HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two intriguing options emerge: the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Everglide Rice Pudding. The HMX Cloud, with its heavier 63.5g actuation force, is favored by enthusiasts for its clacky sound profile and silky smooth feel, making it an ideal choice for those who crave a bright and engaging typing experience. Its characteristics can be described as bouncy, clacky, creamy, and high-pitched, catering to users who appreciate tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches offer a unique hall effect mechanism, providing a balanced blend of smooth operation and deep sound. This makes them not only satisfying to type on but also precise for performance-driven tasks. Additionally, their compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards makes them a versatile choice for gamers and typists alike. While both switches cater to distinct preferences, the decision of which to choose ultimately depends on your typing style and sound preferences; 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
56g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Nylon
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
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches, a notable distinction arises from the materials used in their top housings. The Cloud features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This results from nylon's properties as a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a sound that is less sharp and more muted. In contrast, the Rice Pudding's polycarbonate top housing is stiffer and clearer, resulting in a higher-pitched and crisper sound output. The polycarbonate's translucency also enhances RGB lighting effects, making it an appealing choice for those seeking visually striking key switches with vibrant lighting. This contrast in sound profiles highlights how the choice of housing material significantly influences the acoustic experience when using these switches.
On the other hand, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Everglide Rice Pudding utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This uniformity means that both switches offer a deeper and more resonant sound when it comes to the bottoming-out sensation. The nylon material is inherently softer and provides a similar tactile quality in terms of sound absorption and overall feel. Consequently, while the top housings differ and create unique sound profiles during key release, the shared bottom housing material allows users to experience similar sound depth and fullness when pressing the keys down, ensuring a harmonious bottom-out experience regardless of the top housing material.
Ultimately, when considering the overall impact of housing materials on the typing experience, the distinct characteristics of the top housings serve to define each switch's sound profile uniquely. The nylon top of the Cloud lends itself to a mellower audio experience, while the polycarbonate top of the Rice Pudding enhances clarity and brightness in sound. However, with both switches sharing the nylon bottom housing, typists can appreciate a consistent deep sound upon key activation, bridging the tonal gap created by the differing top materials. Thus, users may find that while the switches produce different sounds on release, their bottoming-out acoustics remain similar, allowing for a satisfying typing experience across both options.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch to the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Cloud switch has an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, which may appeal to users seeking a substantial typing feel. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a more suitable option for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Overall, the Rice Pudding switch is the lighter option, while the Cloud switch is the heavier choice. This means users who prioritize a softer key press for efficiency or comfort would benefit from the Rice Pudding, whereas those who enjoy the tactile feedback and weightiness of a heavier press may gravitate toward the HMX Cloud.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Cloud - 63.5g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, making it the longer option, while the Rice Pudding has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, categorizing it as the shorter switch. For gamers and users who prioritize responsiveness, the Rice Pudding's shorter travel distance may offer quicker actuation. However, the Cloud's greater distance provides a more pronounced bottom-out feel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. Overall, the choice between these switches largely depends on personal preference for response time versus the comforting depth of key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 63.5g for $2.99.
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
The sound produced by the HMX Cloud - 63.5g is characterized by a clacky profile, providing a sharp, crisp, and bright auditory feedback that many typing enthusiasts find pleasurable. The higher-pitched nature of the sound results in a percussive quality that elevates the typing experience, making each keystroke feel distinct and energetic. In contrast, while the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is noted for its deep sound, there are no specific descriptors provided, leaving its sound profile less defined. However, the mention of a "balanced typing experience" suggests that it may not be as sharp or clacky as the Cloud switch, potentially offering a richer and perhaps less piercing auditory feedback.
Regarding the feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switches provide a delightful combination of bouncy and creamy sensations. This spring-like feedback contributes an elastic quality during typing, ensuring that there is a lively rebound with each keystroke. Coupled with its silky smoothness, the typing experience can be described as fluid and effortless, creating a satisfying tactile sensation. Unfortunately, the specific feel characteristics of the Rice Pudding switches remain unspecified, though one might infer that they offer a generally smooth operation given that they are praised for precision and satisfaction.
In summary, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch delivers a bright, clacky sound and a delightful, bouncy feel that many enthusiasts cherish. In contrast, while the sound profile of the Everglide Rice Pudding switch remains unclear, its deep tones could offer a rich auditory experience, complemented by its smooth operation that is likely satisfactory and precise. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different preferences, users can expect a fulfilling typing experience from either choice, depending on whether they prioritize sound sharpness or a quieter, balanced profile.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and needs. If you appreciate a tactile experience with a heavier actuation force, the Cloud - 63.5g is ideal for you; it provides a clacky, high-pitched sound that can enhance your gaming and typing sessions by offering a lively and bouncy feel with its smooth operation. This makes it particularly well-suited for enthusiasts who prefer that brighter auditory feedback and a bit of a workout during longer typing sessions. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch and enjoy a deeper sound profile with greater versatility, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch may be your best bet. With its satisfying and precise operation, this switch allows for a delightful typing experience that is less straining on the fingers, making it suitable for prolonged use, especially if you're integrating it into a Wooting keyboard for advanced functionalities. Ultimately, the decision boils down to whether you prioritize a heavier, more tactile experience or a lighter, smoother one that accommodates varied typing styles.
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