Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the Wuque Studio WS Red each bring unique characteristics to the table that cater to different preferences. The Sticky Rice (V2), known for its balanced typing experience, features a dustproof stem that minimizes wobble and provides an exceptionally smooth keystroke, which is favored by enthusiasts who seek the satisfying "thock" sound. This switch is an excellent choice for those who appreciate a refined tactile sensation without sacrificing performance. In contrast, the WS Red offers a bouncy and responsive typing experience with its distinctive 22mm double-stage spring, resulting in a heavier actuation force that delivers a weighty and substantial feel with each keystroke. While the WS Red is ideal for users looking for a more robust typing experience, both switches promise to enhance your typing pleasure in their own right. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the Wuque Studio WS Red, it is important to note that the two switches utilize differing materials for their top housings. The Sticky Rice (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a crisper, higher-pitched sound profile. This characteristic arises from the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, allowing for greater resonance and clarity. In contrast, the WS Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer and produces a deeper, fuller sound profile. Therefore, when typing on these switches, users may experience a noticeable difference in the auditory feedback, with the Sticky Rice (V2) offering a more pronounced and sharper sound while the WS Red presents a rounder and mellower acoustic quality.
Both switches share the same material for their bottom housings: nylon. This uniformity in the bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing, attributed to nylon's ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, when pressing down on either switch, users can expect a consistent auditory experience, as the bottom housing heavily influences the bottom-out sound and feel. In this way, the shared nylon bottom allows for a more unified typographical experience across both switches, despite the differences in their top housings.
Overall, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the Wuque Studio WS Red differ in their top housing materials, both utilize nylon for the bottom housing, which brings together certain auditory characteristics. The impact of the top housing material can lead to a divergence in the overall typing experience, particularly in the sound emitted upon release. However, since both switches employ nylon on the bottom, they ultimately share a common foundation in sound depth and resonance. Thus, users can achieve a balanced typing experience, with the key distinction being the individual sound characteristics derived from the contrasting top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, a clear distinction emerges in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sticky Rice (V2) features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a lighter feel, which can facilitate longer typing sessions and enhance gaming comfort. In contrast, the WS Red switch has a bottom out force of 67 grams; however, its actuation force remains unspecified. This suggests that the WS Red might provide a heavier feel, appealing to those who favor a more substantial typing experience. Thus, if the unspecified actuation force of the WS Red is indeed greater than 40 grams, it would contribute to a heavier overall feel compared to the Sticky Rice (V2). Consequently, users desiring a softer touch should lean towards the Sticky Rice, while those who prefer a firmer response might opt for the WS Red.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, the Sticky Rice (V2) measures 3.5 mm, while the WS Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a shorter response, which can be more appealing for gamers seeking quicker actuation, whereas the WS Red's 3.8 mm travel may provide a more pronounced tactile experience that some users prefer for a substantial feel. If you value responsiveness and quicker keystrokes, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is the better option, but if you enjoy a deeper keystroke, the Wuque Studio WS Red would be more suitable. Overall, while both switches cater to different preferences, the difference in their travel distances can significantly influence the 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 Wuque Studio WS Red 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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers a neutral sound signature with hints of the desirable “thock” that keyboard enthusiasts often seek, making it a pleasing choice for those who value auditory feedback during their typing sessions. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch provides a more consistent, yet familiar sound profile due to its classic material blend. This translates to a quieter operation compared to tactile or clicky switches, and while both switches have their unique audio quality, the Sticky Rice V2 tends to give a more pronounced acoustic feedback that can enhance the overall typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Sticky Rice (V2) stands out with its super smooth keystroke, mainly attributed to its dustproof stem design that minimizes wobble, providing a refined tactile sensation throughout the typing process. On the other hand, the WS Red utilizes a 22mm double-stage spring that delivers a bouncy and responsive touch. The heavier actuation force offers a sense of weight to each keystroke, creating a substantial and satisfying feel that some users may prefer, especially for those who appreciate a bit more resistance when typing.
In conclusion, both the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and Wuque Studio WS Red linear switches offer their own unique typing experiences. The Sticky Rice V2 provides a balanced auditory experience with a thocky sound and smooth keystroke, while the WS Red delivers a more traditional sound with added resistance and a bouncy feel. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences regarding sound and tactile sensation. Regardless of your selection, both switches promise enjoyable and satisfying typing experiences for newcomers and enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you find yourself gravitating toward a lighter keystroke with a super smooth, balanced typing experience, the Sticky Rice (V2) is an excellent option for you, especially if you appreciate a refined tactile sensation with a satisfying "thock" sound signature. This switch works well for typists who prioritize comfort during long typing sessions or gamers looking for speed without sacrificing sound quality. On the other hand, if you prefer a more robust and engaging typing experience, and you’re fond of the added weight in each keystroke, the WS Red linear switch would likely suit you better. With its heavier bottom-out force and bouncy actuation, it provides a substantial feel that is particularly appealing for gamers who thrive on precision and responsiveness. In essence, both switches have their merits: choose the Sticky Rice (V2) for a smooth, relaxed experience, or the WS Red for a more dynamic, tactile approach.
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