Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and HMX Swift offer two distinct yet appealing options tailored to different typing preferences. The Sticky Rice (V2) is favored for its expertly balanced performance, delivering a smooth keystroke complemented by a neutral sound signature that satisfies enthusiasts craving the "thock" sensation without sacrificing feel. Its low-pitched and polished characteristics provide a satisfying tactile experience, making it an excellent choice for those who value refinement and subtlety in their keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX Swift entices with its unique, deeper sound profile and lighter actuation force of just 42g, marrying a silky smoothness with an engaging bouncy feel. This combination makes the Swift a fantastic option for users looking for an easy-to-press experience that remains lively and fun while typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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 extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) to the HMX Swift, the key difference lies in their top housing materials: polycarbonate for the Sticky Rice (V2) and nylon for the Swift. Polycarbonate, as used in the top housing of the Sticky Rice (V2), contributes to a sound profile that is sharper and crisper, enhancing the clarity of each keystroke. This is attributed to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which allows for a more resonant sound, making it particularly suitable for users looking to maximize the brilliance of RGB lighting. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the HMX Swift produces a sound that is rounder and fuller, thanks to its softer composition that absorbs more sound. This fundamental material distinction affects the auditory experience and overall typing sensation of each switch, providing a different character to the same mechanical action.
Despite the variance in the top housing materials, both the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the HMX Swift utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This consistency in material means that both switches will deliver a deeper and more resonant sound profile when bottoming out. Since nylon is known for its sound-absorbing characteristics, this feature ensures that both switches maintain a similar acoustic softness during actuation. As a result, while the top housing choices create disparities in sound quality upon release, the shared nylon bottom housing unifies their performance when keys are fully depressed. This demonstrates how the differentiation in materials can create a distinct typing experience despite commonalities in production.
Overall, the interplay of different materials in the top and bottom housings of the Sticky Rice (V2) and HMX Swift showcases the nuances in sound and feel each switch provides. The sharper, brighter tones produced by the Sticky Rice (V2) due to its polycarbonate top create a striking contrast to the more muted, rounded sound from the Swift's nylon top. However, the bottom housings provide common ground, ensuring that users can expect a similar softness and depth when key bottoms out across both models. This illustrates that while the switches cater to different auditory preferences, they are not entirely disparate in experience, particularly regarding the bottom-out sound and feel, showcasing the dynamic interplay of materials in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch to the HMX Swift linear switch, both exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for extended typing and gaming sessions. The Sticky Rice (V2) has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Swift features an actuation force of 42 grams and matches the same bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while the Swift requires slightly more force to actuate, both switches bottom out at the same pressure. Consequently, users seeking a lighter touch will find the Sticky Rice (V2) more appealing, as its slightly lower actuation force could facilitate longer usage without fatigue. In contrast, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Swift due to its marginally heavier actuation force. Overall, if you require a softer push, the Sticky Rice (V2) is the better choice, while the Swift offers a tad more resistance for a different typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, we find that the Sticky Rice (V2) has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Swift features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. This indicates that the Sticky Rice switch offers a shorter travel distance, providing a potentially more responsive feel favored by gamers seeking quicker key presses. Conversely, the Swift's longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience, allowing for a deeper engagement with the key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth in key travel.
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 Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift 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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switch offers a low-pitched auditory profile that delivers a rich and mellow tone, invoking the desirable "thock" that many typing enthusiasts seek. This sound signature allows for a balanced acoustic experience, perfect for users who prefer a bass-heavy feedback while typing. In contrast, the HMX Swift presents a high-pitched sound profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when activated. While the Swift's brighter tones cater to those who might not appreciate the thicker audio characteristic of the Sticky Rice, it's worth noting that the overall sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard build and keycap choice.
In terms of feel, the Sticky Rice (V2) provides a polished and silky typing experience, characterized by smooth key travel and reduced friction, making for a comfortable and refined interaction with the keyboard. Its mild characteristics allow it to appeal to a wide audience, offering a gentle and approachable tactile experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift excels with an easy-to-press mechanism paired with a feathery touch, requiring minimal effort for activation. This makes the Swift particularly well-suited for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue and allows for a quick response. While both switches emphasize smoothness, the Swift features a bouncier feel that gives users a lively feedback sensation when pressed.
Overall, both the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and HMX Swift switches offer unique benefits tailored to different preferences regarding sound and feel. The Sticky Rice provides a deeper, low-pitched sound and a polished typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a solid "thock" and silky key presses. Conversely, the Swift's high-pitched sound and light, easy-to-press design are perfect for users seeking a quick and effortless typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize the acoustic profile or the tactile feedback in your typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the HMX Swift linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use cases. If you are someone who appreciates a refined, smooth typing experience with a low-pitched, thocky sound signature, the Sticky Rice (V2) is an excellent choice. Its buttery and polished feel makes it ideal for long typing sessions, whether for work or leisure, while its moderate bottom-out force of 50 grams provides a comfortable yet responsive typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter, more effortless actuation with a higher-pitched sound, the HMX Swift might suit you better. With its feathery and easy-to-press design, this switch is particularly beneficial for those who need to type quickly or engage in lengthy gaming sessions without experiencing finger fatigue. The Swift's deeper sound profile and silky feel further enhance its appeal for users who enjoy a playful touch in their typing experience. Ultimately, the Sticky Rice (V2) excels in providing a balanced, tactile sensation, while the Swift caters to those seeking lightness and ease of use.
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