Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the HMX Vintage Citrus offer two compelling yet distinct options catering to different user preferences. The Sticky Rice (V2), known for its balanced typing experience and neutral sound signature, provides a delightful tactile feedback accompanied by a satisfying "thock," making it an excellent choice for typists who value both performance and a refined sensory experience. With its dustproof stem that minimizes wobble, it promises durability and smooth keystrokes for those who frequently type for extended periods. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch targets gamers with its rapid 1mm actuation force designed for quick and precise inputs, complemented by a bright, clacky sound profile and an ultra-smooth push feel. This switch is perfect for competitive gaming scenarios where speed and responsiveness are paramount. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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-staged spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the HMX Vintage Citrus present an interesting contrast in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles. The Sticky Rice (V2) utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material known for its stiffness and translucency. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that is particularly advantageous for RGB setups, allowing vibrant lighting to emanate through a clear housing. In stark contrast, the Vintage Citrus opts for a nylon top housing, a classic choice that promotes a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer nature. While the Sticky Rice's polycarbonate projection emphasizes clarity and brightness, the Vintage Citrus leans towards a warmer and rounder auditory experience.
When examining the bottom housings, the similarities between the two switches become apparent. Both the Sticky Rice (V2) and the HMX Vintage Citrus feature a nylon bottom housing. This shared material leads to a rich and satisfyingly deep sound profile, as the nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. Consequently, the bottom-out sound on both switches will resonate with a fullness characteristic of nylon, contributing to an overall softer auditory experience. Thus, regardless of their differing top housings, the deep sound and tactile feel during key presses will be remarkably similar between the two, thanks to the identical bottom housing materials.
By combining the strengths of their respective materials, the Sticky Rice (V2) and Vintage Citrus achieve distinct yet complementary sound profiles. The polycarbonate top of the Sticky Rice offers a bright, sharp exit sound, while the nylon bottom enhances the overall depth of sound with a rounded finish. Meanwhile, the Vintage Citrus presents a more uniform character owing to its all-nylon composition, resulting in both a deeper bottom-out sound and a warmer release tone. Therefore, despite the differences in their top housings, users may find that switching between them yields similarly satisfying auditory results due to the commonalities in their bottoms. Ultimately, the choice between the two could depend on personal preference for the initial sound upon key release versus the overall key press experience.
Weight
The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, impacting user experience. The Sticky Rice (V2) has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, compared to the Vintage Citrus’s 48 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Sticky Rice (V2) is 50 grams, which is also lighter than the Vintage Citrus’s 53 grams. This means that those who favor a more substantial feel while typing might find the Vintage Citrus switch preferable due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, if a user prioritizes a lighter typing experience, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) will provide more comfort, whereas the HMX Vintage Citrus will cater to those who enjoy a firmer push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, a noticeable difference arises. The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus features a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This makes the Vintage Citrus a more shallow option, catering to gamers who favor quicker response times for faster gameplay. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a more substantial feel with its longer travel distance, which might appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press and a more tactile experience. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Vintage Citrus will be more suited to your needs, whereas the Sticky Rice (V2) is ideal for those seeking a richer depth in their keystrokes.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 is characterized by a neutral sound signature that subtly hints at the desired "thock" that many enthusiasts crave. This quality lends itself well to a balanced acoustic experience, making it suitable for both typing and gaming without being overly loud. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch presents a brighter, clackier sound profile that appeals particularly to gamers. This distinction creates a lively auditory experience that can be exhilarating during fast-paced gaming sessions. However, it's important to note that the overall sound experience can vary significantly based on the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps chosen, which may also enhance or dampen the characteristics of each switch.
In terms of feel, the Sticky Rice (V2) is renowned for its super smooth keystroke, attributed to its dustproof stem that effectively reduces wobble, providing a refined and satisfying typing sensation. This smoothness enhances the tactile experience without introducing any significant feedback, making it ideal for those who seek a fluid typing motion. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switch is designed with gaming in mind, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, which facilitates rapid keystrokes for quick responses. This makes the Vintage Citrus feel remarkably effortless while providing a smooth push, catering specifically to users who prioritize speed and agility in their gameplay.
Overall, both the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches present unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Sticky Rice excels in delivering a balanced sound and a refined typing feel, making it a great choice for those looking for a versatile switch for both gaming and typing. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus is tailored for gamers seeking quick responsiveness and a lively sound profile. While they differ in their sound and feel aspects, both switches can provide satisfying performance depending on the user’s individual needs and preferences, ultimately enhancing the overall typing or gaming experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches largely depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you seek a switch that delivers a well-rounded typing experience with a neutral sound that produces the satisfying "thock" sound many enthusiasts adore, the Sticky Rice (V2) is an excellent option. Its lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams allows for comfortable typing over extended periods, making it ideal for writers or those in an office environment who value a smooth keystroke and reduced wobble. On the other hand, if you are a gamer looking for rapid responsiveness and quick actuation, the Vintage Citrus switch might be more suitable for you, thanks to its exceptionally low 1mm actuation force and a bright, clacky acoustic profile that can enhance the gaming experience. The slightly heavier bottom-out force of 53 grams also provides a tactile feedback that can help in discerning key presses, which can be beneficial in fast-paced games. Ultimately, considering your primary usage—whether typing or gaming—will guide you in choosing the switch that best aligns with your needs.
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