HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cloud - 50g and Everglide Rice Pudding switches present two distinctly appealing options for typists and gamers alike. The HMX Cloud - 50g, a linear switch with a lighter actuation force, is celebrated for its clacky sound profile and silky smooth feel, making it a favored choice for enthusiasts who appreciate a bright and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches leverage hall effect technology to offer a satisfying balance of smooth operation and a deep sound, catering to those who prefer precision and versatility in their keystrokes. Moreover, the Rice Pudding switches are fully compatible with Wooting’s innovative keyboards, enhancing their appeal for performance-oriented users. While both switches have their unique benefits, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference in typing experience and intended use. 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
42g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
50g
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 housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Everglide Rice Pudding, distinct differences emerge between the two. The Cloud - 50g utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely due to nylon's softer composition, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding features a polycarbonate top housing, celebrated for its ability to deliver a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant output, making it an excellent choice for users seeking an enhanced auditory experience, especially with the added benefit of RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Despite these differences in the top housing materials, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, leading to some similarities in performance. The nylon bottom housing in both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Everglide Rice Pudding contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, ensuring that users tapping on either switch will experience a rounded auditory sensation during actuation. The softness of nylon is a mutual trait that serves to underscore the bottom-out sound and feel of both switches, ultimately providing a sense of familiarity to users who prefer a plush typing experience. This shared material allows for a cohesive sound characteristic, particularly when considering how the bottom housing influences the tactile feedback.
Ultimately, the combination of differing top and similar bottom housing materials results in unique yet relatable outcomes for each switch type. Users of the HMX Cloud - 50g will relish the deeper, full-bodied sound from the nylon top, while Everglide Rice Pudding enthusiasts will appreciate the crispness provided by polycarbonate. However, both switches will share the lush, subdued qualities instilled by their nylon bottom housings, leading to a satisfying tactile experience regardless of the specific switch chosen. For those seeking nuances in auditory feedback, understanding how these materials interact can help guide decisions based on personal preference while still ensuring a satisfying typing experience across both options.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, both are categorized as light options but exhibit slight differences. The HMX Cloud has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Rice Pudding switch features an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. As a result, the Rice Pudding is the lighter switch in terms of actuation force, which may appeal to those looking for a more effortless typing experience suitable for prolonged use. Conversely, the Cloud - 50g switch offers a heavier feel with its higher actuation and bottom out forces, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer push. Overall, while both switches are light, the Rice Pudding's lower forces render it the lighter option, making it potentially more favorable for extended gaming or typing sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, we find that they differ slightly. The Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, making it a bit deeper than the Rice Pudding, which measures at 3.5 mm. This means that for those who value responsiveness, the Rice Pudding switch offers a quicker actuation, while the Cloud - 50g provides a more substantial feel with its longer travel distance. Gamers looking for rapid input may prefer the Rice Pudding for its shorter throw, whereas users who appreciate a deeper keystroke may find the Cloud - 50g more satisfying. In summary, the Rice Pudding is the shorter travel option, while the Cloud - 50g is the longer one, catering to different preferences in key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cloud - 50g 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 - 50g 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, offering a bright and engaging auditory experience that many typists find appealing. This makes it suitable for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound when typing. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch produces a deep and resonating sound that balances satisfaction and precision, giving it a unique auditory signature that can be quite pleasant while typing. It's essential to note that the overall sound produced by each switch can also be influenced by the keyboard's design and choice of keycaps, potentially leading to varied experiences regardless of the inherent qualities of the switches themselves.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch provides a silky smooth typing experience, which many enthusiasts appreciate for its effortless keystrokes. This smoothness is complemented by its lighter actuation force, making it a great choice for quick typing and gaming. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch also emphasizes a smooth operation but leans towards a more balanced type of feedback that many find both satisfying and precise. This quality not only enhances typing comfort but also allows for greater control during use, making it a versatile option for diverse typing scenarios.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Cloud - 50g delivers a clacky sound and a silky smooth feel, the Rice Pudding provides a deeper sound coupled with a satisfying and precise typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will boil down to what aspects of sound and feel you prioritize, as both switches can deliver enjoyable results tailored to your personal typing style.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, consider the type of typing experience you desire and how it aligns with your preferences. If you enjoy a bright and clacky sound profile that pairs with a silky smooth feel, the Cloud - 50g would be the better option, especially if you value an engaging and responsive typing experience. It's ideal for those who appreciate a lighter switch that maintains a lively, auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you seek a more balanced approach with a deep, satisfying sound and a precise, smooth operation, the Rice Pudding switch is likely your best bet. This switch excels in versatility, particularly on Wooting keyboards, making it a great choice if you're looking for a performance-oriented switch that is also compatible with advanced features. Ultimately, the decision should reflect your personal preferences in sound, feel, and the overall typing experience you wish to achieve.
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