HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offer distinctly different experiences that cater to varied preferences among typists and gamers alike. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is celebrated for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force, appealing to those who relish a bright and lively typing experience. With its 'bouncy' and 'creamy' characteristics, this linear switch ensures a silky smooth feel that enhances the overall typing enjoyment. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) features a more balanced and neutral sound signature, exemplifying the sought-after "thock" sound that many keyboard enthusiasts crave. Its hall effect design facilitates a super smooth keystroke, complemented by a dustproof stem that minimizes wobble and maximizes performance. While the HMX Cloud switch shines for those who enjoy a vibrant auditory connection to their typing, the Sticky Rice (V2) presents a refined tactile sensation ideal for users who prefer a quieter, yet satisfying 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
56g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) present a fascinating contrast in their top housing materials, which significantly influences their acoustic profiles. The Cloud features a nylon top housing, known for its softer composition that absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and rounder sound profile. This characteristic makes it ideal for users who prefer a muted auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and more resonant. As a result, this switch produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is often more distinct. The choice of material not only affects the immediate typing experience but also influences the overall aesthetic of the switch; polycarbonate, being translucent, enhances the visual effects of RGB lighting, making it an attractive option for users seeking illumination.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, we observe a consistency in their material—the Cloud - 63.5g and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) both utilize nylon for the bottom housings. This creates a unified experience through sound characteristics; nylon's soft plastic composition will impart a deeper, fuller sound profile for the bottom out, regardless of the different top housing materials. This means that while the top housing dictates the sound produced when releasing a key, both switches will share a similar auditory sensation during the actuation due to the nylon's inherent acoustic properties.
Taken together, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) highlight how varying materials can create distinct sensory experiences while retaining some commonality. The Cloud provides a rounded, subdued auditory feedback through its nylon top housing, appealing to those who prefer a warmer sound. Meanwhile, the Sticky Rice's polycarbonate top offers clarity and brightness, enticing users who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. Nevertheless, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent sound profile during bottoming out, anchoring both switches’ performance in a deeper acoustic foundation. Thus, even though the switches differ in some aspects, users can achieve similar results in terms of bottom-out feedback, offering a nuanced understanding of how each material contributes to the overall switch experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, the difference in actuation and bottom out forces is quite pronounced. The Cloud switch requires a heavier actuation force of 56 grams, contrasted with the much lighter 40 grams of the Sticky Rice (V2). This lighter actuation force makes the Sticky Rice (V2) more suitable for users seeking prolonged periods of use, such as for typing at work or extended gaming sessions. Additionally, the bottom out force for the Cloud switch reaches 63.5 grams, compared to the 50 grams of the Sticky Rice (V2). This also places the Cloud switch in a medium-heavy category, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, if you're looking for a heavier switch experience, the Cloud - 63.5g is the clear choice, while the Sticky Rice (V2) caters to users in search of a lighter, more effortless keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, it's clear that they differ slightly. The Cloud switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Sticky Rice (V2) may be the better option due to its shorter distance, catering well to gamers who appreciate faster response times. On the other hand, the Cloud switch with its longer distance provides a heartier depth, potentially appealing to those who prefer a more substantial key press experience. Thus, for those who enjoy abrupt actuation, the Everglide will be more satisfying, while the Cloud will suit those who favor a deeper travel. Overall, these differences highlight the significance of travel distance in personal preference, with 3.5 mm being the shorter option and 3.9 mm offering a longer travel experience.
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 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.
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 considering the sound profiles of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, they cater to different auditory preferences. The Cloud - 63.5g is celebrated for its clacky sound, producing a sharp and bright acoustic experience that many enthusiasts appreciate for its crisp and percussive quality. It's a high-pitched sound that resonates well with those who favor a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) is characterized by a neutral sound signature that hints at the beloved “thock” many users desire. While this sound can provide a satisfying auditory experience, exact details of its acoustics aren't provided, leaving some unknowns regarding its overall sound character compared to the more established nature of the Cloud - 63.5g.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g excels with a bounciness that delivers a lively and spring-like feedback, coupled with a creamy texture that provides a silky smooth typing experience. This combination allows for an engaging interaction as fingers glide effortlessly over the keys, combining elasticity and refinement. On the other hand, the feel of the Sticky Rice (V2) is described as super smooth due to its dustproof construction that enhances stability and reduces wobble, although specific descriptors for tactile feedback are not provided. This suggests a focus on a high-performance feel, though it may lack the dynamic bounce that the Cloud - 63.5g offers.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches present unique attributes that can appeal to different users. The Cloud - 63.5g is ideal for those who appreciate a vibrant and clacky sound experience paired with a lively and creamy typing feel. Meanwhile, the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a more muted sound profile with exceptional smoothness and stability. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding sound and tactile sensation; however, both guarantee a satisfying typing experience rooted in their respective qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch really depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a more tactile, medium-heavy switch that yields a clacky sound profile, making your typing experience lively and engaging, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g is likely the better option for you. Its 63.5g bottom-out force provides a bouncy, creamy feel that enhances that satisfying auditory feedback, making it perfect for enthusiasts who appreciate a bright and energetic typing atmosphere. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch that offers a smooth, balanced experience with a neutral sound signature, the Sticky Rice (V2) would suit you well. With its 50g bottom-out force, this switch delivers a subtle "thock" sound that can enhance focus without the distraction of a loud clack while providing a refined tactile sensation that feels robust yet effortless. Ultimately, consider not just the force and sound profile, but also what typing experience will make you feel more comfortable and productive in your daily tasks.
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