Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often weigh the unique attributes of each option carefully, and two notable contenders are the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl. The Sticky Rice (V2) is celebrated for its delightful balance and a sound that leans towards a low-pitched, polished "thock," providing a satisfying tactile feedback that many typists cherish. Its dustproof stem minimizes wobble, ensuring a smooth and refined keystroke experience that appeals to those who appreciate a buttery touch. On the other hand, the WS Pearl offers an innovative design with ball-bearing mechanics that dramatically reduce friction, resulting in an incredibly smooth feel and a distinct medium-high pitched sound that's both creamy and clacky. While the Sticky Rice (V2) caters to those who favor that classic, tactile sensation without losing comfort, the WS Pearl shines for enthusiasts seeking a unique, effortless glide with a touch of auditory flair. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, a notable distinction arises from the materials used in the top housing of the two switches. The Sticky Rice (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing, which inherently contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic allows for clearer resonance, making it especially well-suited for setups that utilize RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the WS Pearl uses a nylon top housing, revered for its deep and fuller sound profile brought about by the plastic’s softer nature, which absorbs sound and yields a duller and rounder auditory experience. This divergence in top housing materials not only impacts the aesthetic appeal but also the overall sound characteristics of each switch during typing and key release.
On the bottom housing front, both the Sticky Rice (V2) and the WS Pearl utilize nylon, which leads to a more consistent auditory experience between the two. With nylon being a classic switch housing material, both switches benefit from the material's sound-absorbing qualities, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound when typing. The shared use of nylon in the bottom housing means that regardless of the differences above, users can expect a similar sound profile when bottoming out the keys. This consistency in material contributes significantly to the tactile feel as well, as the softer nature of nylon impacts the overall feedback experienced during use.
Ultimately, while the differences in top housing material create a clear disparity in sound profiles when keys are released, the uniformity in bottom housing ensures that both models deliver a satisfying and similar typing experience in terms of bottom-out sound. Users who prefer a crisper sound may gravitate towards the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) thanks to its polycarbonate top, while those who favor a warm, mellow auditory experience would likely lean towards the WS Pearl with its nylon top housing. However, both switches’ nylon bottoms promise a consistent depth to the sound, making them appealing choices depending on individual preferences in sound and aesthetic during their typing journey.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sticky Rice (V2) has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the WS Pearl offers an even lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it the easier option for keystrokes. In terms of bottom out force, the Sticky Rice (V2) reaches 50 grams, which is lower than the WS Pearl's 58 grams, indicating that the WS Pearl provides a slightly heavier overall pressing experience. Consequently, the Sticky Rice (V2) is better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing feel for extended sessions, whereas the WS Pearl, with its heavier forces, may appeal to users seeking a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Overall, while both switches provide distinct characteristics, the WS Pearl is lighter in actuation force, whereas the Sticky Rice (V2) is comparatively heavier in terms of the bottom out experience.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch feature a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which means that both switches offer an identical experience when it comes to how far the key travels from the top to the bottom. This equal travel distance allows users to expect similar tactile feedback and actuation depth with either switch. Therefore, if you're looking for a consistent feel in your typing or gaming experience, you can confidently choose either switch without worrying about differences in travel distance, as they perform equally in this aspect.
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 Pearl comes in at $6.00 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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers a low-pitched, mellow tone that typists may find soothing and less jarring compared to higher-pitched alternatives. This "thock" sound appeals to those who prefer a more bass-heavy auditory experience, allowing for a more muted ambiance during typing sessions. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl features a medium-high pitched sound profile that is characterized as clacky and marbly, producing a sharp and crisp auditory feedback with every keystroke. This sound can be likened to the resonance of two billiard balls colliding, which provides a more vivid and energetic sonic experience that may energize the typing rhythm for users who enjoy an audible response.
When considering the feel, the Sticky Rice (V2) excels with a polished and silky typing sensation, ensuring a refined experience thanks to its dustproof stem that minimizes wobble and friction. This switch provides a mild and buttery keystroke, appealing to users looking for an approachable typing experience that doesn’t overwhelm. Conversely, the WS Pearl also claims a silky feel but adds a creamy texture thanks to its unique ball-bearing design, creating a supremely smooth typing experience that feels almost ethereal. This focus on its smoothness minimizes resistance, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys, making for a delightful interaction with each stroke.
In summary, both the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches cater to enthusiasts seeking exceptional typing experiences, but they offer contrasting auditory and tactile profiles. The Sticky Rice stands out with its low-pitched, thocky sound and a polished, buttery feel, ideal for those who appreciate a mellow audio experience paired with smoothness. Meanwhile, the WS Pearl provides a high-pitched, clacky auditory feedback with a creamy, silky sensation, perfect for users who prefer a more vibrant and energetic typing environment. Ultimately, the choice between the two will largely depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a lighter touch and enjoy a balanced typing experience with a low-pitched "thock" sound, the Sticky Rice (V2) is an excellent choice. It’s especially well-suited for typists who appreciate a polished and buttery feel, minimal wobble, and a smooth keystroke that enhances overall performance, making it ideal for both gaming and extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom-out force and seek a uniquely silky typing experience paired with a more high-pitched, clacky sound, the WS Pearl is the way to go. Its innovative use of ball bearings significantly reduces friction, offering an effortlessly smooth keystroke that can feel almost dreamy to type on. This switch is particularly fitting for users who enjoy a more resonant and vibrant auditory feedback while they type. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what aspects of the typing experience matter most to you, whether it be the sound profile, tactile feedback, or smoothness of the keystrokes.
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