HMX KD200 vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the HMX KD200 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, the HMX KD200 and the Everglide Rice Pudding stand out for their unique characteristics and distinct typing experiences. The KD200, a linear switch, is celebrated for its clacky sound profile, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy an audibly tactile experience while typing. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch offers a hall effect mechanism that combines a smooth operation with a satisfying, deep sound, creating a balanced typing experience that is both precise and enjoyable. The Rice Pudding switches are particularly favored by enthusiasts due to their full compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards, adding an extra layer of versatility and performance for gamers and typists alike. While both switches have their merits—whether you prefer the expressive acoustics of the KD200 or the refined feel of the Rice Pudding—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
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
Ly
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 HMX KD200 and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches demonstrate distinctly different approaches to housing materials that influence both their sound profiles and tactile feedback. The KD200 features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature. The sound absorbed by the nylon creates a rounder quality that many typists appreciate for its warm and muted auditory experience. In contrast, the Rice Pudding employs a polycarbonate top housing, offering a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate results in a resonant sound while also enhancing the switch's translucency—ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. This significant difference in the top housing materials alone establishes distinct auditory signatures between the two switches.
Interestingly, both switches share an identical material for their bottom housing, which is also nylon. This commonality allows them to provide similar tactile sensations and enhance the deeper, fuller sound profile that nylon is known for. When typing on either switch, the nylon bottom housing contributes substantially to the overall feel and bottom-out sound, fostering a consistently enjoyable typing experience. As the bottom housing characteristics are the same, users can expect a similar tactile feedback when bottoming out the keys—regardless of the differences in the top housing materials.
Ultimately, the sound profile of each switch will be a blend of the attributes of both top and bottom housings. While the KD200's nylon top promotes a more subdued sound quality, the Rice Pudding's polycarbonate top adds brightness and clarity. Depending on the typing experience you desire, each switch can cater to different preferences: choose the KD200 for a warmer, muted sound or the Rice Pudding for a sharper auditory response, although both will deliver similar tactile satisfaction at the key's lowest point due to their shared nylon bottom construction.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, we see some interesting differences and similarities. The KD200 features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Rice Pudding has a slightly lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This makes the Rice Pudding switch the lighter of the two, which may appeal to users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the KD200 provides a bit more resistance, attracting those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Despite these differences, both switches are classified as light, making them suitable for prolonged use without causing excessive fatigue. Overall, while both switches have relatively light forces, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is the lighter option in both actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that users will experience a similar key press depth when using either switch, providing a consistent tactile feedback and feel across both types. Since both switches share the same travel distance, users can expect to achieve comparable results regarding the responsiveness and actuation of their keyboard, making either a suitable choice for those seeking uniformity in key pressing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX KD200 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the KD200 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
The HMX KD200 linear switch stands out as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, producing a distinctive and pronounced sound profile that many typists may find engaging. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch offers a deeper sound with a smoothness that enhances the overall auditory experience. While the KD200’s sound is characterized by its louder, sharper clacks, the Rice Pudding provides a more balanced auditory experience that is satisfying yet not overwhelming, contributing to an enjoyable typing environment. However, it is essential to remember that sound is also influenced by the keyboard build and keycaps used, which means you may achieve a similar sound experience with both switches if paired with the right components.
Regarding feel, the KD200 switch is known for its linear switch characteristics, offering smooth key presses with minimal resistance, which can be pleasing for those who enjoy a lightweight typing experience. The Rice Pudding switch, while also linear, emphasizes a satisfying actuation point that combines smoothness with tactile feedback, resulting in a typing experience that is both precise and comfortable. Each switch caters to different preferences, with the KD200 appealing to those who favor a straightforward linear feel and the Rice Pudding offering an additional layer of interaction that might be favored by users looking for subtle tactile feedback in their keystrokes.
In summary, the HMX KD200 and Everglide Rice Pudding switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. With the KD200 providing a clackier sound and standard linear feel, and the Rice Pudding delivering a deeper tone accompanied by a satisfying actuation, both switches are solid choices for different reasons. Ultimately, selecting between them will depend on your personal tastes, but each switch offers a unique combination of sound and feel that can enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, your decision should hinge on your personal preferences for sound and feel in addition to your intended use case. If you appreciate a clackier sound profile and are looking for a playful typing experience, the KD200's playful acoustic feedback can add an engaging element to your typing sessions. It's particularly suitable for those who enjoy a bit of auditory excitement with each keystroke, making it a great fit for gaming and casual typing where sound plays a role in your enjoyment. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more refined experience with a deep, rich sound, the Rice Pudding switch is ideal. Its combination of a soft touch and precise feedback makes it an excellent choice for professionals and enthusiasts who value a quiet yet satisfying typing experience, especially in environments where reduced noise is paramount. Moreover, if you are interested in utilizing advanced features on compatible keyboards, the Rice Pudding's hall effect technology adds versatility that the KD200 lacks. Ultimately, your choice will depend on the balance you seek between sound, feel, and functional compatibility.
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