HMX Gravel vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts are often faced with a multitude of options that cater to various preferences in typing feel and sound. The HMX Gravel, a linear switch, is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing experience, featuring a medium-light actuation force that allows for a responsive and effortless keystroke. This makes it an ideal option for those who prioritize speed and comfort during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is a hall effect switch that strikes a harmonious balance between smooth operation and a satisfying auditory experience, thanks to its deeper sound profile. Its versatility is enhanced by compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards, appealing to users who want a combination of performance and adaptability. Ultimately, while both switches have unique strengths that cater to different preferences, deciding which is best for you may require a closer inspection of their specific features and characteristics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Gravel and the Everglide Rice Pudding, we find that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings and nylon for their bottom housings. This similarity in materials leads to a comparable sound profile due to the unique characteristics of each material. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing is particularly significant, as it produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to greater resonance and clarity, which is especially beneficial for RGB lighting setups, as the translucent quality of polycarbonate allows light to shine through effectively. Thus, users of both switches can expect a vibrant visual as well as auditory experience when using RGB features.
On the flip side, the nylon bottom housing in both the Gravel and the Rice Pudding creates a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, effectively absorbs sound, which results in a more muted and rounder acoustical response. Therefore, while the top housing contributes clarity and brightness to the sound profile when a key is released, the nylon bottom housing enriches the auditory experience when the key bottoms out. This combination creates a balanced sound profile for both switches, where the impact of the bottom housing can be distinctly felt, particularly during typing, thus enhancing the overall typing experience.
Ultimately, both the HMX Gravel and Everglide Rice Pudding switches share similarities in their construction, with polycarbonate and nylon being used in both cases. This results in similar sound characteristics, where one housing adds clarity and the other imparts warmth. Users can expect a well-rounded auditory experience, blending the sharper tones from the polycarbonate top with the deeper notes from the nylon bottom housing. Therefore, despite the potential for distinct tactile experiences, the shared materials allow for a unified auditory result, making them appealing choices for keyboard enthusiasts seeking specific sound profiles.
Weight
The HMX Gravel linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, though both fall into the category of lighter switches. The Gravel switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Rice Pudding features an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. Consequently, the Rice Pudding switch requires less force to actuate, making it the lighter of the two options, which may benefit users looking for a keyboard that's easier on the fingers during extended use. In contrast, the Gravel switch, with a slightly higher actuation force, might give users a more substantial push feel while typing or gaming. While both switches have relatively close bottom out forces, the Gravel switch's higher actuation force makes it feel a bit heavier overall. Users who prefer a light touch would likely favor the Rice Pudding, while those desiring more feedback might lean toward the Gravel.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm, indicating that they provide an equivalent feel when pressing down on a key. Since their travel distances are identical, users can expect similar results in terms of key actuation and overall typing experience. This consistency in travel distance suggests that both switches can deliver a comparable level of tactile feedback, making them suitable choices for those who prefer a linear switch feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel 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 Gravel linear switch is known for its refined sound profile, generally producing a quieter operation that aligns well with other linear switches. While the specific sound qualities of the Gravel aren’t extensively detailed, its focus on smoothness implies a subtly subdued acoustic response. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch is characterized by a deeper sound, which contributes to a robust auditory experience during typing. This complementary sound could enhance the tactile experience for users who appreciate auditory feedback, especially in a setting designed for immersive typing.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Gravel switch offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience that is particularly sought after by keyboard enthusiasts. Its medium-light actuation force allows for an effortless typing motion, giving a sense of fluidity and comfort during long typing sessions. In comparison, the Rice Pudding switch also promotes smooth operation, but its design suggests an emphasis on a balanced tactile engagement, blending the sensation of smooth typing with a precise feedback mechanism. The Rice Pudding, while smooth as well, may evoke a different kind of satisfaction with its more pronounced interaction.
In conclusion, both the HMX Gravel and Everglide Rice Pudding switches cater to different preferences while ensuring high-quality performance in typing experience. The Gravel excels in providing a light and smooth experience with a quieter sound profile, suitable for users who prefer subtlety, while the Rice Pudding offers a deeper acoustic quality along with a balanced and precise typing feel. Whether you gravitate towards a quieter setup or a richer auditory experience, both switches guarantee satisfying results in their unique ways, with the final sound and feel also shaped by the keyboard construction and keycap choices.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between HMX Gravel linear switches and Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switches largely depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you're someone who prioritizes an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience, the Gravel switches may be your best option. They offer a light actuation force of 50 grams, making them easy to type on for extended periods without fatigue, while their smoothness ensures a satisfying feedback with every keystroke. This switch is particularly well-suited for those who engage in heavy typing or writing tasks and appreciate a seamless feel without any tactile interruptions.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a blend of smooth operation with auditory satisfaction, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches might be more appealing. With a slightly lighter actuation force of 48 grams, they offer a balanced experience that’s both precise and enjoyable. Furthermore, their unique sound profile adds an interesting dimension, making them a great choice for gamers and typists who enjoy a little auditory feedback with their keystrokes. Additionally, the Rice Pudding's compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards gives it an edge for those wanting versatility and enhanced performance in their setup.
Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a refined, smooth experience (Gravel) or a more balanced typing experience with appealing sound (Rice Pudding). Both switches are excellent choices, so consider your specific needs and preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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