HMX Gravel vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves debating the merits of different types. The HMX Gravel, a linear switch, is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, making it an ideal choice for those who seek a responsive and effortless typing experience. With a medium-light actuation force that emphasizes ease of use, the Gravel provides a satisfying tactile experience without the clicky noise often associated with other switch types. On the other hand, Everglide's Sticky Rice (V2), a hall effect switch, is revered for its balanced typing feel and distinctive "thock" sound signature—an auditory delight for many keyboard aficionados. Thanks to its super smooth keystroke and dustproof stem, the Sticky Rice (V2) minimizes wobble and enhances overall performance, catering to those fond of a refined tactile sensation. Both switches offer unique advantages: the HMX Gravel for those who prioritize smooth linear movement and the Sticky Rice (V2) for enthusiasts who appreciate a blend of tactile feedback and sound. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Gravel and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches share a commonality in their top housing material, both utilizing polycarbonate. This material's inherent properties contribute to a sound profile characterized by sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper acoustics. The stiffness of polycarbonate plays a significant role in enhancing clarity and resonance, ensuring that both switches deliver a vibrant auditory experience. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate serves practical and aesthetic purposes, particularly for RGB lighting, making both switches visually appealing to those who value illuminated setups.
In contrast, the bottom housing compositions of the Gravel and Sticky Rice (V2) switches differ in their sound absorption characteristics due to the use of nylon in both cases. Nylon is recognized as a classic switch housing material, celebrated for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer nature allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and more subdued auditory experience. Consequently, when a user types on either switch, the qualities attributed to the nylon bottom housing invoke a different tactile sensation and overall sound under typing, as the bottom-out sound will be notably influenced by the nylon's acoustic properties.
By combining polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, both the HMX Gravel and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches present a unique blend of auditory and tactile sensations. Each switch can provide a cohesive sound profile by balancing the crispness of the polycarbonate top when the key is released with the deeper tones derived from the nylon bottom during keypresses. Thus, users looking to achieve a similar sound experience with both switches will find that each housing material enhances specific aspects of the overall acoustic performance, culminating in a rich typing experience that embodies the best qualities of both materials.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, we see that both provide a light typing experience, ideal for users who prioritize comfort during extended use. The Gravel switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Sticky Rice (V2) requires a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams, with the same bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Sticky Rice (V2) the lighter option in terms of actuation force, providing a slightly softer feel upon activation. Both switches have the same bottom out force, meaning that once pressed down completely, they will offer a similar resistance at the end of the keystroke. Users who prefer a lighter touch for long typing sessions would gravitate towards the Sticky Rice (V2), while those who enjoy a bit more resistance may find the Gravel linear switch to be more suitable. Overall, each switch caters to different preferences while maintaining similar characteristics in bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch feature the same travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning that users will experience an identical amount of key press from the top to the bottom of the switch. This similarity in travel distance suggests that both switches will provide comparable tactile feedback and overall typing experience, making them suitable options for those who prefer a consistent key press sensation. As such, whether you choose the Gravel or the Sticky Rice (V2), you can expect similar results in terms of how far down the key travels when pressed.
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 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 Gravel linear switch is known for its smooth operation, though specific auditory qualities are less defined, leaving some aspects of its acoustic profile unknown. The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), on the other hand, is characterized by a neutral sound signature that evokes the "thock" sound that many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts crave. The sound produced by the Sticky Rice switches tends to offer a satisfying auditory feedback, enhancing the overall typing experience for users while still maintaining a level of discretion that appeals to those who prefer quieter switches.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the HMX Gravel is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and medium-light actuation force, making each keystroke feel responsive and effortless, which is particularly appealing for long typing sessions. The Sticky Rice (V2), with its super smooth keystroke bolstered by a dustproof stem to minimize wobble, also aims to deliver a refined tactile sensation. This ensures that both switches cater to the desire for a high-quality typing experience, though the Gravel leans more towards a lighter, more delicate feel, while the Sticky Rice (V2) focuses on a balanced and stable keypress.
In conclusion, both the HMX Gravel and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches offer excellent choices for enthusiasts, each excelling in their respective domains. The Gravel's lightweight and smooth typing experience contrasts with the Sticky Rice’s thocky sound and stable feel. While their sound characteristics may differ, both provide a refined typing experience, appealing to users who value a seamless keystroke. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feel, as each delivers a quality that can lead to satisfying results in a mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound. If you value an exceptionally smooth and responsive typing feel, and you're looking for a switch that leans towards the lighter side with a refined touch, the Gravel is an excellent option. It's particularly suited for long typing sessions, allowing you to effortlessly glide from key to key without excessive force. On the other hand, if you're drawn to the nuanced "thock" sound and appreciate a bit of a tactile sensation while typing, the Sticky Rice (V2) could be your go-to. This switch not only offers a super smooth keystroke but also provides a satisfying acoustic profile that many enthusiasts crave. In essence, if smoothness and light actuation with a subtle sound profile are your priorities, go for the Gravel. However, if you seek balanced performance with additional auditory feedback, you’ll find the Sticky Rice (V2) to be more rewarding.
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