HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Everglide Rice Pudding each offer unique attributes that can enhance your typing experience in different ways. The HMX Lotus (Heavy), classified as a linear switch, boasts a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g and a delightful, bright sound, providing a super bouncy feeling that brings joy to every keystroke. This switch is ideal for users who prefer a responsive, uninterrupted typing experience without the tactile bumps of other switch types. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding is a hall effect switch that combines smooth operation with a deep, pleasing sound, creating a balanced typing experience that is both satisfying and precise. Additionally, the Rice Pudding switches are fully compatible with Wooting's innovative keyboards, making them a prime choice for enthusiasts who value performance and versatility. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
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-staged spring
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches present an interesting study in contrasting housing materials that bridge both acoustics and aesthetics. The Lotus (Heavy) utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to absorb sound, producing a deeper and fuller auditory profile during typing. This softer plastic dampens vibrations more effectively than harder materials, yielding a sound that is both rounder and less harsh. In contrast, the Rice Pudding employs a polycarbonate top housing that delivers a sharper and more resonant sound profile, with its stiffer structure creating a higher-pitched audio experience. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making the Rice Pudding visually more appealing for RGB enthusiasts.
On the flip side, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a consistent sound quality across both models. The nylon material at the bottom results in a similar deep and full sound, as it absorbs sound waves and creates a duller bottom-out sound. This shared property signifies that while the top housings are distinctly different in terms of acoustics—one subdued and harmonious, the other bright and clear—the bottom housings create a cohesive auditory identity for both switches during key presses. Hence, regardless of the top housing's contrasting attributes, both switches will generate a complementary sound experience on bottoming out due to their identical bottom materials.
When it comes to overall key feel and sound, the combination of differing top housing materials with a shared nylon bottom effectively illustrates how variations in switch design can impact user experience. For users who prioritize deeper sound profiles, the Lotus (Heavy) excels with its nylon top, while those seeking a clearer sound may gravitate toward the Rice Pudding. Nevertheless, the nylon bottom housing provides a unifying element that ensures a consistent tactile and auditory experience when pressing down on either switch. The unique interplay between the two types of housings exemplifies how design choices can lead to diverse sensory outcomes—making each model appropriate for different user preferences while still maintaining a thread of commonality in their construction.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Lotus (Heavy) has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience that may appeal to users seeking a firmer key feel. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch features a much lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, where reduced strain is desirable. This means that the Rice Pudding is the lighter option among the two, while the Lotus (Heavy) is clearly the heavier choice. The differences in force can lead to varied experiences based on user preference, with those who favor a solid push likely leaning toward the Lotus and those who prioritize comfort and endurance potentially opting for the Rice Pudding.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch both feature a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which means they will provide a similar keypress experience in terms of depth when you press down on a key. This identical travel distance indicates that users can expect comparable tactile feedback and response when utilizing either switch, making them suitable options for those who prefer a consistent and balanced actuation point. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can anticipate similar results in their typing or gaming experience, leading to a versatile choice depending on additional characteristics outside travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus (Heavy) 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch produces a bright, resonant sound that adds an element of auditory feedback to the typing experience, potentially enhancing engagement with each keystroke. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is noted for its deeper sound profile, delivering a rich, balanced auditory experience that tends to be satisfying and precise. It's important to note that the acoustics of each switch can vary significantly based on numerous factors, including the choice of keyboard construction and keycap material, so both can deliver a distinct sound experience depending on the setup.
When it comes to feel, the Lotus (Heavy) switch is characterized by its medium-heavy actuation weight of 62.5g, offering a super bouncy sensation that makes each keystroke feel lively and dynamic. This switch is particularly appealing to those who prefer a heavier feel. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch focuses on providing smooth operation, creating a balanced typing experience that enhances both satisfaction and precision. While the Rice Pudding may not have the same bouncy quality as the Lotus, it makes up for it with its silky smoothness, creating a different but equally enjoyable tactile experience.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Everglide Rice Pudding switches offer unique and satisfying typing experiences, catering to different preferences. The Lotus excels with its bright sound and bouncy feel, ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate a lively touch, while the Rice Pudding offers a deeper auditory experience paired with smooth operation that balances precision with satisfaction. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize a heavier, more resonant keystroke or a smooth, deep-toned input.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switches and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switches, your specific needs and preferences will dictate the best option for you. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience that combines a tactile bounce with a bright and resonant sound, the Lotus (Heavy) is a fantastic choice. It excels in providing a pronounced feedback that enhances typing satisfaction, making it ideal for typists who want a bit more force behind their keystrokes and enjoy the dynamic sound it produces. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a more muted sound that still maintains a premium feel, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches should be your go-to. Their smooth operation and balanced typing experience cater well to both casual users and enthusiasts alike, particularly those who value versatility and seek the compatibility benefits with Wooting keyboards. In the end, your decision should hinge on how much weight you prefer under your fingers and the type of sound and feedback that resonates with your personal style.
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