Everglide Rice Pudding vs. HMX Xinhai

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between a variety of options, each offering a unique tactile experience and sound profile. Two standout choices in this realm are the Everglide Rice Pudding switch and the HMX Xinhai switch, each catering to different preferences and typist needs. The Everglide Rice Pudding is celebrated for its smooth operation and deep, satisfying sound, providing a balanced typing experience that excels in both performance and versatility. Fully compatible with Wooting's innovative keyboards, it appeals to those who prioritize flexibility in their setups. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch features a unique PA12 top housing combined with a POM stem, resulting in a softer acoustics profile and a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. This makes the Xinhai a great choice for users seeking a bouncy, clacky, yet creamy feel in their typing experience. While both switches offer distinct advantages—smoothness and depth with the Rice Pudding, and sophistication and precision with the Xinhai—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Everglide Rice Pudding Hall Effect

HMX Xinhai Linear

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

$3.50

$3.19 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Rice Pudding and the HMX Xinhai, it is evident that the two switches utilize different materials for their top housing, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Rice Pudding features a polycarbonate top, known for its stiffness, which results in a sharper and crisper sound when typing. This material’s translucency enhances the aesthetic quality, especially when RGB lighting is integrated, allowing light to pass through and create a vibrant visual display. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai employs a nylon top housing. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs sound more effectively, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Thus, the contrasting properties of polycarbonate and nylon in the top housings create a notable divergence in auditory experiences when using these switches.

In terms of bottom housing, both the Rice Pudding and the Xinhai utilize nylon, giving them a shared characteristic in this aspect. This use of nylon in both switches contributes to a rounder and duller sound profile, as it dampens sound vibrations due to its softness. Since the bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel during typing, users can expect a similar tactile experience from both switches in this regard. Notably, the characteristic fullness that nylon brings ensures that both switches provide a satisfying typing experience on the bottom end, with a harmonious blend of sound quality that accommodates a variety of typing styles.

Overall, the combination of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Rice Pudding and nylon in both the bottom and top housings of the Xinhai results in a distinctive contrast in their overall acoustic profiles. While the Rice Pudding delivers a crisp and vibrant sound at the keystroke release aided by its polycarbonate top, the Xinhai's design emphasizes a fuller, deeper sound due to the use of nylon throughout. Despite these differences, both switches share a foundational similarity in the bottom housing material, ensuring that their typing experience remains resonantly pleasant. This creates a nuanced approach for users who may appreciate the bright tonal qualities of the Rice Pudding while also enjoying the rich depth provided by the Xinhai.

Weight

When comparing the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, both of which are classified as light switches, there are some notable similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Rice Pudding has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Xinhai features a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that users may find the Xinhai to be marginally easier to press, making it a better option for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming marathons. However, the Rice Pudding offers a heavier bottom out force, resulting in a slightly more substantial feel when the key is fully pressed down. In terms of weight preferences, both switches are considered light, catering to users who favor a softer touch; however, those who appreciate a more pronounced feedback might lean towards the Rice Pudding for its heavier bottom out experience. Overall, both switches deliver similar results in terms of lightness, yet the choice comes down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is noted that the Rice Pudding has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Xinhai measures at 3.4 mm. Although the difference is minimal, it does indicate that the Rice Pudding switch may provide a deeper feel, which could be preferable for users who enjoy a more substantial response when pressing the key. In contrast, the shorter 3.4 mm travel distance of the Xinhai switch may cater to those seeking quicker actuation and faster response times, often favored by gamers. Thus, while both switches offer relatively short travel distances in the modern context, the Rice Pudding is the longer of the two, which some users may find more satisfying, while the Xinhai might appeal to those who prefer the immediacy of a slightly shallower travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is noted for its deep, satisfying tone that contributes to a balanced auditory experience during typing. This characteristic makes it appealing for those who enjoy a more substantial auditory feedback while still being precise. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch produces a clacky sound, described as crisp and bright, resembling a sharp snap when pressed. This percussive quality adds an engaging layer of auditory excitement, making each keystroke feel sharper and more interactive. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles — one characterized by depth and richness, the other by a snappy, lively tone — the final output can be influenced by the keyboard and keycap combination used.

When examining the feel of these switches, the Rice Pudding offers a smooth and engaging typing experience, designed to provide a secure sensation with every keystroke. Its operation allows for a precise and fluid typing motion, ideal for users who prioritize typing accuracy and comfort. On the contrary, the Xinhai switch is celebrated for its bouncy and creamy characteristics, presenting a lively, spring-back sensation that can enhance the typing rhythm. The creamy aspect provides a silky, effortless transition through each keypress, making interactions remarkably enjoyable. Thus, while the Rice Pudding emphasizes a sleek, smooth experience, the Xinhai combines bounciness and creaminess for a highly tactile and nuanced feel.

In summary, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch appeals to those seeking a deep sound and smooth operation, whereas the HMX Xinhai switch offers a clacky sound profile coupled with a bouncy, creamy feel. Both options provide unique benefits; one leans towards precision and depth, while the other champions liveliness and tactile enjoyment. Selecting between them will depend on personal preference regarding auditory feedback and the desired sensation during use, ensuring that users can find a keyboard experience tailored to their liking.

Conclusion

To conclude, when selecting between the Everglide Rice Pudding and the HMX Xinhai linear switches, your choice should ultimately align with your typing style and preferences. If you prioritize a typing experience that marries smooth operation with a deep, satisfying sound, coupled with the versatility of being fully compatible with innovative keyboards like Wooting's, the Rice Pudding is likely your best bet. Its light actuation force of 48 grams makes it a comfortable option for lengthy typing sessions. Conversely, if you are drawn to a keyboard that exudes a lively and crisp acoustic profile, along with a bouncy, creamy feel that enhances your tactile feedback, the Xinhai linear switch would be a more fitting choice. Weighing in slightly lighter at 45 grams, these switches offer a distinctively sharp sound that can stimulate a more engaging typing experience. In essence, your decision hinges on whether you seek smoothness and deeper auditory satisfaction or a more vibrant, lively typing sensation.

Mentioned in this article

Everglide Rice Pudding Hall Effect

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn more

HMX Xinhai Linear

$3.50

$3.19 per 10

Learn more