KTT Ash Gray vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray and the Everglide Rice Pudding can significantly influence your typing experience. The KTT Ash Gray is celebrated for its tactile response, striking a harmonious balance between a light touch and a crisp actuation. It provides a pleasurable typing sensation, offering just the right amount of feedback without being overpowering—attributes that cater well to those who appreciate a more nuanced touch in their keyboard feel. Conversely, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches are renowned for their smooth operation and satisfying sound, making them a solid option for users who seek precision and an enjoyable acoustics during their typing sessions. Additionally, the Rice Pudding switches boast full compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards, making them particularly appealing to enthusiasts who value versatility in their gear. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different preferences, they each offer unique benefits. 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
38g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and the Everglide Rice Pudding, it is important to note their similarities. Both switches utilize a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to their sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profiles. The stiff nature of the polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of each keystroke, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize audio feedback in their typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, providing an aesthetically pleasing look for keyboard enthusiasts who enjoy customized lighting effects. Thus, users can expect a consistent auditory experience when using either switch due to this shared compositional element.
Despite the similarities in the top housing, there is an essential distinction in the bottom housing composition. Both the Ash Gray and Rice Pudding feature nylon as their lower housing material, which significantly influences the overall sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively than harder counterparts, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This characteristic leads to a more muted yet rich auditory experience, contrasting with the clearer tones produced by the polycarbonate top. Therefore, while both switches deliver a harmonious blend of sound qualities, the nylon bottom housing ensures that each switch maintains its unique sound profile during use.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms in both the KTT Ash Gray and Everglide Rice Pudding creates a well-rounded typing experience. The polycarbonate top enhances the clarity and brightness of the sound, providing a distinct auditory feedback during key releases, while the nylon bottom contributes to a fuller sound when the keys bottom out. Users can expect similar results with both switches, as these materials harmoniously work together to produce an engaging and dynamic typing experience. This integration of materials allows typists to enjoy a blend of both crispness and depth, making either option a viable choice based on personal preference.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch with an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams to the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, which features an identical actuation force of 38 grams but a bottom out force of 48 grams, notable similarities and differences emerge. Both switches share the same actuation force, making them equally easy to trigger, ideal for extended typing sessions and gaming marathons. However, the Ash Gray switch has a heavier bottom out force of 53 grams compared to the Rice Pudding's lighter 48 grams. This difference means that while both switches feel similar during the actuation phase, the Ash Gray may provide a more substantial feel upon bottoming out, appealing to those who prefer a firmer typing experience. In contrast, the Rice Pudding's lighter bottom out force can enhance comfort over long periods, catering to users who prioritize ease of use. Overall, those who favor a lighter switch might prefer the Rice Pudding, while users who appreciate a heavier feel may lean towards the Ash Gray.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This equivalence means that users can expect a similar tactile feedback and resistance when pressing down on both switches. Since both switches showcase an identical travel distance, they will deliver comparable sensations during key presses, allowing for a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch is chosen.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
The Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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 KTT Ash Gray switch produces a neutral profile, characterized by a moderate actuation force requirement and a balanced sound. This quality makes it versatile, appealing to a wide audience whether they are beginners or seasoned typists. The switch is suitable for use in various environments, be it at home or in the office, providing a sound experience that does not dominate the soundscape. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is noted for its deep sound, offering a more pronounced audio feedback during typing. However, specific details regarding its sound characteristics beyond the depth are not provided. Therefore, while both switches can deliver satisfying auditory feedback, the Ash Gray leans towards a more neutral tone for everyday usage, whereas the Rice Pudding emphasizes a deeper auditory engagement.
In terms of feel, the KTT Ash Gray excels in offering an easy-to-press experience coupled with mild tactile feedback. This means that users can expect a gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate, which promotes a comfortable, low-impact typing experience. The combination of tactile feedback is notably substantial yet unobtrusive, making it enjoyable for long typing sessions without overwhelming the user. Unfortunately, details about the feel of the Everglide Rice Pudding switch are not specified, leaving its perceptual characteristics a mystery for now. However, the absence of detail suggests that users may experience a smooth operation, possibly in line with the careful design typical of modern mechanical switches.
In conclusion, both the KTT Ash Gray and Everglide Rice Pudding switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Ash Gray provides a neutral, balanced auditory experience paired with an easy and mild tactile response, while the Rice Pudding excels in delivering satisfying depth in sound, although its tactile feedback remains unspecified. For beginners seeking a solid and comfortable typing experience, the Ash Gray is a noteworthy choice, while enthusiasts considering the Rice Pudding may find value in its deep sound and performance capabilities. Ultimately, your experience will vary based on factors such as your keyboard and keycap choices, but both switches promise to contribute to an enjoyable typing experience suited to their unique qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, consider the type of typing experience you desire and the environments in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you prefer a tactile switch that provides a balanced, yet substantial feedback with a medium-light actuation force of 53 grams, the Ash Gray may be your ideal choice. It's particularly well-suited for individuals who appreciate a gentle yet satisfying tactile sensation while typing or gaming, and its neutral sound profile allows for versatile use in both home and work settings. On the other hand, if you're looking for a lighter actuation force at 48 grams combined with a smooth operational feel and satisfying auditory feedback, the Rice Pudding switch would be a compelling option. It's especially favorable for those who appreciate a quiet but immersive typing experience and want to harness the capabilities of Wooting's innovative keyboards. Ultimately, both switches offer unique advantages; your choice should reflect your personal preferences for force sensitivity, tactile feedback, and the environments where you plan to use your keyboard.
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