Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the unique attributes of each option. The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers an engaging balance for typists who seek a smooth keystroke and a neutral sound profile, embodying the sought-after "thock" through a refined tactile feel that minimizes wobble. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a satisfying and quiet typing experience without sacrificing performance. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) delivers a heavier variant of the beloved Xinhai switch, crafted with a PA12 top housing that softens acoustics while its POM stem produces a sharp, crisp sound. Ideal for users who prefer a pronounced audio feedback with a more substantial feel under their fingers, the Xinhai (Heavy) shines in environments where a tactile response is paramount. Both switches cater to distinct preferences, which can significantly influence your typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your style and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches present a striking contrast in their choice of top housing materials, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Sticky Rice (V2) utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more resonant acoustic profile, allowing for heightened clarity that often complements the aesthetics of RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) opts for a nylon top housing, a material renowned for generating a deeper and fuller sound. The relative softness of nylon enables it to absorb sound better, resulting in a less piercing and more rounded auditory experience. Thus, while the sticky rice tends to offer a more pronounced sound, the Xinhai leans towards a warmer auditory signature.
When evaluating the bottom housing materials for both switches, the comparisons yield a similar outcome, as both the Sticky Rice (V2) and the Xinhai (Heavy) feature nylon for their bottom housings. This similarity means that both switches provide a consistent and fuller sound profile when bottoming out, driven by the sound-absorbing characteristics of nylon. As a classic material in switch design, nylon contributes to a subdued bottom-out sound, creating a cohesive auditory experience. Therefore, while the top housings create distinct sound profiles, the shared nylon bottom housing brings parity to the overall sound experience felt during typing.
Ultimately, the combined effects of both top and bottom housing materials define how each switch performs and how users perceive their typing experience. With the Sticky Rice (V2), the clearer sound from the polycarbonate top housing will be prominent when releasing a key, complemented by the rich depth of sound from the nylon base when the key is fully pressed. On the other hand, the Xinhai (Heavy) maintains a more consistent rounded sound due to its nylon top, creating smooth transitions between keystrokes. In essence, while the switches utilize different materials for their top housings leading to variance in sound profiles, the nylon bottom housings ensure a similarity in the fundamental typing experience, enabling users to achieve satisfying results regardless of the specific model chosen.
Weight
The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch present notably different actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to diverse preferences among users. The Sticky Rice (V2) boasts a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for typists seeking a comfortable experience during extended use. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a stronger actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, which provides a more substantial typing feel for those who appreciate tactile feedback. Consequently, the Xinhai (Heavy) is considered heavier, making it a better choice for users who prefer a firmer keystroke. Therefore, if you're looking for prolonged typing comfort, the Sticky Rice (V2) would be advantageous, while for a more robust experience, the Xinhai (Heavy) would be the ideal selection.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the Sticky Rice (V2) has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Xinhai (Heavy) measures 3.4 mm. This means that the Sticky Rice (V2) provides a deeper key press, which some users might find more satisfying or tactile, especially if they prefer a more pronounced feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Xinhai (Heavy) can offer a quicker response time, making it potentially more appealing for gamers who favor speed and rapid key presses. Users looking for a switch that delivers a hearty depth should consider the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), while those who prioritize responsiveness may prefer the HMX Xinhai (Heavy).
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 Xinhai (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai (Heavy) for $3.19.
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) delivers a balanced typing experience characterized by a neutral sound signature that can evoke the desirable "thock" sound some enthusiasts chase after. This auditory feedback is enhanced by its thoughtful design, contributing to a satisfying acoustic experience during use. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) boasts a softer acoustics profile due to its PA12 top housing, resulting in a distinctively higher-pitched, crisp resonance from the POM stem. This lends the Xinhai a more refined and subtle auditory experience compared to the richer, deeper tones of the Sticky Rice, making each switching experience unique based on the user's preferences and the additional factors like the keyboard and keycap choice.
When it comes to feel, the Sticky Rice (V2) is known for its super smooth keystroke, attributed to the dustproof stem that minimizes wobble and promotes a refined tactile sensation. Users can expect a consistent and effortless typing experience that maintains responsiveness. On the other hand, the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a different tactile feedback profile, designed for a heavier touch that enhances precision. Although both switches provide a level of performance that fans of linear switches appreciate, the feel of the Sticky Rice tends to lean towards a smoother engagement, while the Xinhai might appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keystroke.
In summary, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches both offer compelling auditory and tactile experiences, but with distinct characteristics that align with different user preferences. The Sticky Rice leans towards a more balanced sound with a smooth feel, ideal for typewriters who enjoy a certain acoustic depth. Meanwhile, the Xinhai’s softer acoustics and heavier engagement cater to those looking for a crisp and precise performance. These switches showcase how design elements impact perception, allowing users to choose based on what characteristics resonate most with their typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch should ultimately align with your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a lighter touch and a smooth keystroke that offers a satisfying "thock" sound, the Sticky Rice (V2) is your ideal pick. This switch excels in providing a balanced typing experience that enhances both comfort and enjoyment, making it perfect for long typing sessions or gaming marathons where precision and reduced finger fatigue are paramount. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly heavier actuation force and a crisp sound profile, the Xinhai (Heavy) would suit you better. With its unique PA12 housing and POM stem, you’ll experience a subtle sophistication in acoustics that pairs well with a more deliberate typing style, ideal for those who enjoy the tactile feedback and a refined sound while typing or gaming. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your sensitivity to key force, sound preference, and the type of experience you want to have while using your keyboard.
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