Huano Elf vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Elf and Everglide Rice Pudding offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Elf, known for its POK top housing, provides enhanced acoustics, resulting in a deep sound signature combined with a medium-light feel that makes for a satisfying typing experience. This linear switch is ideal for those who prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke, making it perfect for both gaming and typing tasks. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches deliver a seamless operation and a balanced typing experience that is both satisfying and precise. With their hall effect design, they not only ensure reliability but also enhance versatility, especially for users compatible with Wooting's innovative keyboards, making them a strong pick for enthusiasts seeking performance. Both switches have their virtues; the Elf excels in its acoustic profile and feel, while the Rice Pudding stands out for its compatibility and overall execution. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
The comparison of housing materials for the Huano Elf and the Everglide Rice Pudding reveals both similarities and distinct characteristics that influence their performance and sound profiles. The Huano Elf utilizes a POK top housing, which is celebrated for its smooth operation and durability, boasting a coefficient of friction of 0.04 and wear resistance that significantly surpasses POM. This contributes to a switch experience characterized by a clacky sound and robust feel. On the other hand, the Rice Pudding utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is much stiffer and yields a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This material is particularly effective for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency, thus appealing to users prioritizing aesthetics. While the Elf emphasizes a smoothness that is more suited for an all-around tactile experience, the Rice Pudding leans toward sound clarity and visual appeal.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both switches feature nylon as the bottom housing material, creating a unified foundation for sound profile characteristics. Nylon, recognized for its softer plastic nature, allows both switches to produce a deeper and fuller sound, absorbing sound more effectively than the harder materials used in their top housings. This shared attribute ensures that both switches create a richer auditory experience when pressed, maintaining a level of consistency in their overall sound profiles. Thus, while their top and bottom housings contribute uniquely to the switch's performance, the overlapping use of nylon allows for some level of continuity in acoustic depth.
In terms of functionality, the interaction between the distinct top and bottom housing materials in both switches is pivotal. The POK top housing of the Huano Elf may facilitate a smoother typing experience while producing a crisp sound upon release, whereas the polycarbonate top of the Rice Pudding accentuates brightness in sound and allows for visual effects. Conversely, the common nylon bottom in both switches ensures that the foundational sound quality remains deep and rounded despite the differences in their top components. Ultimately, while the two switches cater to different auditory preferences, the commonality in their bottom housing guarantees that both share a fundamental characteristic that enriches the typing experience, blending unique upper sound profiles with a satisfying base.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Elf switch features an actuation force of 42 grams, whereas the Rice Pudding switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 38 grams. This means that the Rice Pudding switch may be better suited for those who prefer a lighter feel for longer typing sessions. However, the Elf's unknown bottom out force leaves a gap in the comparison, as there is no quantifiable data to assess how strongly it resists being fully pressed down. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch has a bottom out force of 48 grams, indicating a firmer experience when the switch is fully engaged. Ultimately, while the Rice Pudding offers a lighter actuation and a definitive bottom out force, the lack of information regarding the Elf's bottom out force makes it challenging to fully compare these two switches. For users who lean towards a heavier feel, the Rice Pudding would be the preferred choice due to its noticeable bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, the Elf offers a slightly longer travel distance at 3.6 mm, while the Rice Pudding measures 3.5 mm. This means that gamers seeking a more responsive feel might prefer the Rice Pudding for its shorter distance, which can enhance rapid key presses and quick response times. Conversely, the Huano Elf, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who favor a more substantial feel with a bit of depth during key presses, potentially avoiding the abruptness that some experience with shorter switches. Thus, the Elf is better suited for users who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke, whereas the Rice Pudding is ideal for those prioritizing quick responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
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 Huano Elf switch delivers a deep sound signature enhanced by its POK top housing, which is designed to elevate acoustics for a richer auditory experience. This results in a satisfying thock when typing. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch also offers a deep sound, creating a balanced auditory profile that strikes a pleasing chord, and contributes to a satisfying experience. Both switches offer deep sound characteristics, which can be further influenced by the key switches and board used, allowing for a customized auditory experience with either option.
When it comes to feel, the Elf switch is characterized by a medium-light actuation force that provides a comfortable typing experience, making it easy to press the keys without excessive effort. Similarly, the Rice Pudding switch is designed for smooth operation, offering a balanced typing experience that prioritizes comfort and precision with each keystroke. While both switches cater to a satisfying feel through their unique designs, the Elf might lean slightly towards a lighter touch, whereas the Rice Pudding emphasizes an overall smoothness that can enhance typing accuracy.
In conclusion, both the Huano Elf linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch present compelling qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Elf stands out with its specialized acoustic enhancements and medium-light feel, while the Rice Pudding excels in delivering a smooth and precise experience along with versatility for compatibility. Ultimately, users looking for deep sound and satisfying feel will find value in either switch, making them solid choices for different typists based on personal preference and desired functionality.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and intended use. If you favor a switch that offers an incredibly satisfying typing experience characterized by a medium-light feel and a deeper acoustic signature, the Huano Elf is likely your best option. Its unique POK top housing enhances acoustics, creating a distinctive sound that many enthusiasts appreciate. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more precise and balanced typing experience, the Rice Pudding switch is the way to go. With a bottom-out force of 48 grams, it strikes a great balance between smooth operation and tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for both typing and gaming. Furthermore, its compatibility with Wooting keyboards adds an extra layer of versatility for those looking to explore innovative features. In the end, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize an immersive sound experience and ease of pressing with the Elf, or a more robust and precise feel with the Rice Pudding.
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