Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of different options, like the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the HMX SU. The Sticky Rice (V2), a hall effect switch, stands out for its delightfully balanced typing experience, characterized by its super smooth keystroke and a neutral sound signature that delivers the sought-after "thock" sound many keyboard aficionados crave. Its dustproof stem minimizes wobble, enhancing performance and tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a refined feel while typing. On the other hand, the HMX SU linear switch offers a distinct experience, featuring a full PA12 housing and a T5 stem that produces a subtle yet relatively deep sound profile. This smooth linear action appeals to users who prefer an uninterrupted keystroke experience, making it ideal for gamers and typists who value speed and consistency. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, so it’s essential to consider what aligns best with your needs. 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
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the HMX SU, a notable contrast arises in their top housing materials. The Sticky Rice (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer structure, which leads to a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. This polycarbonate design enhances the switch's acoustics by providing a more resonant quality, making it especially compatible with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the HMX SU employs a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The difference in materials will have an impact on the audible characteristics of each switch, with the Sticky Rice (V2) producing a brighter sound and the HMX SU delivering a more rounded tone.
Both switches, however, utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which creates a uniform base for sound production. The nylon material, celebrated for its sound-dampening properties, leads to a duller resonance and contributes to a fuller sound profile when typing. This similarity in bottom housing ensures that regardless of the variations in the top housing materials, both switches share a common foundation that promotes consistent sound characteristics deep in the stroke. As a result, the typing experience on both the Sticky Rice (V2) and the HMX SU can feel similar, particularly when bottoming out, thanks to the nylon's acoustic attributes.
Ultimately, the combination of differing top housing materials and the shared nylon bottom housing means that users will experience distinctly different auditory profiles while typing. The higher-pitched sound from the Sticky Rice (V2) contrasts with the warmer tones of the HMX SU, allowing for varied preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. However, because both switches incorporate nylon at the base, they will still offer a complimentary roundness in sound, making the two switches capable of providing satisfactory results depending on an individual’s desired typing experience. This nuanced interplay between the housing materials contributes to their unique identities, while the shared elements create a baseline of familiarity for users who appreciate the qualities of nylon in switch construction.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the HMX SU linear switch, both are classified as light switches, although they exhibit some differences in actuation force. The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) features an actuation force of 40 grams, which is slightly lighter than the HMX SU's actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches, however, have the same bottom out force of 50 grams. This similarity in bottom out force means that users will experience comparable resistance when bottoming out the switches, regardless of the actuation differences. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Sticky Rice (V2) may be the better choice, while those who desire a bit more resistance before actuating might lean toward the slightly heavier HMX SU. Ultimately, the right switch will depend on personal preference between actuation sensitivity and overall typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the HMX SU linear switch, we find that the Sticky Rice (V2) has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX SU linear switch measures slightly longer at 3.6 mm. This indicates that the HMX SU switch offers a more pronounced depth, which some users may find preferable for a more satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2), with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who favor a quicker response time, appealing particularly to gamers seeking speed. Ultimately, although both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the shorter option is the Sticky Rice (V2), while the HMX SU linear switch is the longer of the two, emphasizing the balance between responsiveness and depth in keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sticky Rice (V2) 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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) produces a neutral sound signature that envelops the desired "thock" sound favored by many keyboard enthusiasts. This characteristic makes it appealing for those who enjoy a pleasant auditory feedback without it being overly loud or disruptive. On the other hand, the HMX SU linear switch offers a subtle yet relatively deep sound profile, attributing to the full PA12 housing and T5 stem construction. While both switches do not lean towards being excessively noisy, the Sticky Rice (V2) tends to present a brighter sound profile, while the SU leans into a deeper tone, allowing users to choose based on their preferred acoustic ambiance.
Regarding feel, the Sticky Rice (V2) excels with its super smooth keystroke that minimizes wobble and enhances overall performance, creating a refined tactile sensation. This makes the typing experience satisfying for those who prioritize smoothness and comfort. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch also aims for a smooth experience owing to its linear nature. However, it does not share the same level of tactile feedback, as it is designed to facilitate uninterrupted keystrokes without any bump. Both switches, therefore, craft a seamless keystroke experience but cater to slightly different preferences regarding tactile feedback.
When considering both the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the HMX SU linear switches, each has unique auditory and tactile characteristics that cater to distinct user preferences. The Sticky Rice (V2) is ideal for those who enjoy a balanced mix of sound and feel with a tactile sensation, while the HMX SU targets users who prefer a deeper sound profile with a streamlined linear feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches should depend on whether one values the nuances of sound or feels more significantly in their typing experience, though both options promise a gratifying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the HMX SU linear switch, your choice should hinge on your personal preferences regarding typing experience, sound, and overall performance. If you gravitate towards a balanced typing experience that delivers a smooth keystroke with a refined tactile sensation, the Sticky Rice (V2) is likely to suit you well. Its super smooth action and light 50-gram bottom out force make it ideal for those who appreciate a bit of "thock" in their keystrokes without being overly loud. This switch excels in providing a satisfying feel, making it a great choice for long typing sessions or for those who simply relish an enjoyable tactile experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtler sound profile with a relatively deep tone, the HMX SU linear switch may be your best bet. Its full PA12 housing paired with a T5 stem creates a well-rounded experience that also benefits from a light bottom out force. This switch is well-suited for gamers or typists who appreciate a smoother, more linear feel without the additional texture associated with tactile switches. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize the nuanced feedback and sound of the Sticky Rice (V2) or the sleek, uninterrupted experience offered by the HMX SU.
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