Huano Acacia vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and the Everglide Rice Pudding present two appealing yet distinct options for typists and gamers alike. The Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, which allows for an impressive typing experience right out of the box. As a linear switch, it provides smooth keystrokes without tactile feedback, catering to those who prefer a quieter and more fluid typing motion. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding is a hall effect switch that combines smooth operation with a satisfying deep sound, delivering a balanced experience that appeals to both enthusiasts and gamers. Additionally, its compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards enhances its versatility and performance appeal. While both switches offer unique advantages—smoothness and precision versus quiet and user-friendliness—each serves different preferences and styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Everglide Rice Pudding exhibit notable similarities, particularly in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches employ polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic is amplified when RGB lighting is integrated, as the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows light to shine through effectively, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the switches. Consequently, users can expect a consistent auditory experience from both switches due to the similarity in their top housing materials, which enables articulate and resonant sound production.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both the Acacia and the Rice Pudding use nylon, a plastic known for its softer and more sound-absorbing properties. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon tends to dampen vibrations and absorb sounds that would otherwise be emitted in a sharper manner. The aesthetic impact of nylon creates a more muted and rounded auditory experience, which complements the clearer sounds produced by the polycarbonate tops. Thus, while the top and bottom housings utilize different materials, they work together harmoniously: the sharper sound from the polycarbonate is softened and deepened by the nylon bottom, providing a balanced acoustic profile for the user.
When considering the combined effects of the switch housings, it becomes evident that the interaction between the stiffer polycarbonate top and the softer nylon bottom leads to a unique and nuanced typing experience. The heightened clarity from the polycarbonate top is evident during key release, while the nylon bottom influences the feel and sound of the bottoming out. This design synergy ensures that both the Acacia and Rice Pudding switches deliver a multidimensional auditory experience, blending crisp and resonant highs with deep, rounded lows, making both choices appealing for those seeking performance and aesthetics in their keyboard experience.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch to the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Acacia features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, classified as medium-light, whereas the Rice Pudding boasts a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This makes the Rice Pudding the lighter option, ideal for those who prioritize comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. In terms of feedback, the Acacia's heavier forces provide a more substantial feel, appealing to those who prefer a firmer keystroke. Thus, users looking for a lighter switch would benefit from the Rice Pudding, while those desiring a stronger push might gravitate towards the Acacia. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces emphasize the unique character of each switch, catering to varied user preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch feature a travel distance of 3.5 mm, indicating that they provide the same keypress experience in terms of travel length. This similarity means that users will likely achieve comparable typing and gaming results when using either switch, as the distance you feel when pressing down on a key is identical. Consequently, players and typists can expect uniform feedback and response time from both options, making them equally viable choices for those who prefer a 3.5 mm travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
The Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39 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 Huano Acacia linear switch offers a notably pleasant acoustic profile that enhances the overall typing experience with its deeply resonant tones, contributing to a satisfying auditory feedback upon actuation. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is characterized by its deep sound, delivering a rich sonic quality that pairs well with the tactile feedback of the switch itself. Although the precise qualities of the Acacia switch's sound are not detailed, the Rice Pudding's robust auditory characteristics suggest an engaging experience, making both switches likely contenders for producing a satisfying sound depending on factors like the keyboard's construction and choice of keycaps.
When evaluating the feel, the Huano Acacia switch stands out for its medium-light weight, which prompts a comfortable and controlled typing experience, complemented by generous factory lubrication that reduces friction and enhances smoothness. Additionally, its minimal stem wobble contributes to a more stable and precise feel. Contrastingly, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch also emphasizes smooth operation but appears to embody a well-rounded blend of qualities that provide both satisfaction and precision, although specific descriptions of its tactile feedback are not provided. Both switches promise a pleasant typing experience, but the Acacia's factory lubrication and lighter actuation force might give it an edge for users favoring ease of keystroke.
In summary, both the Huano Acacia and Everglide Rice Pudding switches come with their own set of appealing attributes that can cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. While the Acacia is notable for its lightweight feel and smooth actuation straight out of the box, the Rice Pudding tantalizes with its rich sound and potential performance compatibility with innovative keyboards. Ultimately, your choice may come down to whether you prioritize a lighter touch and factory lubrication or seek the deep, resonant experience offered by the Rice Pudding switch. Depending on your setup, both options can deliver a satisfying and engaging typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a medium-light switch that offers a well-balanced typing experience right out of the box, with generous lubrication and minimal stem wobble, then the Acacia is an excellent option. It provides a satisfying "thock" sound that lends itself well to a pleasant acoustic experience, making it ideal for everyday typing and casual gaming. On the other hand, if you're looking for a lighter switch that combines smooth operation with a deep sound profile, the Everglide Rice Pudding is a strong contender. Its 48-gram actuation force makes it particularly responsive and enjoyable for both speed typing and gaming, while its compatibility with Wooting keyboards adds an extra layer of versatility for tech enthusiasts. In this way, selecting the right switch involves weighing the importance of the switches’ tactile feedback, sound characteristics, and your specific usage scenario to achieve the best typing experience tailored to your needs.
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