HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g 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 - 50g and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offer two distinct yet captivating experiences. The HMX Cloud - 50g, a linear switch, delights typists with its responsive 50g actuation force and clacky sound profile, providing a lively and bright typing experience that many enthusiasts crave. Its smooth keystrokes make it an appealing option for those who prioritize speed and fluidity in their typing sessions. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), a hall effect switch, presents a refined typing experience characterized by its neutral sound signature and satisfying "thock." With a dustproof stem that reduces wobble, it offers superior performance and durability, making it particularly appealing for users who prefer a balanced tactile sensation without sacrificing smoothness. Both switches have their unique charms—whether it's the lively feedback of the HMX Cloud or the polished feel of the Sticky Rice (V2). However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), a striking contrast lies in the choice of materials for their top housings. The Cloud - 50g utilizes a nylon top housing, which is celebrated for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This quality allows the nylon to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder auditory experience. In sharp contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucence. This material choice results in a sharper, crisper sound profile, making it ideal for RGB lighting setups as its clear housing enhances the visual aesthetic. Thus, while both switches aim for high sound performance, they achieve it through fundamentally different properties of their top housings.
Interestingly, when it comes to their bottom housings, both the Cloud - 50g and the Sticky Rice (V2) employ nylon. This shared material choice means that the tactile feedback and sound profile felt during key presses are more aligned, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound experience irrespective of the differing top housings. Since nylon is a classic switch housing material that allows for significant sound absorption, both switches will echo similar characteristics in terms of bottom-out sound and feel. The bottom housing's contribution is especially crucial, as it creates a consistent base for the typing experience in both models.
Ultimately, the combination of differing top housing materials with a shared nylon bottom creates unique yet comparable auditory experiences with the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2). The contrasting top housings provide an opportunity for users to select designs based on their preferred sound profiles—full and warm from the nylon or clear and resonant from the polycarbonate—while enjoying a similar tactile feel and bottom-out sound courtesy of the nylon foundations. As a result, both switches offer compelling options for typists and gamers alike, catering to varying preferences while delivering satisfying performance through their shared traits.
Weight
In comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, both switches exhibit lightweight characteristics, making them appealing for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience. The Cloud switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Sticky Rice (V2) features an actuation force of 40 grams and the same bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Sticky Rice (V2) switch is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force but shares the same bottom out force as the Cloud switch. For both switches, the actuation forces are close enough that users can expect a similarly comfortable typing experience, though those who appreciate a slight edge in lightness may prefer the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2). Overall, users looking for a lighter switch will find both options appealing, while those who prefer a heavier feel should consider other alternatives.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Cloud - 50g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Sticky Rice (V2) has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you're seeking a quicker response time, the Sticky Rice (V2) may be the more appealing option, offering a more responsive feel due to its reduced travel distance. On the other hand, the Cloud - 50g provides a deeper press, which some users might prefer for a more substantial tactile experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preference for either a quicker actuation or a more pronounced depth in key presses.
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 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch stands out with its clacky sound profile, offering a bright and engaging auditory experience. This acoustic quality appeals to enthusiasts who relish in a more pronounced sound during typing. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) boasts a more neutral sound signature, which leans towards the coveted "thock" that many mechanical keyboard users desire. This softer sound is less intrusive, making it a great option for those who prefer a more subdued ambience while typing. Both switches can produce different sound experiences based on the choice of keyboard and keycaps, yet they fundamentally cater to different auditory preferences.
When focusing on feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g is described as having a silky smooth keystroke that contributes to a fluid typing experience. This makes it attractive for users who prioritize effortless actuation and swift typing. On the other hand, the Sticky Rice (V2) also emphasizes smoothness but adds an extra layer of refinement thanks to its dustproof stem, which minimizes wobble and enhances stability. This combination creates a feeling of reliability and consistency during use, appealing to those who seek a balanced tactile sensation without sacrificing smooth performance.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches offer distinct auditory and tactile profiles that cater to different preferences. The Cloud - 50g provides a lively, clacky sound with a silky smooth feel, while the Sticky Rice (V2) delivers a more neutral sound with a refined, stable keystroke. Your choice between these two will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize an engaging auditory cue or a more muted, yet refined typing experience. Both options are excellent in their own right and can provide differing results based on personal preference, making them worthy contenders in the mechanical keyboard landscape.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you find enjoyment in a bright, clacky sound profile while typing, the Cloud - 50g is an excellent choice. Its light bottom-out force and silky smooth feel make it particularly appealing for those who appreciate fast and responsive keystrokes, perfect for gaming or rapid typing tasks. On the other hand, if you're seeking a more balanced typing experience with a refined "thock" sound, the Sticky Rice (V2) stands out. Its neutral sound signature and super smooth keystroke, enhanced by a dustproof stem that minimizes wobble, provide a satisfying tactile sensation that’s ideal for prolonged typing sessions. Ultimately, consider what kind of auditory and tactile feedback resonates with you. If you lean toward lively and exciting key presses, go for the Cloud - 50g; however, if you prefer a stable, refined experience, the Sticky Rice (V2) is likely the better fit.
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