HMX Blue Topaz vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Blue Topaz and the Everglide Rice Pudding are two compelling options that cater to different preferences and needs. The Blue Topaz switch is celebrated for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, which makes typing a breeze. Its eye-catching glittery housing, combined with a clacky sound signature, delivers a delightful auditory and visual experience, perfect for users who appreciate a bit of flair in their setup. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches provide a more balanced typing experience, characterized by smooth operation and a deep sound, offering a satisfying and precise touch. For enthusiasts looking for versatility, these switches are fully compatible with Wooting's innovative keyboards. When considering which switch to choose, your decision might hinge on whether you prioritize the playful aesthetic and sound of the Blue Topaz or the performance and compatibility of the Rice Pudding. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing experience.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
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-stage spring
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Everglide Rice Pudding exhibit similarities that contribute to their overall sound profiles, despite a notable difference in their bottom housings. Both switches feature polycarbonate for their top housing, which is instrumental for achieving a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffer characteristics of polycarbonate result in a crisp and resonant sound, enhancing the auditory experience when typing. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting, making both switches visually appealing for those who value aesthetics in their setups. Consequently, users of either switch can expect a similar auditory clarity when engaging with RGB lighting effects.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials differentiate the two switches significantly. While both the Blue Topaz and the Rice Pudding utilize nylon for their bottom housings, the inherent properties of nylon lead to a different typing experience. Nylon is known for creating a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature, which effectively absorbs sound and produces a rounder auditory signature. Although both bottom housings will yield this characteristic, the distinct blend of materials between the top and bottom openings presents unique acoustic dynamics, with nylon contributing to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches.
By combining the effects of the stiffer polycarbonate top housing with the softer nylon bottom housing in both switches, users can expect an integrated auditory experience that leverages the strengths of both materials. The crisper tones produced by the polycarbonate will shine during the key-release phase, while the nylon housing will provide a warm and cushioned feedback during bottoming out. As such, even though the switches use similar materials in key areas, the variation in the bottom housing material plays a significant role in shaping the overall tactile and auditory experience, ensuring that each switch has its own distinctive personality.
Weight
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch both offer light typing experiences, making them suitable for users who prioritize prolonged comfort during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. The Blue Topaz has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Rice Pudding features a slightly lighter actuation force of 38 grams, also with a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Rice Pudding requires slightly less force to actuate compared to the Blue Topaz, making it the lighter option of the two. Both switches share the same bottom out force at 48 grams, indicating a consistent resistance felt when pressing keys all the way down. Overall, users looking for a lighter actuation feel may prefer the Rice Pudding, whereas those desiring a slightly firmer actuation may opt for the Blue Topaz.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, the Blue Topaz features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Rice Pudding offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This variance positions the Blue Topaz as the switch providing a deeper and potentially more tactile experience, which may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced feedback when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Rice Pudding, with its shorter travel distance, may be favored by users seeking quicker actuation for enhanced responsiveness, a characteristic often desired by gamers. Therefore, the choice between these two switches ultimately hinges on personal preference; if you enjoy a deeper feel, the Blue Topaz is the better option, whereas if you prefer speed and agility, the Rice Pudding could be the more suitable pick.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Blue Topaz has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Topaz for $3.49.
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.
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 Blue Topaz linear switch stands out with its clacky sound signature, which produces a sharp and snappy noise when engaged. This creates a vibrant auditory experience that many users find enjoyable, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches are known to deliver a deep sound, though no further details are available about its characteristics. The sound of both switches can also be influenced by various external factors such as the keyboard construction, materials, and the type of keycaps used.
Looking at the tactile feel, the Blue Topaz switch is designed for easy pressing, requiring minimal force to activate, which makes it particularly comfortable for long typing sessions. This gentle resistance contributes to a lightweight typing experience that many users appreciate. On the other hand, detailed information regarding the feel of the Rice Pudding switch is not provided; therefore, we can't make a direct comparison or judgment on its tactile feedback.
In conclusion, while the sound profile of the Blue Topaz offers a clacky delight and the Rice Pudding boasts a deeper sound, specifics about the Rice Pudding's auditory and tactile feedback remain unknown. The Blue Topaz excels in providing a lightweight and smooth typing experience, while the Rice Pudding is recognized for its smooth operation and compatibility with Wooting's keyboards, appealing to performance-driven enthusiasts. Ultimately, users may find that the Blue Topaz offers a distinctive auditory experience paired with a comfortable feel, while the Rice Pudding remains shrouded in mystery regarding its exact subjective qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, your specific needs and preferences will play a crucial role in your choice. If you prioritize a visually captivating switch with a clacky sound profile that adds an enjoyable auditory experience to your typing, the Blue Topaz is an excellent option. Its lightweight actuation and super smooth keystrokes make it particularly appealing for long typing sessions, ensuring comfort and reduced finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you seek versatility and a well-rounded typing experience with deep sound, the Rice Pudding switch would be more suited to your style. With its ability to work seamlessly with Wooting keyboards, it offers a unique edge for those interested in gaming or hybrid setups while still maintaining a satisfying, precise feel. Ultimately, both switches provide excellent performance with their light bottom out force, so think about the key characteristics—sound, aesthetics, and compatibility—that matter most to you to make the best decision for your keyboard setup.
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