HMX Perky vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the HMX Perky and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Perky linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch present unique advantages tailored to different typing preferences. The HMX Perky boasts softer, glittery nylon housings that contribute to a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience, characterized by its shorter travel distance that facilitates a more condensed keystroke. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches are known for their smooth operation and rich auditory feedback, providing a balanced and precise typing experience. Additionally, the compatibility of Rice Pudding switches with Wooting's innovative keyboards positions them as a top choice for enthusiasts seeking both performance and versatility. While the Perky is perfect for those who prioritize a quick and effortless typing experience, the Rice Pudding caters to users who appreciate tactile feedback and sound. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T2
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 extended single-stage spring
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Perky and the Everglide Rice Pudding, it becomes apparent that the top and bottom housings of each switch exhibit distinct characteristics. The Perky’s top housing is constructed from nylon, a material renowned for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This softer plastic effectively absorbs sound, contributing to a rounder acoustic quality when typing. In contrast, the Rice Pudding employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate results in greater resonance, thus creating a clearer sound when keys are released. Therefore, the choice of material influences the auditory experience, as users can expect different auditory feedback depending on which switch they are using.
While the top housings of the Perky and Rice Pudding differ significantly, a noteworthy similarity exists in their bottom housings. Both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, leading to a consistent experience in terms of sound profile and feel. This shared use of nylon means that both switches deliver a deeper and fuller sound during bottoming out, as the softer material absorbs sound more effectively than harder alternatives. Consequently, users will experience a consistent auditory quality when pressing down, regardless of the top housing material. In this regard, the Perky and Rice Pudding can deliver similar tactile responses even with their divergent top housings.
The overall sound profile of these two switches will essentially be a blend of their respective top and bottom housing materials. The HMX Perky, with its nylon top and bottom housings, maintains a deep and rounded auditory characteristic throughout. Meanwhile, the Everglide Rice Pudding, while introducing more clarity and sharpness through its polycarbonate top housing, retains the nylon bottom’s fullness during actuation. The different combinations effectively split the characteristics between the two sections of the switches—where the nylon bottom influences the bottom-out sound, and the polycarbonate top accentuates the release sound. Thus, while the switches differ in certain aspects, they ultimately provide distinct yet complementary typing experiences, catering to a range of preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The HMX Perky linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch both feature relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for users who prefer less resistance in their typing experience. The Perky has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Rice Pudding comes in even lighter, with an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This indicates that the Rice Pudding switch requires less force to actuate and bottom out compared to the Perky, making it the lighter option overall. For those looking for a switch that allows for extended typing or gaming sessions without fatigue, the smaller forces of both switches could provide a similar, comfortable experience, albeit with the Rice Pudding offering slightly less effort required. Ultimately, if someone prefers a more substantial feel while typing, they might lean towards the Perky due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HMX Perky linear switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference of just 0.1 mm places the Perky as the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times and a more responsive feel. Conversely, the Rice Pudding’s greater travel distance may offer a more gradual and satisfying depth for those who prefer a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference, as both distances are relatively close, allowing users to enjoy a similar overall typing experience while catering to different tactile experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky 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 Perky linear switch is known for its softer and more muted acoustic profile, offering a typing experience that is pleasant and unobtrusive. This subtle sound signature makes it suitable for quiet environments or shared spaces where noise might be an issue. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch generates a deeper, more resonant sound that is satisfying for enthusiasts who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. The richer tonal quality of the Rice Pudding can enhance the overall experience, though it’s important to remember that the final sound will still depend heavily on the chosen keyboard case and keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the Perky switch provides a condensed and neutral typing experience due to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for users who prefer quick and efficient keystrokes without the need for excessive travel. This can be particularly beneficial for fast typists or gamers seeking rapid responses. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch offers smooth operation complemented by a balanced feel, allowing for precision with every keystroke. This balance contributes to a typing experience that feels both satisfying and purposeful, appealing to those who appreciate a tactile feedback sensation during their interactions.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Perky linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch cater to different preferences, they each provide distinctive qualities worth considering. The Perky switches are perfect for users seeking a softer, more condensed typing experience, complemented by a quieter sound profile. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switches excel with their deeper sound and smooth operation, appealing to those who desire precision and a more pronounced auditory feedback. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, you can choose either switch to tailor your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when considering whether to choose the HMX Perky linear switch or the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, your personal preferences and usage scenarios will play significant roles. If you value a softer, more condensed typing experience with a satisfying feel and don’t mind a slightly more playful aesthetic, the Perky switch may be the ideal choice for you, particularly for general typing and light gaming sessions. The nylon housing enhances the tactile sensation, allowing for a delightful blend of smoothness and responsiveness. Alternatively, if you are an enthusiast seeking a seamless blend of performance and sound, especially if you plan to use your keyboard for gaming, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch really shines. Its compatibility with cutting-edge keyboards like those from Wooting and its precise operation make it an excellent pick for anyone looking for tailored performance. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches hinges on what aspects of typing you prioritize: the Perky's engaging feel or the Rice Pudding's versatile and rich auditory feedback.
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