Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves at a crossroads between distinct performance characteristics and tactile feedback, as exemplified by the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the HMX Twilight. The Sticky Rice (V2), lauded for its balanced typing experience, presents a compelling option for those who seek a "thock" sound profile complemented by a silky and buttery feel, thanks to its dustproof stem that enhances smoothness and minimizes wobble. This switch is ideal for users who value a refined tactile sensation in their typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight caters to those who delight in the engaging feedback of linear switches, featuring an extended 3.85mm travel distance that offers a bouncy yet quieter experience while retaining the characteristic clacky sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and functionality; 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
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
3.85 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the HMX Twilight, it's essential to acknowledge the distinct choices behind their top housings. The Sticky Rice (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its stiffness and translucency, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic not only enhances clarity in audio feedback but also maximizes the display of RGB lighting due to its transparent qualities. In contrast, the HMX Twilight is equipped with a nylon top housing, a material celebrated for its ability to absorb sound. The nylon's softer nature results in a deeper and fuller sound, giving the Twilight a more rounded auditory experience. Thus, the fundamental difference in sound profile is largely attributable to the choice of top housing material, with polycarbonate aiming for clarity and brightness, while nylon leans towards depth and warmth.
Both the Sticky Rice (V2) and HMX Twilight share a commonality in their bottom housing material, as both utilize nylon. This consistency means that when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel during typing, users can expect a comparable experience from both switches due to the inherent characteristics of nylon. The soft nature of the nylon used in both models works to absorb sound, promoting a duller and rounder sound profile that contributes to a smooth typing experience. Likewise, the bottom housing impacts the tactile feedback when bottoming out, ensuring that despite the differences observed with their respective top housings, both switches maintain a similar foundational typing characteristic derived from the nylon bottom.
Ultimately, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and HMX Twilight diverge in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—they converge beautifully through their shared nylon bottom housing. This duality allows both switches to offer distinctive sound profiles when pressed and released, with the Sticky Rice (V2) producing a brighter sound as the key is released, while the Twilight offers a more muted auditory feedback. Even with these differences in auditory outputs, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both options will cater well to those seeking a dependable and harmonious typing experience. By appreciating these nuances, users can make informed decisions based on their sound and tactile preferences while enjoying the benefits of the complementary material choices in each switch design.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, both exhibit similar bottom out forces, rated at 50 grams, suggesting that users will experience a consistent resistance when fully pressing down on either switch. However, the actuation forces differ slightly; the Sticky Rice (V2) has an actuation force of 40 grams, making it a bit lighter, while the Twilight requires a slightly heavier force of 42 grams to register a keystroke. This difference means that those who prefer a lighter switch for extended periods of typing or gaming may gravitate towards the Sticky Rice (V2). In contrast, users who enjoy a more substantial feel and are comfortable with a bit more resistance may find the HMX Twilight to be more to their liking. Overall, while both switches are considered light due to their bottom out forces, the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a marginally easier actuation, catering to a different typing preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in their travel distances. The Sticky Rice (V2) has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Twilight measures 3.85 mm. As such, the Sticky Rice (V2) is the shorter switch, catering to those who prefer a quicker response time typical of shorter travel distances, which can be particularly appealing for gamers. Conversely, the Twilight's 3.85 mm travel distance offers a more pronounced depth, which might be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Thus, while both switches serve different preferences when it comes to tactile feedback during typing or gaming, the Sticky Rice (V2) provides a snappier experience, whereas the Twilight guarantees a more substantial keypress.
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 Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight 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) switch delivers a low-pitched audio profile that resonates with a subdued yet satisfying "thock," appealing to those who appreciate a deeper tonal quality. This sound is complemented by its neutral signature, making it versatile for various typing and gaming scenarios. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch provides a notably quieter experience thanks to its extended travel distance of 3.85mm. While it maintains HMX switches' traditional clacky characteristics, the Twilight's sound overall leans towards being more subdued, which might be preferable in quieter environments or for those who dislike the louder pronunciations of mechanical switches. The auditory experience of both switches can be influenced by the keyboard build and keycap material, which adds an extra layer of customization for users seeking a particular sound profile.
Regarding feel, the Sticky Rice (V2) excels with its polished and silky attributes, providing a smooth and refined typing experience that minimizes friction. The mild nature of this switch makes it accessible to a wide range of users, providing a gentle and forgiving interaction that balances nuance with ease of use. Its buttery keystroke ensures that every press feels fluid and effortless. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight offers a unique bouncy feel, characterized by a spring-like responsiveness that enhances key rebound. This lively feedback contributes to an engaging typing experience, appealing to users who enjoy a bit of playfulness in their keyboard actions. While the feel of each switch offers a different type of engagement—one being smooth and stable, the other bouncy and reactive—their distinct characteristics may cater to differing preferences among typists and gamers alike.
In conclusion, both the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and HMX Twilight linear switches provide unique and enjoyable experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Sticky Rice (V2) shines with its rich, low-pitched sound and exceptionally smooth feel, making it suitable for users who crave a refined typing experience with an appealing acoustic signature. Meanwhile, the HMX Twilight emphasizes a quieter profile with its extended travel and a lively, bouncy feel that adds an element of fun to typing. Choosing between these switches will ultimately depend on individual preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback, but both options are commendable in their performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the HMX Twilight linear switch, your preferences in typing experience and sound will be key factors to consider. If you lean towards a balanced, polished, and smooth keystroke experience with a lower pitched, "thock" sound, the Sticky Rice (V2) is an excellent choice. This switch is particularly appealing for those who appreciate a refined tactile sensation that is both mild and buttery. It’s ideal for typing for extended periods, as its ergonomic design helps minimize fatigue. On the other hand, if you are looking for a livelier, more dynamic experience, the HMX Twilight will cater to that desire. Thanks to its bouncy feel and extended travel distance, it provides an engaging typing experience, albeit with a slightly quieter sound signature. This makes it suitable if you enjoy a more responsive switch that still maintains a clacky character while typing. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style and the sound profile that resonates with you, whether that’s the smooth sophistication of the Sticky Rice (V2) or the lively rebound of the HMX Twilight.
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