Everglide Rice Pudding vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Everglide Rice Pudding and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Rice Pudding and the HMX SU represent two distinct yet appealing options catering to different user preferences. The Rice Pudding switch is celebrated for its seamless operation and rich sound, providing a gratifying typing experience that balances satisfaction with precision. Its compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards further enhances its appeal for enthusiasts looking for versatile performance. In contrast, the HMX SU switch features a full PA12 housing and a T5 stem, resulting in a subtly deep sound profile that contributes to a smooth typing experience. This switch is perfect for users who favor linear feedback, enabling uninterrupted key presses and a quieter environment. While both switches offer unique advantages, they cater to varying typing preferences and uses. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T5
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Rice Pudding and the HMX SU differ significantly in their top housing materials, which directly impacts their sound profiles when typing. The Rice Pudding utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiff properties that yield a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material enhances the clarity and resonance of the keystrokes, making it particularly effective for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the HMX SU features a nylon top housing, a well-established material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer characteristics allow it to absorb sound better, leading to a rounder and more muted auditory experience. Thus, while both switches produce distinctive sound profiles, the Rice Pudding's polycarbonate top excites clarity and brightness, whereas the SU's nylon top offers warmth and depth.
On the other hand, both the Everglide Rice Pudding and the HMX SU share the same material for their bottom housings—nylon. This commonality ensures that both switches produce a similar bottom-out sound, characterized by a deeper and fuller tone. The nylon's properties are consistent, absorbing sound effectively and contributing to a heavier feel with each keystroke. Therefore, while their top housing materials create divergent sound characteristics, the likeness in their bottom housings means that users can expect a somewhat consistent experience in the impact and depth of sound when bottoming out the keys.
Overall, the combined influence of the housing materials for both switches showcases how contrasts in design can create unique auditory experiences. While the Rice Pudding’s polycarbonate top delivers a crisp and clear sound, the nylon bottom complements it by enriching the overall keypress experience. Conversely, the HMX SU's top housing leads to a rounder, softer sound, similarly supported by the nylon bottom. By understanding the relationship between the materials utilized in each switch, one can appreciate how the varied acoustic profiles and feel can be tailored to personal preference. This nuanced distinction emphasizes how even subtle differences can generate different results, ultimately catering to diverse typing preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the HMX SU linear switch, we find some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that may cater to different preferences in typing feel. The Rice Pudding switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the HMX SU switch requires 45 grams for actuation and 50 grams for bottoming out. Both switches are considered light in terms of weight, but the Rice Pudding is the lighter option overall. For users who appreciate a softer typing experience that allows for prolonged use, the Rice Pudding may be more appealing. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the HMX SU due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces, providing a firmer push. Despite the differences, both switches offer a satisfying experience, with the actuation force determining how quickly a key responds and the bottom out force giving a sense of completion when a keystroke is fully registered.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the HMX SU linear switch reveals notable differences in their responsiveness and tactile feedback. The Everglide Rice Pudding has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX SU features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that, although both switches are relatively shallow compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance, the HMX SU provides a marginally deeper feel. For gamers who prioritize rapid response times, the shorter travel distance of the Rice Pudding might be more appealing, offering quicker actuation. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial travel experience may find the extra millimeter of the HMX SU to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual preferences for responsiveness or depth in the typing experience.
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 SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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 switch produces a deep, satisfying sound that enhances the overall typing experience, striking a balance that many typists find appealing. This auditory quality contributes to a sense of precision and clarity in every keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX SU linear switch has a subtle yet relatively deep sound profile, thanks to its full PA12 housing and T5 stem. While both switches offer pleasant auditory feedback, the Rice Pudding may deliver a more pronounced acoustics experience, whereas the SU leans towards a more understated sound, catering to users who prefer a quieter typing environment.
When it comes to feel, the Rice Pudding is celebrated for its smooth operation, providing a typing experience that's both satisfying and precise. This smoothness is essential for users who appreciate a seamless glide as they type, making it an ideal choice for long typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch is also designed for a smooth feel, benefiting from its linear characteristics that eliminate tactile feedback while ensuring effortless key presses. Therefore, users can expect a similarly enjoyable tactile experience from both switches, which can be particularly advantageous for typing or gaming.
In conclusion, both the Everglide Rice Pudding and HMX SU linear switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Rice Pudding stands out with its deep and balanced sound, while the HMX SU keeps things subtle and refined in both sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches deliver smooth operation, making them attractive options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, whether one's preference leans towards a more pronounced auditory experience or a quieter, understated atmosphere. Consequently, individuals can select the switch that aligns best with their preferences while enjoying a comparable level of tactile satisfaction.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the HMX SU linear switch really comes down to your personal preferences and intended use. If you're looking for a switch that provides a light touch with a smooth and satisfying feel, the Rice Pudding is an ideal option. Its low bottom-out force of 48 grams makes it particularly suitable for quick typing and gaming sessions, while its dynamic sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory experience. Plus, if you're an enthusiast exploring compatibility with innovative keyboards, the Rice Pudding shines in versatility. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer feel with a more subdued voice, the HMX SU linear switch—with a 50-gram bottom-out force and its full PA12 housing—might be the better choice. This switch provides a solid and reliable typing experience with a subtly deep sound profile that many users find appealing. Ultimately, both switches offer unique advantages: the Rice Pudding for a lighter and more versatile feel, and the SU for those who appreciate a bit more weight and solidness. Choose based on what aspects matter most to you in your typing experience, whether that is the satisfying feel and compatibility of the Rice Pudding or the deeper sound and slight resistance of the HMX SU.
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