Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts and casual users alike often weigh the characteristics of various options to suit their preferences and environments. The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is a standout hall effect switch renowned for its balanced typing experience and refined tactile sensation. Its low-pitched, silky feel coupled with a smooth keystroke makes it an excellent choice for those seeking an elegant blend of sound and responsiveness, perfect for personal setups where a satisfying "thock" is desired. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch is designed with office environments in mind, prioritizing quieter operation without sacrificing tactile feedback. This medium tactility switch utilizes precision-engineered stem railings to deliver a silent yet crisp experience, ideal for those who need to minimize noise while still enjoying a tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your specific needs—whether that be a polished, smooth feel or a silent, yet responsive typing experience. 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
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
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile, we observe a contrasting choice for the top housings: the Sticky Rice utilizes polycarbonate, while the WS Silent Tactile incorporates nylon. Polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, making it particularly effective for users seeking a clear auditory feedback from their keystrokes. This quality is especially evident in applications with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the illumination effects. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the WS Silent Tactile promotes a deep and fuller sound, characteristic of its softer and more sound-absorptive nature, leading to a rounder sound experience that might appeal to users preferring a more muted keystroke.
Interestingly, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, which serves to unify their sound profiles to some extent. The nylon material in both cases dampens sound because of its inherent softness, which absorbs vibrations and contributes to a fuller keystroke feel. This means that while the top housings produce distinct sound qualities—sharp and clear from polycarbonate versus deep and muted from nylon—the bottom housings of both switches lend a similar texture and sound depth. When typing or gaming, users will experience the plush impact of the nylon bottoms in both switches, which can create a sense of continuity in the tactile feedback despite the differences in the top housings.
Ultimately, the divergence in materials may create significantly different sound experiences when typing, yet their similar nylon bottom housings ensure a consistent feel at the base of each keystroke. Users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback might gravitate toward the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) for its crisp response, while those who appreciate a softer, rounder tone may find the WS Silent Tactile more suitable. Nevertheless, regardless of which switch is chosen, the nylon bottoms guarantee a comparable amount of comfort and fullness in sound, demonstrating how the integrated use of housing materials affects the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch present a clear contrast in both actuation force and bottom out force. 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, as its lower weight can reduce finger fatigue. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile does not specify an actuation force, but it has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating a firmer feel when pressing keys all the way down. Therefore, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the heavier tactile switch. In summary, the Sticky Rice (V2) would be the lighter option perfect for extended usage, while the WS Silent Tactile offers a medium-heavy feel for users who appreciate more resistance during typing.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch feature a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users can expect a similar feel when pressing down on either switch, as they both require the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. Consequently, whether one opts for the Everglide or the Wuque Studio switch, the experience of key actuation will be consistent in terms of travel distance.
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 Tactile 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 comparing the sound profiles of the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches, notable differences emerge. The Sticky Rice (V2) is characterized by a low-pitched sound that produces a deeper, more bass-heavy auditory experience, often favored by enthusiasts who appreciate a distinct "thock" when typing. This switch promotes a sound signature that could provide a satisfying auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a range of environments from home to office. This neutrality allows for a moderate auditory experience that balances well with both casual and professional settings, making it less intrusive during longer typing sessions. It’s essential to note that the sound of both switches can be influenced by the choice of keyboard construction and keycaps, which might further tailor their individual sound signatures.
In terms of feel, the distinctions between the two switches further come into focus. The Sticky Rice (V2) is lauded for its polished, silky, and buttery writing experience, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke that facilitates effortless typing with reduced resistance. This refined tactile sensation is complemented by a mild feedback that makes it appealing to a broad audience, ensuring a comfortable typing experience. Conversely, the WS Silent Tactile features a more pronounced tactile feedback characterized as accentuated and invigorating, combining moderate to firm actuation force with a snappy response. While it also falls within the mild category, its tactile feedback is designed to be more immersive yet remains approachable, striking a balance for users who prefer a tactile sensation without overwhelming pronouncement.
In conclusion, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences, catering to different user preferences. While the Sticky Rice excels with its rich, low-pitched sound and silky smoothness, the WS Silent Tactile provides a more subdued and versatile auditory experience paired with a crisp tactile feedback. Both switches share the mild descriptor in terms of feel, ensuring an approachable typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will hinge on whether you lean towards the deeper aural satisfaction and exceptional smoothness of the Sticky Rice or the quiet, balanced tactility of the WS Silent.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch boils down to your specific typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you seek a light switch that provides an exceptionally smooth and polished typing experience—characterized by a pleasing "thock" sound and a buttery feel—then the Sticky Rice (V2) is your ideal option. This switch excels in delivering a balanced tactile sensation, making it great for general use at home or in quieter settings where the sound of your keystrokes won't be intrusive. Conversely, if your work or gaming requires a keyboard switch that emphasizes silent operation without sacrificing tactile feedback, the WS Silent Tactile is the better choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force and innovative design offer a satisfying responsiveness while keeping noise levels down, making it well-suited for office environments or shared spaces. Thus, understanding your specific needs will guide you in selecting the switch that enhances your overall typing experience.