Everglide Rice Pudding vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Everglide Rice Pudding and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Rice Pudding and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g stand out for different reasons. The Rice Pudding switches are celebrated for their smooth operation paired with a satisfying auditory experience, making them an appealing choice for typists who appreciate a deeper sound and tactile feedback. Their compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards further enhances their allure for enthusiasts looking for performance and versatility. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offers a gentle touch with an ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, making it ideal for those who prefer a quiet and serene typing atmosphere—perfect for busy environments or late-night work sessions. While both switches cater to distinct typing experiences—one focused on auditory satisfaction and versatility, while the other emphasizes silent operation and light touch—each offers unique benefits tailored to different user preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Rice Pudding and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches incorporate two distinct housing materials for their respective top and bottom sections, which significantly influences their sound profiles and typing experiences. The Rice Pudding utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which renders a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to the material's stiffness and resonance. This is particularly beneficial for RGB lighting aesthetics, as the translucency of the polycarbonate enhances visual effects under illumination. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g adopts a nylon top housing, known for delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile, which is a result of nylon's capacity to absorb sound better than harder plastics. This fundamental difference in their top housing materials sets the tone for each switch, providing unique auditory characteristics that cater to various user preferences.
When examining the bottom housings of the two switches, the findings present an intriguing reversal of materials compared to their tops. The Rice Pudding features a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to the deeper and rounder sound experienced during actuation. This characteristic is particularly appealing to users who favor a softer and more muted response when typing. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 43g employs a polycarbonate bottom housing that promotes a clearer and more resonant sound. Here, the stiffer plastic amplifies the bottom-out sound, offering a pronounced auditory signature that can be more engaging for users. Therefore, the differences in bottom housing materials also play a crucial role in the overall sound profile of each switch, thereby influencing the tactile and auditory experience while typing.
Ultimately, while the Everglide Rice Pudding and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches utilize different housing materials, the interplay between their top and bottom constructions offers unique auditory characteristics that appeal to different user preferences. For instance, pressing the Rice Pudding will showcase the nylon softness on bottom-out, contrasting with the sharper polycarbonate effect that users will experience upon releasing the key. Conversely, with the Silent Sakura - 43g, the typist will encounter a duller and rounder sound initially, followed by a clear and crisp release sound. This duality invites users to explore how varying materials impact the overall sound and feel of mechanical switches, allowing for a tailored typing experience that aligns with individual tastes.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch to the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, we can observe notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Rice Pudding switch has an actuation force of 38 grams, while the Silent Sakura switch features a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams. This means that while both switches provide a relatively light typing experience, the Silent Sakura requires a smidge less effort to actuate a keystroke. In terms of bottom out forces, the Rice Pudding measures 48 grams, which is heavier than the Silent Sakura's bottom out force of 43 grams. As a result, the Rice Pudding switch will give users a more substantial feel when bottoming out, ideal for those who appreciate a stronger push feel during typing. Ultimately, while both switches cater to lighter preferences, the Silent Sakura is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, and the Rice Pudding provides a heavier bottom out experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, it's clear that they cater to different preferences. The Rice Pudding switch offers a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it a quicker option that suits gamers seeking faster response times. Conversely, the Silent Sakura switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, providing a more traditional feel that some users may prefer for a more deliberate typing experience. This means that the Everglide Rice Pudding has a shorter travel distance than the HMX Silent Sakura. If you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Rice Pudding would be the better choice, while those who appreciate a deeper keystroke may favor the longer travel distance of the Silent Sakura.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g 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 sound profile of the Everglide Rice Pudding switches is characterized by a deep, satisfying tone that provides a rich auditory feedback during typing. This fullness can enhance the overall typing experience, giving it a more robust and engaging quality. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches are engineered for a whisper-quiet operation, producing a sound reminiscent of gentle raindrops. This creates a serene atmosphere, ideal for environments where minimal noise is desired. While the Rice Pudding offers a pronounced typing sound, the Silent Sakura focuses on silence, making them suitable for different settings and preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Rice Pudding switches are regarded for their smooth operation, ensuring that each keystroke is both satisfying and precise. This quality makes them appealing for users who enjoy a balanced, tactile experience while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches feature an ultra-light actuation force of 43g, catering to light typists seeking a subtle touch that minimizes finger fatigue. The Rice Pudding may deliver a more tactile sensation, while the Silent Sakura prioritizes a light and effortless typing experience, each providing a unique touch to the overall feel.
In conclusion, the Everglide Rice Pudding and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches cater to different typing preferences with their distinct sound profiles and tactile qualities. Whether you're drawn to the deep, robust sound and satisfying feel of the Rice Pudding or the serene, whisper-quiet typing experience of the Silent Sakura, both switches offer unique benefits that can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience. Your choice will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize auditory feedback or a quieter, lighter touch while typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and specific use cases. If you find joy in a typing experience that balances smooth operation with a satisfying acoustic feedback, the Rice Pudding switch is likely your best bet. With a bottom-out force of 48 grams, it provides a reassuring weight while maintaining the responsiveness that gamers and typists alike appreciate, especially if you’re using a Wooting keyboard for its versatile capabilities. On the other hand, if your priority is a serene and quiet typing experience, especially in shared workspaces or if you're a light typist, then the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is an exemplary choice. Its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force allows for long typing sessions without fatigue, while the whisper-quiet operation will keep your surroundings undisturbed. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you value acoustic feedback and a slightly heavier feel or a discreet and gentle touch when typing.
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