KTT Darling vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Darling and Everglide Rice Pudding offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The KTT Darling, a linear switch, is revered for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, which feels like an inviting embrace for your fingers. Its pronounced bounciness provides a springy responsiveness that enhances the overall experience, further complemented by its high-pitched, resonant sound when bottoming out—ideal for those who revel in auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch boasts a smooth operation paired with a deep, satisfying sound profile, catering to those who appreciate precision in their keystrokes. With the added advantage of compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards, the Rice Pudding is an attractive option for enthusiasts looking for versatility and performance in their setup. While both switches have their unique strengths and appeal to varying tastes in tactile and auditory experiences, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Darling and Everglide Rice Pudding both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, a material known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances sound clarity and resonance, making it a popular choice among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Additionally, its translucency allows for effective diffusion of RGB lighting, further enhancing the visual aesthetics of the switches. Given that both switches share this material in their top housings, users can expect similar sound characteristics when typing, fostering a consistent auditory experience regardless of the switch brand.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the KTT Darling and Everglide Rice Pudding switches is made of nylon, a material that distinctly shapes the auditory experience during tactile interaction. Nylon is known for its softer composition, leading to a fuller, deeper sound profile. This contrasts with the sharper notes produced by the polycarbonate tops, effectively balancing out the overall sound when typing. Given that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, users can anticipate a complementary sound signature when the keys are bottomed out, creating a smoother transition between the crispness from the polycarbonate and the depth from the nylon.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms in both the KTT Darling and Everglide Rice Pudding switches works in tandem to produce a unique yet consistent sound profile. The polycarbonate enhances the auditory sharpness and resonance while the nylon introduces warmth and depth, resulting in a well-rounded typing experience. Users will appreciate how the combination of these two materials can yield similar results in terms of overall sound dynamics, even with potential differences in tactile feedback or actuation points. This synergy between the materials emphasizes the importance of both housing types in defining the character of mechanical switches, ensuring an enjoyable experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Darling linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Darling switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This lighter feel may appeal to users who type for extended periods or who prioritize a more effortless keystroke during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Darling switch’s heavier actuation and bottom out forces may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer feedback. Overall, while both switches serve different preferences in terms of actuation force and bottom out feel, the KTT Darling is the heavier option, and the Everglide Rice Pudding is the lighter one.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Darling linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This identical measurement means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users will experience a comparable depth of travel. As a result, both switches will deliver similar tactile feedback and key feel, providing a consistent typing experience for users who prioritize this aspect in their mechanical keyboards.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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 Darling linear switch excels with its clacky, high-pitched, and resonant acoustic profile. Each keystroke produces a sharp and crisp sound that enhances the typing experience, creating an immersive auditory feedback that many typists or gamers appreciate. The combination of the toy-like sound and the resonant quality adds a layer of engagement beyond just the tactile sensation of typing. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding's sound profile remains less defined in this context; while it is noted to provide a smooth operation, specific descriptors of its audio qualities are not available. This may suggest a more neutral or less pronounced sound compared to the Darling.
In terms of feel, the KTT Darling shines with its unique characteristics. It features a bouncy sensation, offering a lively feedback that can give the user an enjoyable rebound with every keypress. This chewiness and substantiality contribute to a highly satisfying typing experience, especially for those who appreciate a bit of springiness in their switches. The Everglide Rice Pudding, however, lacks detailed descriptions regarding its feel, making it difficult to compare directly. Without specific descriptors, one can only assume that it aims for a smooth typing experience that might align with the preferences of enthusiasts seeking precision.
In summary, the KTT Darling linear switch presents a distinctive auditory and tactile experience, characterized by a lively, resonant sound and a bouncy feel. The high-pitched acoustics and pronounced feedback may appeal to users who enjoy more pronounced auditory interactions. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch offers a smoother performance that seems quietly impressive, though its sound and feel remain less articulated in comparison. Both switches are likely to deliver satisfying results, but for those preferring a more pronounced auditory experience, the Darling may be the more appealing choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Darling linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a more substantial, chewy typing experience with a pronounced bouncy feel, the KTT Darling is likely the better option for you, especially if you appreciate a resonant, high-pitched sound that adds an engaging auditory dimension to your typing. Its medium-light force of 53 grams means that it's still manageable for extended use, while the clackiness can provide an enjoyable feedback sensation for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a smooth, precise typing experience that still delivers satisfying acoustics, the Everglide Rice Pudding is an excellent choice. With a bottom-out force of just 48 grams, these switches are perfect for quick keystrokes, making them well-suited for both gaming and extended typing sessions, particularly if you are using a Wooting keyboard for its versatile functionality. In the end, the decision rests on whether you crave weighty feedback and auditory liveliness or a smooth, responsive touch with balanced sound—both options cater excellently to different styles of use.
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