Everglide Rice Pudding vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Rice Pudding and Huano Sakura switches present two compelling options, each with its own strengths. The Everglide Rice Pudding, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its smooth operation and deep, satisfying acoustics, providing a balanced typing experience that appeals to both gamers and typists alike. Its compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards further enhances its appeal for enthusiasts seeking advanced performance and versatility. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch is a linear switch known for its feather-light touch and medium sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize comfort during prolonged typing sessions. While both switches cater to different preferences, understanding their unique attributes can help narrow down the ideal choice for your typing style. 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
38g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Huano Sakura switches, distinct contrasts emerge, particularly in the choice of top housing. The Rice Pudding switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its stiffness, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This results in a more clear and resonant auditory experience, especially beneficial for those who prefer a switch that supports RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Huano Sakura uses POK, or polyketone, for its top housing, which is distinguished by its higher coefficient of friction and exceptional wear resistance. While both materials contribute positively to the overall sound and feel of the switch, the sound profile of the Rice Pudding will be brighter and crisper, while the Sakura’s POK material offers a smooth, clacky touch, emphasizing tactile feedback.
However, both switches share a common ground in their bottom housing material—nylon—which plays a critical role in shaping the overall sound character. Nylon is celebrated for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer nature, leading to a deeper, fuller sound profile. This shared characteristic ensures that both the Rice Pudding and the Huano Sakura provide a similar lower-end auditory experience, making them well-suited for users who appreciate a more muted, rounder sound when typing. Regardless of the differences in top housing materials, the nylon bottom results in a cohesive experience where users can expect some level of acoustic similarity, particularly in terms of bottom-out sounds.
Ultimately, the unique combination of materials used in each switch contributes to a varied yet harmonized typing experience. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Everglide Rice Pudding enables a crisper sound profile, the POK material in the Huano Sakura leans towards a smoother tactile feedback, enriching the typing experience. Both share the use of nylon for the bottom housing, which complements and grounds their respective sound profiles, ensuring that despite their differences in top housing materials, users can attain a fulfilling and robust auditory and tactile experience from both switches. Thus, the quality of construction and material selection plays a pivotal role in defining the switch's acoustic properties and overall performance, leading to similar results through their respective sound profiles and user experiences.
Weight
The Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch both feature light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable options for users who prefer a gentler typing experience. The Rice Pudding switch has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Sakura switch offers an even lighter actuation force at 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Huano Sakura is the lighter option, offering a slightly lower resistance for both triggering a keystroke and bottoming out. Despite the Rice Pudding switch requiring a bit more force to actuate and bottom out, both switches can cater to users looking for fatigue-free typing over extended periods, which is ideal for work or long gaming sessions. For those who prefer a more substantial feel, however, the slightly heavier Rice Pudding may provide a more satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, it is clear that these two options differ slightly. The Rice Pudding switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sakura switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you're looking for a quicker response time, the Rice Pudding with its shorter travel distance might be the better choice. This is particularly appealing for gamers seeking fast actuation. On the other hand, the Sakura, with its marginally longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying tactile experience for those who appreciate a deeper press. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding response speed versus depth of travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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 Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch produces a deep and resonant sound profile that enhances the typing experience, giving it a satisfying auditory feedback. This rich sound can be particularly appealing to users who enjoy the acoustic character of their keystrokes. Conversely, the Huano Sakura linear switch features medium acoustics, providing a more subdued sound compared to the Rice Pudding. This makes the Sakura ideal for environments where noise levels should be kept low, although it may not deliver the same level of auditory satisfaction as the Rice Pudding.
When it comes to feel, the Rice Pudding switch is known for its smooth operation, allowing for a comfortable typing experience that balances both tactile feedback and precision. This makes it an excellent choice for users who value a stable and gratifying keystroke. On the other hand, the Sakura switch is characterized by its feather-light touch, which makes it effortless to press. This lightness can enhance speed and comfort, particularly during extended typing sessions, but may not provide the same heft or substantial feel that some users prefer.
Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences and use cases. The Rice Pudding excels in delivering a deeper sound and a smooth feel, appealing to those who appreciate ample auditory feedback and a satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Sakura's feather-light touch and medium acoustics make it well-suited for comfort during long durations of use. Whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a balance of both will guide you in choosing the switch that aligns with your typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switches and Huano Sakura linear switches ultimately hinges on your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a typing experience that combines smooth operation with a satisfying auditory feedback, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches are the way to go. Their slightly heavier bottom-out force of 48 grams offers a tactile feedback that enhances your typing precision, making them suitable for those who enjoy a more responsive feel or are engaged in tasks requiring meticulous input, like coding or gaming. They also excel in versatility, especially if you consider compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards, which makes them ideal for tech enthusiasts looking to optimize their setup. On the other hand, if you prioritize a light touch and minimal acoustic disruption for extended typing sessions, the Huano Sakura switches should be your choice. Their lighter 45 grams bottom-out force makes them particularly appealing for writers or those who type extensively and prefer a more muted sound profile. The Sakura's gentle feedback can prevent fatigue during longer use, making them ideal for productivity-driven environments. In the end, it all boils down to whether you seek a blend of performance and sound appreciation with Rice Pudding, or a feather-light touch with the practicality of Sakura for prolonged tasks.
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