HMX Lucky vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, two notable options that stand out are the HMX Lucky, a linear switch, and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), a hall effect switch. The HMX Lucky is celebrated for its softer and glittery nylon housings, delivering a lightweight and neutral typing experience that many find genuinely satisfying. Its smooth keystrokes offer a combination of speed and comfort, making it ideal for users who prefer a fast-paced, uninterrupted typing rhythm. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is renowned for its balanced typing feel and neutral sound profile that incorporates the coveted "thock" that enthusiasts love. Its dustproof stem minimizes wobble, resulting in a super smooth keystroke, catering to those who seek a refined tactile sensation without any loss of performance. Ultimately, each switch embodies distinct qualities tailored to different preferences—whether you value a lightweight touch or a rich, acoustic experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 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 double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Lucky and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switch housings present an interesting contrast in materials, specifically in their top housings. The Lucky utilizes a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's properties as a softer plastic allow it to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a sound that is duller yet rounder. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. Thus, while both switches can deliver excellent performance, the overall sound experience diverges significantly due to the differing properties of the materials used in their top housings.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, however, we observe a similarity. Both the HMX Lucky and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) are crafted with nylon for their bottom housings, which serves to create a fuller sound profile. The use of nylon in this section ensures that the tactile feedback and sound produced during a key press maintain a consistency that fans of deeper audio experiences will appreciate. This shared characteristic means that, regardless of the differing effects of the top material, the sound experience when reaching the bottom of the switch will feel more aligned, as both focus on a subdued and round sound profile. Consequently, users of either switch will find a compatible feel and sound when typing, given the nylon foundation in both cases.
Ultimately, the unique combination of housing materials in the HMX Lucky and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) results in an intricate balance during operation. The contrasting top housing materials provide distinct auditory experiences, where the Lucky favors a deeper sound and the Sticky Rice offers a sharper tone. However, since both houses have a nylon bottom, the overall typing experience converges at that point, resulting in a richer and fuller sound when pressing keys to their ultimate point. This means that users can achieve a balanced typing experience with pronounced auditory characteristics, even amidst the differences in sound profiles generated by the top housings. In summary, while the materials create a unique diversity in sound, the nylon components ensure a unified experience when bottoming out the switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, we find that both switches are on the lighter side, although the Sticky Rice (V2) is slightly heavier. The Lucky switch has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the Sticky Rice (V2) requires an actuation force of 40 grams and bottoms out at 50 grams. This means that while both switches can accommodate long typing sessions without causing too much strain, the Lucky switch offers a lighter touch, which could be preferable for those who favor a more effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Sticky Rice (V2) provides a slightly firmer feel, making it suitable for users who appreciate a more substantial push during their keystrokes. Thus, if a user prefers a lighter switch for longer durations, the HMX Lucky may be the better choice, whereas those seeking a more robust typing sensation might lean towards the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2).
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, it is clear that the HMX Lucky features a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm, whereas the Sticky Rice (V2) has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm highlights the unique characteristics of each switch; the Lucky's greater travel distance may provide a richer tactile experience that some users prefer for typing, as it offers a more pronounced depth with each keystroke. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2), with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, allowing for faster actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences, with the Lucky being better suited for those who enjoy a more substantial key feel, while the Sticky Rice (V2) appeals to those prioritizing speed and quick execution.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky 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
The HMX Lucky linear switch is renowned for its softer, glittery nylon housing, producing a sound profile that is likely neutral and pleasing, although specific auditory characteristics are not provided. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is described as offering a neutral sound signature that subtly hints at the desired "thock" sound that many enthusiasts seek. This suggests the Lucky switch may produce a comparably soft and pleasant auditory experience, although the specifics of its acoustic performance remain undisclosed. Ultimately, while both switches aim for a balanced sound profile, the Sticky Rice (V2) seems to cater to those who appreciate a more defined auditory feedback.
When it comes to the feel of each switch, the Lucky delivers a lightweight and deeply satisfying typing experience. This implies a level of ease and comfort that can be conducive to prolonged use. Conversely, the Sticky Rice (V2) is characterized by its super smooth keystroke, attributed to a dustproof stem that minimizes wobble and enhances performance. This suggests a refined tactile sensation, promoting a satisfying typing experience without sacrificing responsiveness. While both switches emphasize smoothness and satisfaction in their feel, the emphasis on the dustproof feature in the Sticky Rice may provide an edge in durability and consistent performance.
In summary, both the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch cater to users seeking a neutral and pleasant typing experience, both in terms of sound and feel. The Lucky switch's lightweight nature might appeal to those who prefer a softer keystroke, while the Sticky Rice (V2) offers enhanced performance through its dustproof design and a subtle auditory definition. Ultimately, either choice promises a desirable typing experience for newcomers and enthusiasts alike, with each switch presenting its unique take on smoothness and satisfaction.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter touch, the HMX Lucky, with its 43g bottom-out force and softer nylon housing, provides a delightful and satisfying typing experience that's ideal for those who appreciate a light and neutral feel without excess resistance. This switch is particularly well-suited for casual typing or gamers who prefer faster actuation with less force, allowing for a more effortless keystroke. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a slightly heavier keystroke and a more refined tactile experience, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), with its 50g bottom-out force, would be an excellent choice. Its balanced typing experience, characterized by a smooth keystroke and desirable "thock" sound signature, caters well to enthusiasts who enjoy a more pronounced audio feedback along with minimal wobble. This switch offers a degree of stability that can enhance both productivity and gaming performance, making it especially appealing for users who appreciate a tactile sensation combined with subtle auditory satisfaction. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prioritize a lightweight and effortless typing experience or a balanced, refined feel with engaging sound.
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