KTT Cream Yellow vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cream Yellow and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offer distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Cream Yellow is celebrated for its audibly clacky sound profile and a unique, bouncy feel attributed to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a lively and expressive typing experience. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) provides a more refined typing sensation with its neutral sound signature and smooth keystroke, enhanced by a dustproof stem that minimizes wobble. This makes it a compelling option for users who value a balanced and stable feel without the excess noise, especially appealing for those who prefer a quieter workspace. Both switches have their merits, showcasing how personal preference can dictate the perfect switch for an individual's typing style. 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
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Cream Yellow and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a remarkably similar auditory experience. Polycarbonate, known for its stiffness and translucency, contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. This characteristic makes them especially effective for RGB setups since light passes effectively through the polycarbonate material, enhancing visual aesthetics. The clarity and resonance produced by polycarbonate are defining traits in both switches, allowing users to enjoy a vibrant auditory experience when typing or gaming.
In contrast, both the Cream Yellow and Sticky Rice (V2) employ nylon for their bottom housings, which yields a distinctly different sound profile. Nylon is recognized for its softer nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a deeper, fuller sound experience. This material dampens vibrations, leading to a more subdued auditory response during typing. Consequently, while the upper section of both switches offers a bright sound signature due to their polycarbonate tops, the nylon bottoms ensure a more rounded and mellow feel. The combination of these materials allows for a unique interplay between sharpness and warmth, whether it's with the Cream Yellow or the Sticky Rice (V2).
When comparing the two switches holistically, users can expect similar results in sound profile aesthetics, thanks to their uniform choice of housing materials. The polycarbonate tops produce a high-pitched clarity that resonates with RGB lighting, while the nylon bottoms provide a rich, warm resonance that balances the auditory experience. This synergy creates an engaging typing experience that leverages the strengths of both materials. Whether one opts for the KTT Cream Yellow or the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), the characteristics of the housing materials ensure that users will enjoy a cohesive blend of sharpness and warmth in their sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch to the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cream Yellow features a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, providing a more substantial feel that may appeal to users who prefer a stronger push when typing. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who appreciate a softer touch, allowing for more comfortable typing over extended periods or during long gaming sessions. Thus, while the Cream Yellow offers a heftier typing experience, the Sticky Rice (V2) stands out for its gentler feel, catering to users who prioritize ease of use.
Travel distance
The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch both feature a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making their actuation lengths identical. This similarity means that users can expect comparable key feel and responsiveness when engaging either switch, as both require the same amount of movement to register a keystroke. Consequently, whether one opts for the Cream Yellow or the Sticky Rice (V2), the overall typing experience will be notably similar in terms of travel distance, contributing to a consistent and satisfying keyboard feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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.
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 Cream Yellow linear switch stands out with its distinctively clacky audio profile, characterized by a sharp and snappy auditory response. This crisp and percussive sound primarily comes from its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, which enhance resonant feedback. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers a more subdued but balanced sound signature, leaning towards the sought-after "thock." This creates a satisfying acoustic experience for those who prefer a deeper, less sharp audio when typing. Both sound signatures are influenced by various factors, including keyboard construction and keycap material, so users may notice differences based on their specific build.
Regarding feel, the Cream Yellow linear switch is celebrated for its bouncy sensation. This switch delivers an elastic feedback that gives a lively, spring-like rebound, making each keystroke feel energetic and responsive—a quality that many might find enjoyable during extended typing sessions. The Sticky Rice (V2), on the other hand, is designed to provide a super smooth keystroke experience thanks to its dustproof stem, which reduces wobble and enhances overall performance. This results in a refined tactile sensation that caters to users who appreciate a clean and consistent feel without the spring-like feedback found in the Cream Yellow. Although both switches aim to provide satisfying typing experiences, their specific traits cater to different preferences.
In conclusion, the KTT Cream Yellow and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches present distinctly different auditory and haptic experiences. The Cream Yellow excels in providing a vibrant clacky sound and a bouncy feel, while the Sticky Rice offers a more muted thock and a smooth, stable keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize lively sound and feedback or a refined and balanced typing sensation. Both have their unique strengths, ensuring that newcomers can find a switch suited to personal taste within the expansive mechanical keyboard landscape.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch ultimately comes down to your personal typing preferences and use case. If you appreciate a bouncier typing experience with distinct, clacky audio feedback, the Cream Yellow is an excellent fit. Its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams makes it suitable for those who prefer a bit more resistance when typing, allowing for a lively feel that can enhance your engagement during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, if you favor a smoother, more refined typing experience with a lighter touch, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) should be your go-to choice. With its 50 grams bottom-out force, this switch provides a comfortable and balanced feel, coupled with a subtle "thock" sound that many enthusiasts prize, making it ideal for quieter environments or professional settings where noise levels matter. Consider your priorities in a switch—whether sound, tactile feedback, or resistance—when making your final decision, and you’ll surely find satisfaction in either option.
Mentioned in this article
