Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between varied options that offer unique characteristics, like the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear. The Sticky Rice (V2), known for its delicate balance and smooth keystrokes, provides a refined tactile experience with a neutral sound signature that satisfies the "thock" fans, making it ideal for both typing and gaming without sacrificing a satisfying feel. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear switches prioritize noise reduction, featuring a distinct design that minimizes sound without relying on silicone dampeners. This makes them a great choice for a quiet office environment or shared spaces, offering a seamless experience devoid of any cushioned sensation. Both switches cater to specific preferences—whether you're after a tactile delight or a whisper-quiet operation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
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
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly affects their acoustic profiles. The Sticky Rice (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile along with enhanced clarity and resonance. This characteristic is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows sound waves to travel more freely, thus resulting in a crisper auditory experience. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear utilizes a nylon top housing, a material known for providing a deeper, fuller sound signature. Because nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs more sound, leading to a rounder and more subdued auditory output. This disparity in top housing materials creates two distinct listening experiences, particularly noticeable in the upper range of sound when keys are released.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Sticky Rice (V2) and the WS Silent Linear utilize nylon, ensuring a consistent sound profile for the lower-end notes they produce. The nylon construction in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound characteristic, due to its ability to absorb sound effectively. This similarity allows the two switches to share a common auditory foundation when it comes to bottoming out. Since bottom housing influences the feel and sound upon key press, users can expect a similar tactile feedback and lower acoustic resonance from both switches, resulting in a harmonious typing experience.
Overall, the primary differences between the two switches stem from their contrasting top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—while their bottom housings share a commonality that influences the overall typing feel. With the Sticky Rice (V2) delivering a clearer and more defined sound due to its stiffer top housing, and the WS Silent Linear offering a mellower tone thanks to nylon's absorbent qualities, users may select between these options based on their desired auditory outcome. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that no matter the choice, both switches will provide a deep and satisfying base sound to enhance the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch, significant differences emerge in their actuation and bottom-out forces. The Sticky Rice (V2) has a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch, allowing for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear switch has an unknown actuation force but features a notably heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, suggesting a more substantial pressing experience. This makes it better suited for those who enjoy a firmer tactile sensation. Consequently, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers a lighter feel, facilitating prolonged use, the WS Silent Linear presents a medium-heavy option, appealing to those who favor a stronger push. Overall, users looking for lighter switches would gravitate towards the Sticky Rice (V2), whereas those seeking a heavier response would prefer the WS Silent Linear.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch, users will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Because both switches share this characteristic, you can expect similar results in terms of the feel and responsiveness when typing or gaming, making either option a potentially suitable choice depending on other preferences such as tactile feedback or sound.
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 Silent Linear comes in at $4.20 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) switch offers a balanced auditory experience characterized by a neutral sound profile that hints at the desirable "thock" that many typists cherish. This sound signature is pleasing without being intrusive, making it suitable for both personal and professional environments. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch focuses on delivering a more muted auditory experience. Known for its discreet sound profile, it minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical switches, producing a dampened sound that fits well within quieter settings. Overall, while both switches provide a level of sound refinement, the Sticky Rice leans toward a richer "thock," whereas the WS Silent Linear excels in creating a serene typing atmosphere.
Regarding feel, the Sticky Rice (V2) switch is celebrated for its super smooth keystroke, designed to reduce wobble and enhance the overall tactile performance. This ensures a refined typing sensation that balances responsiveness with a pleasing tactile feedback. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switch provides a mild typing experience, crafted for a gentle touch that is approachable for all users. While it delivers a satisfying bottom-out feeling, it lacks the more pronounced feedback found in many tactile switches, favoring instead a smooth transition. Both switches aim for comfort and usability but cater to different preferences: the Sticky Rice offers a more engaging tactile response, while the WS Silent Linear prioritizes gentleness and ease of use.
In summary, both the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches showcase unique strengths in sound and feel. The Sticky Rice provides that sought-after "thock" sound and a highly refined keystroke, ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate subtle audio cues and tactile feedback. The WS Silent Linear, on the other hand, excels in creating a muted sound profile with a gentle typing experience, perfect for quieter work environments or for those who prefer a smoother touch. Ultimately, your choice between these two would depend on your preferences for auditory feedback versus a more subdued typing experience, but either option promises an enjoyable and satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing needs and environment. If you prefer a lighter switch that provides a super smooth keystroke and a slight "thock" sound, then the Sticky Rice (V2) is an excellent option. It’s particularly well-suited for users who appreciate a refined tactile sensation while enjoying a more engaging auditory experience without being overly noisy. On the other hand, if you work in a quieter setting or require a medium-heavy switch that minimizes noise while still delivering responsive feedback, the WS Silent Linear is your go-to choice. Its unique design ensures a muted sound profile and a comfortable typing experience that's approachable for a wide range of users. In summary, select the Sticky Rice (V2) for a lively typing experience and the WS Silent Linear for a serene yet satisfying feel.
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