HMX EMO vs. Everglide Rice Pudding

Overview

When choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the distinct benefits of linear and hall effect switches, exemplified by the HMX EMO and the Everglide Rice Pudding. The HMX EMO switch is celebrated for its lively, clacky feel and feather-light 46g bottom-out force, allowing for an effortless and bouncy typing experience that many users find exceptionally satisfying. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches present a harmonious blend of smooth operation and a rich, deep sound, offering a balanced typing experience that prioritizes precision and responsiveness. Additionally, the Rice Pudding switches are compatible with Wooting's innovative keyboards, appealing to enthusiasts who seek performance and versatility. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences and needs in the mechanical keyboard landscape; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX EMO Linear

Everglide Rice Pudding Hall Effect

$3.49

$2.79 per 10

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX EMO and Everglide Rice Pudding switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a distinctly high-pitched and crisp sound profile. This choice in material contributes to the clarity and resonance of the sound produced, allowing for an enjoyable auditory experience when typing. Additionally, the polycarbonate's translucency enhances the aesthetic appeal of these switches, particularly for users who incorporate RGB lighting into their setups. Since both switches share this top housing material, users can expect a similar sound response and visual impact when utilizing these switches, making them ideal candidates for standardization in both sound and look for customizable keyboard enthusiasts.

In contrast, the bottom housings of the HMX EMO and Everglide Rice Pudding switches are both made from nylon. This material choice leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics like polycarbonate. When typing on these switches, users can anticipate a rounder and more muted sound, which adds a layer of richness to the overall auditory experience. The sonic qualities of the nylon bottom housing stand in sharp contrast to the crispness of the polycarbonate top, creating a balanced interaction where the high pitch of the release phase complements the deep thump of the bottom-out sound.

Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in these switches results in a unique and harmonious sound experience. The sharpness of the polycarbonate top housing is tempered by the fuller sound produced by the nylon bottom housing, allowing for a well-rounded auditory profile that appeals to various preferences. As both switches share this material framework, users can expect consistent results when comparing their typing experiences, combining the benefits of clarity from the top with warmth from the bottom. This shared material use ensures that both the HMX EMO and Everglide Rice Pudding deliver reliable and enjoyable performance across different typing scenarios.

Weight

The HMX EMO linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch both exhibit light actuation forces, with the EMO requiring 40 grams to actuate a keystroke and the Rice Pudding needing slightly less at 38 grams. This means that the Rice Pudding switch offers an even lighter touch, which may benefit users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience for extended periods, whether at work or during long gaming sessions. However, when it comes to bottom out forces, the EMO has a slightly lower bottom out force of 46 grams compared to the Rice Pudding's 48 grams. This indicates that while both switches are on the lighter side, the EMO provides a marginally softer landing, potentially appealing to those who seek a smoother feel when bottoming out. In summary, while both switches are relatively light, the Rice Pudding is the lighter option overall, and the EMO offers a softer bottoming experience.

Travel distance

The HMX EMO linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch both feature a travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning that users will experience identical key travel when pressing down on these switches. This equal travel distance ensures that both switches offer a comparable typing experience in terms of how far the key must be pressed to register a keystroke. Consequently, individuals looking for consistent feedback and performance will find similar results with either switch, regardless of their construction differences or underlying technologies.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX EMO linear switch is known for its lively, clacky auditory profile that adds a delightful character to each keystroke, while the Everglide Rice Pudding switch contributes a deeper, more resonant tone that lends itself to a satisfying acoustic backdrop. Both switches deliver an engaging auditory experience that can enhance typing enjoyment, though the EMO may provide a more pronounced sound that some may prefer, while others might lean toward the Rice Pudding’s pleasing depth. It's important to note that the overall sound produced can also vary significantly depending on the keyboard chassis and keycap materials used.

When considering the feel, the HMX EMO switch stands out with its feather-light 46g bottom-out force, resulting in an effortless, bouncy tactile experience that feels smooth and satisfying. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switches strike a balance between smooth operation and precision, providing a consistent typing experience that encourages accuracy. While both switches aim for uniformity in feel, the EMO leans towards a noticeably lighter and more buoyant sensation, making it particularly attractive for users who enjoy a quick and lively typing rhythm, whereas the Rice Pudding may appeal more to those who prefer stability and control.

Ultimately, both the HMX EMO and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches offer unique subjective qualities, catering to different typing preferences. The EMO’s lively sound and feather-light feel contrast with the Rice Pudding’s deep sound and balanced typing experience. Choosing between them boils down to personal preference, making it worth testing both types to determine which characteristics resonate more with your style of typing.

Conclusion

In summary, the choice between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use. If you're someone who enjoys a typing experience that's lively and bouncy, with an effortless feel, the EMO switch's feather-light 46g bottom-out force will likely satisfy you. Its factory lubrication enhances the smoothness of the keystrokes, making it ideal for those who prioritize a quick and responsive touch for gaming or fast-paced typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a balance of smooth operation and a satisfying auditory experience, the Rice Pudding switch, with its slightly heavier 48g bottom-out force, is a great choice. Its deep sound profile and precision make it well-suited for more deliberate typing tasks, and its compatibility with Wooting keyboards adds versatility for enthusiasts. Therefore, consider what aspects are most important in your keyboard experience—whether it's the lively feedback of the EMO or the rich, precise feel of the Rice Pudding—and choose accordingly to enhance your typing journey.

Mentioned in this article

HMX EMO Linear

$3.49

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Rice Pudding Hall Effect

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn more