Everglide Rice Pudding vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Everglide Rice Pudding switch, known for its smooth operation and resonant sound, delivers a balanced and precise typing experience, making it a fantastic choice for users seeking versatility and performance, particularly with keyboards compatible with Wooting's innovative technology. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch offers a tactile experience that combines a pronounced and satisfying thump with a characterful sound profile, delivering feedback that is engaging without being overwhelming. While the Rice Pudding switch excels in its smoothness and compatibility for performance-focused users, the Viola Tricolor switch caters to those who appreciate tactile feedback and a more distinct auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Rice Pudding and Haimu Viola Tricolor both feature polycarbonate as their top housing material, which significantly influences the sound profile and aesthetic presentation of the switches. The use of polycarbonate lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its relative stiffness. This quality makes it ideal for creating clear and resonant sound profiles which are particularly appealing for users who appreciate an enhanced auditory experience from their switches. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for setups that incorporate RGB lighting, permitting vibrant illumination that enhances the visual appeal of the switch without diminishing its acoustic properties. Because both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, users can expect similar auditory reverberations and aesthetic benefits from each.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, both the Rice Pudding and the Viola Tricolor employ nylon, a classic choice for switch constructions. The sound profile produced through the nylon bottom housing differs from the top, as it typically generates a deeper and fuller sound. As nylon is a relatively softer plastic, it tends to absorb more sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate, leading to a more muted and round sound experience overall. This characteristic deeply influences the tactile feedback felt when typing, as the impact of the bottom-out sound and feel is primarily dictated by the bottom housing. Therefore, the deep resonance generated by the nylon bottom housing complements the crispness of the polycarbonate top, providing a balanced auditory experience that highlights the strengths of each material.
In summary, while the Everglide Rice Pudding and Haimu Viola Tricolor share the same materials for their respective top and bottom housings, they uniquely blend these components to create a dynamic typing experience. The combination of a polycarbonate top, ensuring clear and resonant high notes, alongside a nylon bottom, exhibiting deep and rich lower frequencies, demonstrates a thoughtful engineering approach. This synergy allows both switches to offer a harmonious sound profile and an appealing visual aspect, affording users a satisfying experience rooted in the deliberate choices of housing materials, despite the nuanced differences in how each component contributes to the overall feel and sound.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Rice Pudding switch features a light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, offering comfort during extended typing sessions and gaming. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor lacks a specified actuation force but has a considerably heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating a firmer feel that may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. As a result, if you prioritize ease and speed, the Rice Pudding is the lighter option, while the Viola Tricolor is the heavier choice, better suited for those who favor resistance in their keystrokes. Overall, these differing force characteristics suggest that users will have markedly different experiences based on their preferences for typing feel and feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, the Rice Pudding features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Viola Tricolor has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Rice Pudding is the shorter option and may be better suited for fast-paced gaming, allowing for quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor, with its 3.8 mm travel distance, offers a deeper sensation that some users may find more satisfying, especially if they appreciate a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke. If both switches were to have the same travel distance, you could expect similar performance; however, in this case, the Rice Pudding is indeed the shorter switch, making it ideal for those who favor rapid responsiveness in their typing or gaming 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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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
When comparing the sound profile of the Everglide Rice Pudding switch to the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch, distinct characteristics emerge. The Rice Pudding switch is known to deliver a deep and rich sound that offers a satisfying auditory experience during each keypress, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor features a thuddy and punchy sound, providing a more bass-heavy auditory sensation that can be described as low-pitched and resonant. This difference in sound profiles creates varied auditory experiences, with the Rice Pudding leaning towards smoothness and depth, while the Viola brings a more lively and pronounced character.
In terms of feel, the Rice Pudding switch offers a smooth operation that caters to a precision-focused typing experience. Its tactile feedback is not specifically detailed, but the emphasis on a satisfying and precise interaction indicates a well-rounded sense of engagement when typing. Meanwhile, the Viola Tricolor presents itself with an accented tactile feel that strikes a balance — providing noticeable feedback without being excessive. This invigorating response adds to its appeal, offering moderate to firm actuation alongside a responsive and snappy typing sensation that enhances the user experience.
In conclusion, when choosing between the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches, you can expect different auditory and tactile experiences. The Rice Pudding shines with its smooth, deep sound and precision feel, while the Viola Tricolor offers a thuddier, bass-rich sound combined with an invigorating and accentuated tactile feedback. Each switch caters to different preferences, ensuring that enthusiasts will find satisfaction in either choice, depending on whether they seek deep, smooth acoustics or engaging, punchy feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switches and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switches ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and use cases. If you favor a lighter touch for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, the Rice Pudding switches, with their 48-gram bottom-out force, deliver a smooth and satisfying experience without straining your fingers. Their sound profile is likely to be more subdued, making them an ideal choice for quiet environments or shared spaces. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more robust tactile feedback and enjoy an engaging typing experience, the Viola Tricolor switches, with their medium-heavy 63.5-gram actuation force, provide a pronounced thuddy and bassy sound that enhances that feedback. They strike a balance that keeps you engaged while avoiding tactile overload, perfect for those who want a more dynamic typing journey. In essence, choose the Rice Pudding for a smooth and light experience that’s both versatile and quiet, and opt for the Viola Tricolor when you want pronounced tactility and an invigorating sound that adds personality to your typing.
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