Everglide Rice Pudding vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Everglide Rice Pudding and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Rice Pudding and the HMX Sunset Gleam. The Rice Pudding switches are hall effect switches that stand out for their smooth operation and rich, deep sound, offering a balanced typing experience that many enthusiasts rave about. Their compatibility with Wooting’s innovative keyboards further enhances their appeal, making them ideal for those seeking both performance and versatility in their typing journey. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, a linear switch, is known for its thoughtfully designed materials that deliver a subtle top-out feel paired with a satisfying clack, along with HMX's reputable factory lube ensuring a well-rounded experience. While the Rice Pudding emphasizes a unique auditory experience with precision, the Sunset Gleam focuses on smooth actuation without the tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may hinge on personal preference for sound versus feel. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 Sunset Gleam sound switches share similarities in their housing materials that significantly contribute to their overall acoustic profiles and functionality. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for a more resonant sound, making it particularly effective in enhancing the auditory experience. Furthermore, both switches benefit aesthetically from the translucent qualities of polycarbonate, which makes them excellent choices for setups with RGB lighting, ensuring that light diffuses beautifully through the housing and complements the overall visual experience.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both the Rice Pudding and the Sunset Gleam are made from nylon, a material recognized for its classic use in switch housings. This choice of material imparts a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon tends to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a more rounded and subdued auditory feedback. While the polycarbonate top housing elevates the sharpness and clarity of the sound, the nylon bottom housing balances this with a richness that enhances the typing experience. The combination of these two materials allows users to enjoy the nuanced differences in sound produced during both key press and release, providing a harmonious blend of auditory characteristics.
Ultimately, the shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing and nylon in the bottom housing means that both the Everglide Rice Pudding and HMX Sunset Gleam switches will yield similar acoustic results, albeit with their unique tactile experiences. The polycarbonate top will contribute to a bright, clear sound during the release of the key, while the nylon bottom enriches the bottom-out sound and feel. This thoughtful integration of materials ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying auditory and tactile experience suited to diverse typing preferences, making them excellent choices for enthusiasts seeking balance in sound and performance.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, both of which boast light force characteristics, we find notable differences in their actuation forces. The Rice Pudding requires an actuation force of 38 grams, which is lighter than the Sunset Gleam's actuation force of 42 grams. Both switches exhibit the same bottom out force of 48 grams, meaning they will feel consistent when pressed to their full depth. For users who appreciate lighter switches for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons, the Rice Pudding may be the preferable choice due to its lower actuation force. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam offers a slightly more substantial resistance when initially pressed, making it better suited for those who favor a firmer tactile feedback. Overall, both switches provide similar bottom-out experiences, but the Rice Pudding stands out as the lighter option.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm. This similarity in travel distance means that users can expect a comparable feel and performance when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. As a result, typing and gaming experiences would likely yield similar results in terms of actuation feel, making both switches suitable options for those who prefer a short activation distance. Whether opting for the Rice Pudding or the Sunset Gleam, the consistent 3.5 mm travel distance ensures a unified tactile 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 Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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 Everglide Rice Pudding switch is renowned for its deep, resonant tone, providing a rich auditory experience that enhances the satisfaction of typing. This deep sound quality can create a more immersive typing atmosphere, especially when paired with acoustic-friendly materials. Conversely, the HMX Sunset Gleam switch delivers a subtle top-out accompanied by a satisfying clack, offering a different but equally enjoyable auditory response. Depending on the keyboard build and keycap material, both switches can offer fulfilling sound profiles, although the distinct tonal experiences between the two will cater to different preferences.
When considering feel, the Rice Pudding switch is celebrated for its smooth operation that allows for a comfortable and fluid typing experience, making it particularly appealing for long typing sessions. This balance aids in minimizing finger fatigue while still providing precise actuation. The Sunset Gleam, on the other hand, offers a linear feel with a unique blend of materials, contributing to a silky yet firm typing experience. The excellent factory lube applied to these switches further enhances their smoothness, reducing scratchiness and ensuring a responsive typing sensation. Both switches excel in providing a pleasant tactile experience, albeit with their individual characteristics appealing to varying user preferences.
In conclusion, both the Everglide Rice Pudding and HMX Sunset Gleam switches present appealing qualities, making them excellent choices for those exploring mechanical keyboards. The Rice Pudding shines with its deep sound and smooth feel, offering a balanced experience suited for extensive typing. Meanwhile, the Sunset Gleam captivates with its subtle sound and unique material composition, providing a satisfying clack and graceful operation. Ultimately, personal preference will dictate which switch resonates more with you, but both options promise to enhance your typing experience in their own distinct ways.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prioritize a smooth and satisfying typing experience with the added benefit of a robust sound profile, the Rice Pudding is an excellent option. Its light actuation force combined with its deeper acoustics makes it ideal for those who enjoy a tactile, responsive feeling while typing. Additionally, if you're looking for versatility and compatibility with Wooting's keyboards, the Rice Pudding stands out as a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch characterized by a subtle top-out and a pleasing clack, the Sunset Gleam may be your go-to. With excellent factory lube and a smooth feel, it's perfect for gamers and typists who enjoy the nuances of a well-crafted linear switch. Ultimately, both switches deliver a light bottom-out force, but your selection should align with whether you favor a more tactile experience or the refined acoustics and feel that the Sunset Gleam offers.
Mentioned in this article
