HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) stand out as two intriguing options, each catering to different preferences and typing styles. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) is characterized by its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g and delivers a vibrant, resonant sound that infuses each keystroke with a delightful bouncy sensation. This linear switch is perfect for those who enjoy a smooth, direct connection to their commands without any tactile interruptions. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) employs hall effect technology, offering a balanced typing experience heightened by its smooth keystroke and neutral sound signature that resonates with the desired “thock” that aficionados often seek. The dustproof stem minimizes wobble, catering to users who prefer a refined tactile sensation while maintaining a satisfying feel. While the Lotus excels in delivering a vibrant and bouncy typing experience, the Sticky Rice offers a more balanced approach with tactile smoothness. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), the key distinction lies in the top housing material used for each switch. The Lotus (Heavy) features a nylon top housing, known for its softer texture, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic is attributed to nylon's ability to absorb sound, resulting in a more muted auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that offers a crisper, higher-pitched, and sharper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a more resonant sound, making it particularly appealing to users who prefer a clearer auditory feedback during typing. Thus, while both switches have different top housings, they cater to varying sound preferences, potentially attracting different user groups based on acoustic preferences.
Moving to the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, which creates a consistency in the acoustic experience on the lower end. The nylon bottom housing found in both the Lotus (Heavy) and the Sticky Rice (V2) maintains the same deeper and fuller sound profile. This uniformity in the bottom housing contributes to a more cohesive sound, irrespective of the differences presented by the top housings. As the bottom housing is more influential in determining the feel and sound when bottoming out a key, users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing the switches down, regardless of the top housing material. Therefore, the impacted sound characteristics during key presses will be similar in both switches due to their shared bottom housing composition.
In essence, the differences in the sound profiles between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) arise primarily from their respective top housing materials—nylon versus polycarbonate. However, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing equalizes the experience during key presses, offering a rich auditory sensation that appeals to those who prefer a muted bottom-out sound. If users appreciate the characteristics of softer materials for their sound and tactile feedback, they may find value in both switches despite their differing top housings. Therefore, individuals who enjoy a deeper sound can still achieve a satisfying typing experience on either model due to the complementary nature of the bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lotus (Heavy) has a firmer actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, making it a medium-weight option that may be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, appealing to those who favor a softer touch while typing, which can be beneficial for extended use, such as during long work sessions or gaming marathons. The difference in actuation forces, with the Lotus requiring more effort to actuate, highlights the contrasting experiences each switch offers—heavier for the Lotus and lighter for the Sticky Rice. Overall, the choice between the two will largely depend on individual preference for either a heavier, more tactile feel or a lighter, more effortless typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch feature a travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning that they provide an identical experience in terms of the distance traveled when pressing down on a key. As a result, users can expect similar tactile feedback and actuation feel when using either switch, which can contribute to consistent typing performance across different setups. Since both switches share the same travel distance, users may find themselves equally comfortable regardless of which switch they choose, highlighting a commonality in their design that promotes a familiar sense of keypress engagement.
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 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 Lotus (Heavy) linear switch is characterized by a bright, resonant sound that adds an engaging auditory element to the typing experience. This lively sound can provide a sense of feedback and energy, making each keystroke feel more lively and dynamic. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch features a neutral sound signature, described as hinting at the coveted "thock" that enthusiasts often seek. This deeper, muted sound can create an atmosphere of solidity and satisfaction with each key press. While both switches can differ significantly in their auditory signatures, ultimately, the sound experience may also be influenced by the choice of keyboard build and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) offers a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, which contributes to a lively and bouncy typing experience that many will find delightful. This feedback not only makes typing feel satisfying but can also enhance accuracy. Conversely, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is engineered for a super smooth keystroke, thanks to its dustproof stem that minimizes wobble. This refined tactile sensation allows for a more controlled and precise keystroke feel, which is ideal for those who appreciate a more polished typing experience. While the Lotus switch's bounciness brings a lively element, the Sticky Rice's smoothness delivers an elegant typing touch.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Lotus switch provides a bright and resonant auditory experience with a bouncy keystroke, while the Sticky Rice offers softer "thock" sounds paired with extremely smooth keystrokes. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal taste: if you prefer a lively typing sound and feel, the Lotus might be your go-to, while those seeking a quieter, smoother typing experience may lean towards the Sticky Rice.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy switch that provides a bouncy and tactile sensation with a bright, resonant sound, the Lotus (Heavy) is an excellent choice for you. Its 62.5g bottom-out force gives you the feedback that many heavy-handed typists enjoy, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter, more effortless keystroke experience, the Sticky Rice (V2) may be more up your alley. With a bottom-out force of 50g, it offers a super smooth and refined feeling that minimizes wobble, combining a neutral sound hallmarking the 'thock' enthusiasts crave. If you value smoothness and a balanced typing experience, especially for long typing sessions or casual gaming, the Sticky Rice (V2) will likely satisfy your needs. In the end, both switches cater to different desires, so consider what aspects of a keyboard you find most enjoyable and let that guide your decision.
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