HMX EVA vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the HMX EVA 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 EVA and the Everglide Rice Pudding offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The HMX EVA, inspired by the vibrant colors of Evangelion Unit-01, is a linear switch renowned for its silky smooth typing feel and resonant sound signature, making it ideal for those who appreciate a seamless and quiet keystroke. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch employs hall effect technology, delivering a satisfying blend of smooth operation and a deep sound that ensures a balanced and precise typing experience. Furthermore, the Rice Pudding switches boast compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards, appealing to enthusiasts who prioritize performance and versatility. Each switch has its unique charm and benefits, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
T2
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-stage spring
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX EVA and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches exhibit both similarities and differences that influence their auditory and tactile characteristics. Both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, which is known to provide a deeper and fuller sound profile. This shared material helps create a duller acoustic quality, appealing to users who prefer a softer and more muted keystroke sound. In contrast, the top housing of the EVA is made from nylon, while the Rice Pudding employs polycarbonate, leading to distinct differences in their sound profiles. The EVA emits a fuller, rounder sound due to the softer nylon housing, whereas the polycarbonate used in the Rice Pudding allows for a crispier and more resonant auditory experience, making the typing sounds sharper and higher-pitched.
When examining the impact of each material on the overall typing experience, it becomes evident that the contrasting materials in the top housing play a significant role. The nylon top housing of the EVA contributes to its acoustic softness, making it ideal for users who are searching for a more subdued auditory experience. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Rice Pudding adds a clarity that can enhance the tactile feedback during typing, particularly when using RGB lighting. This translucency is not only functional in showcasing RGB effects but also allows for a more vibrant sound profile, positioning the Rice Pudding as a choice for those who appreciate visual aesthetics in conjunction with sound clarity.
Overall, while the bottom housings of both switches share the same nylon material, significantly affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, their top housings distinctly differentiate their auditory characteristics. Users seeking a balanced auditory experience may find the EVA to be a preferable choice because of its cohesive softer profile. Conversely, those who prioritize sound clarity and exhibit a preference for brighter keystrokes would likely gravitate towards the Everglide Rice Pudding due to its unique polycarbonate top housing. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that the relationship between top and bottom housing materials means that both switches will still produce satisfying experiences, albeit through their distinct tonal qualities.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX EVA linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, both options present light characteristics but differ slightly in their actuation forces. The EVA switch requires an actuation force of 42 grams and has a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Rice Pudding switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 38 grams, with the same bottom out force of 48 grams. Therefore, users of the Rice Pudding switch will enjoy a lighter and easier typing experience, which can be beneficial during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the heavier actuation force of the EVA switch provides a more substantial feel, which some users may prefer for tactile feedback. Despite the differences in actuation forces, both switches share the same bottom out force, ensuring that the overall key travel experience remains consistent when fully pressed.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX EVA linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, we find that the EVA measures 3.6 mm, while the Rice Pudding has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that although both switches offer relatively short travel distances—appealing for gamers seeking rapid response times—the EVA provides a bit more depth for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Essentially, players looking for quicker actuation might lean towards the Rice Pudding due to its shorter distance, while those who appreciate a noticeable travel depth may prefer the EVA. Overall, the EVA offers a more traditional experience, surpassing the Rice Pudding by a mere 0.1 mm, making it the longer option between the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EVA has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EVA 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
The HMX EVA linear switch is characterized by a resonant sound signature that adds a unique auditory dimension to the typing experience. It provides an engaging acoustic profile that captures the attention without being overly disruptive. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch delivers a deep sound that strikes a balance between pleasant and purposeful. This provides a satisfying auditory feedback that complements its functional design. Both switches may possess unique sound qualities, but the overall auditory experience will ultimately depend on individual keyboard builds, including choice of board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the HMX EVA switch is known for its silky smooth typing experience, which many typists appreciate for its seamless operation across the keypress. This smooth action allows for rapid typing without catch or resistance. On the other hand, the Rice Pudding switch emphasizes a perfect blend of smooth operation and a responsive feel, ensuring that each keystroke is both delightful and precise. While both switches aim for a smooth typing experience, the Rice Pudding may offer a more nuanced tactile feedback that some may find enhances their overall typing performance.
In summary, both the HMX EVA and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches present appealing sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The EVA's resonant sound and silky smooth feel contrast with the deep sound and highly responsive nature of the Rice Pudding. However, both switches are crafted to enhance the typing experience, with the subtle distinctions in audio and tactile feedback allowing users to choose according to their personal taste. Ultimately, opting for either switch will yield a satisfying experience, particularly for enthusiasts who prioritize sound and feel in their keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX EVA linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch largely depends on your individual preferences and intended use. If you are drawn to a uniquely styled switch that offers a resonant sound signature and a silky smooth typing experience, the HMX EVA is a fantastic choice—especially if you appreciate the aesthetics inspired by Evangelion Unit-01. This switch is particularly suited for those who prioritize a smooth typing experience and enjoy the distinct auditory feedback that comes with it. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that combines smooth operation with a deep, satisfying sound while also being fully compatible with innovative keyboards like Wooting's, the Everglide Rice Pudding is the way to go. This switch provides a balanced typing experience, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts who seek versatility and performance in their mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal typing style and what you value most in a mechanical switch—whether it be aesthetic appeal, sound quality, or compatibility with advanced keyboard features.
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