the coveted "thock." This switch excels at providing a smooth keystroke due to its dustproof stem, which minimizes wobble and enhances the tactile feel, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch captivates users with its profound 70g tactile bump, delivering an immersive resistance coupled with a pronounced "thocky" sound from its nylon housing. This switch is particularly appealing for typists who enjoy a more textured and engaging feedback, making the act of typing feel both invigorating and satisfying. While both switches cater to distinct preferences—whether it's the subtle pleasure of the Sticky Rice or the robust tactile feedback of the WS Heavy Tactile—they ultimately fulfill unique typing needs. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile feature contrasting materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Sticky Rice (V2) employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer texture, resulting in a sharper, crisper sound when typing. This stiffness fosters a more resonant acoustic quality that allows for enhanced clarity, especially in RGB-lighted setups where the translucency of polycarbonate shines. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound, producing a deeper, fuller auditory experience that leans towards a duller and rounder sound profile. This fundamental difference in materials means that while both switches can deliver satisfying auditory experiences, they cater to varying preferences for sound clarity versus depth.
Both switches feature nylon for their bottom housing, which leads to a similarity in the sound profiles when typing due to nylon's inherent characteristics. The use of nylon in both the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the WS Heavy Tactile promotes a deep and rounded sound, reducing the harshness that might emerge from harder plastics. Since the bottom housing plays crucially into the feel and sound when bottoming out a key, both switches will likely provide a similar tactile experience. This overlap in housing material helps make up for the differentiation in their top housings; therefore, users can expect a consistent fullness in sound when striking the keys.
In summary, the combination of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom in the Sticky Rice (V2) results in a unique typing experience that balances sharpness with depth, hosting clear acoustics while still benefiting from the fuller tones of nylon. Conversely, the WS Heavy Tactile, with its nylon top, emphasizes a deeper resonance throughout the entire stroke, offering a rich auditory experience. The interplay of materials not only highlights the switches' sonic profiles but also exemplifies how perceived quality can shift based on housing choices. Despite their differences, both switches can achieve satisfying results, appealing to distinct preferences in keyboard sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Sticky Rice (V2) features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, making it better suited for users who prefer a more substantial tactile experience. Additionally, the bottom out forces reflect this trend, with the Sticky Rice (V2) at 50 grams compared to the WS Heavy Tactile's 70 grams. This means that the Everglide switch appeals to those who may type for extended periods and prefer lighter keystrokes, while the Wuque Studio option is ideal for users seeking a firmer push and greater tactile feedback. Overall, the Sticky Rice (V2) is the lighter option, making it preferable for prolonged use, while the WS Heavy Tactile offers a more robust option for those who desire a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Sticky Rice (V2) features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the WS Heavy Tactile offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This makes the WS Heavy Tactile the better choice for those who prefer a quicker response due to its shorter travel, appealing particularly to gamers seeking speed. On the other hand, enthusiasts who appreciate a more pronounced key feel may opt for the Sticky Rice (V2) for its greater depth, which provides a more substantial tactile experience. Overall, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance, with the Sticky Rice (V2) being the longer option and the WS Heavy Tactile being the shorter.
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 Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile comes in at $3.50 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) delivers a neutral signature that leans towards a desirable "thock," appreciated by enthusiasts for its muted yet satisfying resonance. Its auditory profile tends to be cleaner and more refined, making it a dependable choice for individuals who prefer a more subdued typing experience. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch produces a much more pronounced and engaging sound profile characterized by its clacky, high-pitched, and resonant qualities. This switch generates a captivating auditory feedback that is sharp and clear, creating an engaging typing experience that complements its tactile nature.
In terms of feel, the Sticky Rice (V2) aims for a smooth and balanced keystroke, enhancing the typing experience by minimizing wobble through its dustproof design. This switch fosters a refined tactile sensation, perfect for those seeking comfort without excessive feedback. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile boasts a more robust tactile experience, defined by its 70g bump and a lively bounce that imparts an invigorating feedback. With prominent actuation, users can expect a snappy and responsive feel that strikes an engaging balance between tactility and comfort.
In summary, while both switches cater to enthusiasts looking for distinct typing experiences, they do so in different ways. The Sticky Rice (V2) is all about smoothness and a balanced thock sound, making it suitable for those who value subtlety in their actuation, whereas the WS Heavy Tactile provides a more pronounced tactile response and lively auditory feedback. Depending on personal preferences, users might gravitate towards either the refined experience of the Sticky Rice (V2) or the engaging feedback offered by the WS Heavy Tactile, with both delivering satisfying results in their own unique ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch will significantly depend on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a light touch, smoother keystrokes, and a more balanced auditory experience, the Sticky Rice (V2) is an excellent choice. Its lower actuation force of 50 grams allows for effortless typing, making it suitable for long typing sessions or for those who prefer a less strenuous experience. The refined tactile sensation and neutral sound profile make it ideal if you appreciate a blend of subtlety and performance. On the other hand, if you seek a more pronounced tactile feedback and don’t mind a heavier actuation force, the WS Heavy Tactile switch, with its 70-gram bottom out force, will deliver a more engaging and immersive experience. This switch's pronounced bump and satisfying “thocky” sound can be perfect for those who enjoy a tactile, responsive typing feel and prefer a richer auditory experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style—whether you lean towards muted elegance or energetic engagement.