KTT Ash Gray vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Ash Gray and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Ash Gray switch is celebrated for its careful engineering, providing a tactile response that's substantial yet unobtrusive. Users can expect a delightful blend of feedback that strikes a balance between being satisfying and not overwhelming, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate an “easy-to-press” feel without sacrificing precision. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is designed for a smoother typing experience, boasting a neutral sound signature that users associate with the desirable "thock" while maintaining a refined tactile sensation. The advanced design of the dustproof stem minimizes wobble, enhancing overall performance to appeal to enthusiasts who appreciate an efficient, satisfying keystroke. Each switch offers unique benefits: the Ash Gray is perfect for those who enjoy a mild tactile feedback during intense typing sessions, while the Sticky Rice (V2) caters to users seeking a more polished feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Ash Gray Tactile

Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) Hall Effect

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Ash Gray and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, contributing to similar sound profiles. This material's inherent stiffness lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sonic quality, making both switches suitable for users seeking an expressive auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances RGB lighting by allowing vibrant colors to shine through. This shared characteristic means that users of both the KTT Ash Gray and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) can expect a beneficial experience when it comes to visual aesthetics and sound clarity, especially in setups where RGB lighting is utilized.

In contrast, the bottom housing of these switches differs in terms of construction material: the KTT Ash Gray employs nylon, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. This classic material introduces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer composition tends to absorb sound more effectively than its harder counterparts. Consequently, both switches are designed to provide a rounder, more subdued auditory experience on bottoming out, with the nylon contributing to a richer feel during typing. Here, the similarity in material choice points to a cohesive sound signature that enhances the overall performance, though the dynamic interplay between top and bottom housings will still yield unique characteristics based on design nuances.

Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in both switches results in a well-rounded performance, with notable sonic attributes driven by the materials' physical properties. In typing experiences, the nylon's cushioning effect will dominate the bottom-out feel of both switches, while the polycarbonate's resonance amplifies the sounds produced during a key release. This duality in housing materials allows users to enjoy both the clarity brought by the polycarbonate top and the warmth offered by the nylon bottom, leading to a satisfying typing experience that can cater to varied preferences in both sound and tactility. Hence, regardless of the switch chosen between the KTT Ash Gray and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), users are guaranteed a harmonious balance of sharpness and depth in their keystrokes.

Weight

The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch exhibit some differences in actuation and bottom out forces, ultimately catering to various user preferences. The Ash Gray has a slightly lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Sticky Rice (V2), which requires 40 grams of force to actuate. In terms of bottom out force, the Ash Gray reaches 53 grams, while the Sticky Rice (V2) has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while the Ash Gray switch provides a more pronounced push feel, it also requires slightly more effort to fully press down compared to the Sticky Rice (V2). For users who prefer lighter switches for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) may be the better choice overall, given its lower bottom out force and nearly equivalent actuation force. Conversely, those favoring a more tactile and heavier typing experience might opt for the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch for its increased actuation weight.

Travel distance

Both the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch feature a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this regard. Because they share the same travel distance, users can expect a similar tactile feedback and overall keystroke experience when using either switch. This parity means that those who prefer one switch for its characteristics will likely find comparable results with the other, allowing for a versatile choice depending on personal preference.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is known for its neutral profile, providing a moderate auditory experience that suits a variety of settings, whether at home or in an office environment. This makes it a versatile option for both novices and seasoned typists. Conversely, while specific acoustic qualities for the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) haven’t been detailed, it's noted for its neutral sound signature that leans toward the “thock” that enthusiasts rave about. This suggests that, while the Ash Gray offers a balanced auditory feedback, the Sticky Rice (V2) might produce a slightly richer sound profile—especially appealing if you're in the market for a refined auditory experience.

In terms of feel, the Ash Gray shines with its easy-to-press, mild characteristics that afford a light touch during typing. This gentle resistance minimizes fatigue, making it an excellent choice for prolonged use. The tactile feedback is substantial yet unobtrusive, maintaining a pleasant balance that appeals to a wide audience. The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), although lacking specific tactile feel descriptors, promises a smooth keystroke with reduced wobble due to its dustproof stem, suggesting that it may offer a similarly refined and effortless typing experience without compromising tactile feedback. Both switches cater to those who prefer a comfortable typing feel that is not overly aggressive.

In conclusion, while the KTT Ash Gray and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) both cater to users seeking a pleasant auditory and tactile experience, they do so in slightly different realms. The Ash Gray excels with its neutral sound and approachable feel, making it versatile for diverse user needs, while the Sticky Rice (V2) promises a tempting “thock” along with its smooth performance. Whether you're leaning toward the Ash Gray for its mild tactility or the Sticky Rice (V2) for its refined acoustics and smoothness, both switches will ultimately deliver a satisfying typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch that offers a medium-light actuation force with a pleasantly subtle tactile response, the Ash Gray is an excellent choice. Its neutral sound profile and easy-to-press characteristics make it a versatile option for both beginner and advanced typists, ensuring comfort during long typing sessions without being overly overwhelming. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter keypress and appreciate a keystroke that combines smoothness with that satisfying "thock" sound, the Sticky Rice (V2) would be your go-to. Designed for those who love a high-quality tactile experience, its refined feel and stylish sound signature make it particularly appealing for enthusiasts who value performance and precision. Consider your typical typing habits, whether you favor a more pronounced tactile sensation or smooth, quiet operation, and choose accordingly for the best experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Ash Gray Tactile

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) Hall Effect

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn more