Everglide Rice Pudding vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Everglide Rice Pudding and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Everglide Rice Pudding and the HMX Vintage Citrus highlights the diverse preferences of users, especially gamers and typing enthusiasts. The Rice Pudding switch, recognized for its smooth operation and rich sound profile, offers a well-balanced typing experience that combines satisfaction with precision—ideal for those who appreciate a tactile and auditory experience. Furthermore, its full compatibility with Wooting's keyboards enhances its appeal for tech-savvy users looking for performance-oriented options. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switch puts the spotlight on gaming performance, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, perfect for rapid inputs during intense gameplay. Its bright, clacky sound and smooth feel cater specifically to gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness. While both switches have their unique advantages, the choice ultimately depends on individual preferences and typing styles. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Rice Pudding and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches, we see a distinct difference in the materials used for the top housings. The Rice Pudding utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer nature which contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound profile. This characteristic allows it to produce sharper, higher-pitched sounds, making it particularly suitable for those who prefer a more vibrant audio experience. Additionally, the translucent quality of polycarbonate enhances the functionality of RGB lighting, allowing the illumination to shine through more effectively, which is a significant aesthetic advantage.
In contrast, the Vintage Citrus is equipped with a nylon top housing, which is a classic switch housing material known for generating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This distinct sound characteristic appeals to users who favor a smoother typing experience with muted acoustic feedback. While both switch options serve different preferences, the top housing significantly influences their sound profiles, diverging in auditory output based on the material composition.
However, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, as they both feature nylon. This consistency ensures that when users press down on either switch, they will experience a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's sound-absorbing qualities. Therefore, despite the differences in the top housings leading to varied sound experiences during key release, the nylon bottom housing guarantees some degree of similarity in sound characteristics during the bottom-out phase. This blend of materials means that users can have a diverse auditory experience throughout the actuation of a key while still enjoying a harmonious base sound across both switch options.
Weight
The Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch present a clear contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Rice Pudding requires a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and has a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for those seeking a more effortless typing experience, particularly beneficial for long typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch features a medium-light actuation force of 48 grams and a slightly higher bottom out force of 53 grams, appealing to users who prefer a bit more resistance and a more substantial push feel. Consequently, the Rice Pudding is lighter and offers a gentler touch, while the Vintage Citrus is a heavier option that may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for some typists. Overall, the difference in both actuation and bottom out forces means users will have distinctly different experiences based on their preferences, with the lighter Rice Pudding being ideal for extended use and the heavier Vintage Citrus providing a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Rice Pudding switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Vintage Citrus switch has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This makes the Vintage Citrus the more shallow option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times due to its reduced distance. In contrast, those who prefer a more pronounced key press might find the Rice Pudding's longer travel distance more satisfying, as it provides a deeper and more pronounced feel when typing. Overall, if responsiveness is your priority, the Vintage Citrus might be the better choice, whereas the Rice Pudding could be preferable for those who enjoy a more traditional and 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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches are known for their deep sound profile, providing a robust auditory experience that can enhance the typing or gaming experience. This balanced sound greatly contributes to the satisfaction of each keystroke, making every interaction feel resonant and purposeful. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switches feature a bright, clacky sound profile that is particularly engaging for gamers who enjoy a more energetic auditory feedback during rapid inputs. While both switches offer distinct sound qualities, the preference ultimately comes down to individual taste—those who lean towards a deeper sound might prefer the Rice Pudding, whereas those who favor a lively and sharper sound can gravitate towards the Vintage Citrus.
When it comes to feel, the Rice Pudding switches provide a smooth operation that facilitates a satisfying typing experience, making them appealing to those who prioritize comfort and precision. This smoothness allows for a natural flow during extended typing sessions, which can be quite enjoyable for both casual and professional users. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switches boast an exceptionally low actuation force with just a 1mm actuation point, enabling rapid and effortless key presses. This feature makes them particularly attractive to gamers who require quick reactions and rapid-fire input, but it may differ from the fluidity of the Rice Pudding’s operation. While both switches have their unique feel, they cater to different preferences—one for a smooth typing experience and the other for speed and responsiveness.
In conclusion, both the Everglide Rice Pudding and HMX Vintage Citrus switches provide unique qualities that can meet the needs of different users. The Rice Pudding stands out for its deeper sound and smooth feel, ideal for typists and enthusiasts who value a rich auditory experience during their keystrokes. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus caters to gamers seeking a bright sound and rapid actuation for quick gaming responses. Ultimately, while they offer distinct experiences, users will find satisfactory results based on their preferred typing styles and the specific atmospheres they wish to create.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a smooth and satisfying typing experience paired with a deep sound, the Rice Pudding switch, with its 48-gram actuation force, would be ideal, especially for typing long documents or engaging in programming. Furthermore, its compatibility with Wooting keyboards makes it a versatile option for those dabbling in games and productivity alike. On the other hand, if you lean towards gaming and require rapid-fire capabilities, the Vintage Citrus switch would be more suitable due to its lower 1mm actuation force and 53-gram bottom-out pressure, which caters to fast-paced actions and quick key presses. This switch delivers a bright, clacky sound that can heighten your gaming experience. Ultimately, weigh your priorities between typing comfort and gaming performance, and choose the switch that best aligns with your keyboard use-case.
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