HMX Macchiato vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, preferences vary greatly among typists and gamers. The HMX Macchiato switch, developed by YG Studio, stands out in the linear category for its silky smooth typing experience and bright sound profile, making it an attractive choice for users who prioritize a quiet yet responsive feel. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch, classified as a hall effect switch, offers a unique combination of smooth operation and a deep sound, providing a balanced typing experience that appeals to those who enjoy a tactile and precise response. Furthermore, the Rice Pudding's compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards enhances its appeal amongst enthusiasts looking for both performance and versatility. With their distinct characteristics, each switch presents compelling reasons to choose them based on your personal typing style and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Macchiato and the Everglide Rice Pudding in terms of their housing materials, a notable contrast emerges in their top housings. The Macchiato leverages nylon for its top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer texture. This results in an absorption of sound, creating a duller and rounder auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Rice Pudding utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, leading to a sharper and more resonant sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness allows for a clearer, high-pitched sound, making it particularly beneficial in environments where RGB lighting is employed, as its translucency enhances visual effects. Thus, while both switches may function well, their sound characteristics differ significantly based on the material composition of their top housings.
Examining the bottom housings of both the HMX Macchiato and the Everglide Rice Pudding reveals an interesting similarity. Both feature nylon in their bottom housings, which plays a crucial role in sound profile creation. This consistency in material means that both switches will provide a deeper and fuller feel in terms of sound due to the nylon's absorption capabilities. When typing, this shared bottom housing material will foster a similar auditory experience between the two switches, offering a dull and rounded resonance regardless of the variance in their top housings. Therefore, while users can expect distinct sound profiles from the top housing, the bottom housing ensures that the foundational typing experience remains aligned.
Ultimately, the integrated effects of both the top and bottom housings culminate in the overall typing experience provided by each switch. With the Macchiato’s nylon top housing contributing warmth and depth, and the Rice Pudding’s polycarbonate top enhancing brightness and clarity, the characteristics from each complement the nylon bottom housing to craft unique sound profiles. The perceptual division between the two switches emphasizes that it is not merely the materials alone but their interactions that dictate the resulting sound and feel. Hence, users might prefer one switch over the other based on their sound preferences, but both will deliver quality performance, with the nylon bottom housing acting as a common grounding factor.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, both options present light switch characteristics, but there are notable differences in their force specifications. The Macchiato has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Rice Pudding features a slightly lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Rice Pudding would be the better option, as it requires less force to register a keystroke and to bottom out. Conversely, the Macchiato, with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces, would appeal to those who prefer a more substantial push feel. Both switches being light can help reduce fatigue during extended typing sessions, but the Rice Pudding enables an even more effortless typing experience. Overall, while both switches cater to users looking for lighter options, the Rice Pudding stands out as the lighter of the two.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, the HMX Macchiato features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Rice Pudding has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Consequently, those who favor a more responsive feel might prefer the Rice Pudding, as its shorter travel can offer quicker actuation, which is particularly appealing for gaming. On the other hand, the Macchiato's 4 mm travel distance provides a deeper and more substantial keystroke, catering to users who enjoy a hearty depth in their typing experience. Therefore, if you lean towards a quicker response, the Everglide Rice Pudding would be the better choice, while the HMX Macchiato would be ideal for those who appreciate more depth in their switch engagement.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Macchiato has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Macchiato 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
The HMX Macchiato linear switch is renowned for its bright sound profile that complements its silky smooth operation, making it an enjoyable experience for typists who appreciate auditory feedback. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch delivers a deeper sound that is both satisfying and precise, providing a reliable auditory cue with each keystroke. Both switches can offer pleasing sound experiences, but the Macchiato tends to be brighter while the Rice Pudding is characterized by its well-rounded, deeper tone. Ultimately, the sound of either switch can vary significantly based on the keyboard and keycap combination used, influencing how they perform in different setups.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Macchiato stands out with its exceptionally smooth action, promoting a seamless glide that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is designed to offer a balanced typing experience, which may include a more deliberate resistance that some typists find refreshing and enjoyable. While both switches aim for a smooth experience, the Macchiato’s silky feel contrasts with the Rice Pudding’s potentially more tactile and precise feedback, appealing to different preferences among users.
In summary, the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch present unique qualities that cater to varying preferences in sound and feel. The Macchiato offers a bright sound and ultra-smooth operation, while the Rice Pudding provides deeper acoustics alongside a satisfying and precise typing experience. When selecting between these two options, personal preference plays an essential role, yet both switches promise an enjoyable typing experience adaptable to various setups and styles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, your preferences and usage scenario play a crucial role. If you are someone who enjoys a silky smooth typing experience complemented by a bright sound profile, the HMX Macchiato would be your ideal choice. Its lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams makes it particularly appealing for those who prefer a more effortless keystroke, which can enhance typing speed during long sessions. On the other hand, if you value a satisfying and precise feedback with a deep sound, the Everglide Rice Pudding may be more in line with your needs. With a slightly lighter bottom-out force of 48 grams, it also offers a balanced typing experience and is highly compatible with innovative keyboards like those from Wooting. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a lively auditory experience with the Macchiato or a versatile and performance-oriented option with the Rice Pudding. The right choice will enhance your overall keyboard experience, so consider what aspects matter most to you.
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