HMX Poro vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the HMX Poro and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between the HMX Poro and the Everglide Rice Pudding can significantly influence your typing experience. The HMX Poro, recognized for its ultra-light actuation force and meticulously lubricated components, offers silky smooth keystrokes that provide an effortless glide. This linear switch is ideal for those who prioritize a quiet and fluid typing experience, characterized by its poppy and clacky sound profile that adds an enjoyable auditory element. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding, a hall effect switch, strikes a balance between smooth operation and a deep sound, delivering a satisfying and precise typing experience. Its compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards makes it a versatile choice for enthusiasts looking for both performance and functionality. Each switch has its unique strengths, catering to different preferences in tactile feedback and auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
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-stage spring
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Poro and Everglide Rice Pudding switches present a fascinating study in contrasts, particularly in their top housing composition. The Poro features a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer and more pliable nature. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that tends to absorb sound, contributing to a rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. This material is characterized by its stiffer composition, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Consequently, users can expect a distinct auditory experience with each switch, where the Poro's notes might feel more subdued while the Rice Pudding offers a crisper sound.
On the other hand, the bottom housing for both switches utilizes nylon, showcasing a uniformity that ties the two together in terms of feel and sound. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and overall feel when pressing the key, both switches will provide a consistent auditory experience marked by the deeper, rounder tones that nylon typically offers. This means that, regardless of the difference in top housing materials, when users type on either switch, they will experience the similar cushioning and soft sound signature contributed by the nylon bottom, promoting a comfortable typing experience.
Ultimately, the blending of different materials in the Poro and Rice Pudding switches highlights the nuanced differences in sound profiles, while their shared nylon bottom housing ensures a level of consistency across the board. Hence, even though the switches are differentiated by the contrasts in their top housing materials—nylon for muted depth against polycarbonate's bright clarity—the shared nylon base ensures that both will deliver a fuller auditory response when bottoming out. This duality allows users to appreciate the unique characteristics of each switch while still enjoying the soft sounds associated with traditional nylon materials.
Weight
The HMX Poro linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, as they both fall into the lighter category. The Poro switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Rice Pudding switch is slightly lighter, with an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Rice Pudding is not only easier to actuate but also requires slightly less force at the bottom-out point, making it potentially more comfortable for users who perform long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Overall, those seeking a lighter feel would likely gravitate towards the Everglide Rice Pudding switch, while those who prefer a slightly heavier and more substantial typing experience might lean towards the HMX Poro linear switch. Both switches offer a relatively close performance, but the Rice Pudding distinguishes itself with its lower actuation and bottom-out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Poro linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, we see a notable difference. The Poro switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Rice Pudding measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This makes the Rice Pudding the shorter option if you're looking for quicker response times, which can be advantageous for gamers who prefer rapid key presses. Conversely, the Poro's 3.7 mm travel distance provides a deeper, more substantial feel, which may appeal to those who favor a fuller typing experience. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Poro is better for users who appreciate some extra depth in their keystrokes, whereas the Rice Pudding may suit those seeking faster actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Poro has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poro 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 sound profile of the HMX Poro linear switch is characterized by a satisfyingly poppy and clacky tone, making each keystroke a distinct auditory experience. This engaging sound can be attributed to the switch's ultra-light actuation force, which contributes to a louder and more resonant feedback upon activation. Conversely, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches produce a deep sound that stands out for its balance, offering users a satisfying auditory feedback while maintaining precision. It's important to keep in mind that the sound produced by both switches can also vary based on the keyboard construction and keycap material used, significantly influencing the overall auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Poro linear switch is renowned for its silky smooth keystrokes, with meticulous lubrication enhancing the glide and reducing friction during typing. This results in a highly enjoyable and effortless experience, allowing for rapid typing without any tactile barriers. On the other hand, the Rice Pudding switches deliver a smooth operation as well, but their feel may specifically emphasize a satisfying precision when engaged. While both switches offer a smooth experience, the Poro leans towards an effortless glide, whereas Rice Pudding provides a balance that combines smoothness with a tactile confidence.
In summary, both the HMX Poro and Everglide Rice Pudding switches offer impressive qualities that cater to different aspects of the typing experience. The Poro is celebrated for its engaging sound and incredibly smooth feel, while the Rice Pudding offers a deep sound paired with a satisfying and precise typing sensation. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, either option could serve as a delightful choice for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Poro linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a silky-smooth typing experience and enjoy a keystroke with an effortless glide, the HMX Poro is an excellent option, particularly if you're drawn to a slightly poppy and clacky sound profile that can add a bit of character to your typing. This switch is fantastic for casual typing and gaming, especially if you prefer a responsive feel that enhances your overall interaction with the keyboard. On the other hand, if you seek a balanced typing experience that combines smooth operation with a deeper auditory feedback, the Everglide Rice Pudding is what you should consider. These switches not only provide satisfaction in every keystroke but also offer excellent accuracy, making them suitable for both typing and gaming while ensuring compatibility with innovative keyboard setups. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you value a superlight, smooth experience or a bit more auditory and tactile feedback in a versatile package.
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