KTT F2 vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the KTT F2 and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT F2 and Everglide Rice Pudding present distinct choices that cater to different preferences in typing experience. The KTT F2 switches are celebrated for their unique hollow sound signature, which adds an auditory charm to typing while maintaining a medium-light weight that strikes a balance between comfort and responsiveness. Their lightly textured feel further enhances the typing experience, making them an appealing option for those who enjoy a subtle tactile sensation. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches shine with their smooth operation and deep sound, providing a satisfying and precise typing experience that many enthusiasts crave. Additionally, their compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards makes them a versatile choice for users focused on performance and adaptability. While both switches have their unique strengths, they cater to different aesthetic and functional preferences. 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
43g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the KTT F2 and Everglide Rice Pudding switches exhibit interesting similarities and differences that affect their sound profiles and overall typing experience. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's inherent stiffness, which allows for greater resonance and clarity in sound. The translucency of the polycarbonate material also enhances the aesthetic appeal when RGB lighting is used, creating vibrant visual effects that accentuate the keyboard's overall design. Thus, for both switches, users can expect a bright sound and a visually engaging experience when utilizing RGB functionalities.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the KTT F2 and Everglide Rice Pudding switches diverge significantly in material, leading to noticeable differences in sound and feel. The F2 employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which retains the sharpness and clarity established by the top housing, providing a more consistent sound profile. On the other hand, the Rice Pudding's use of nylon for its bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, characterized by a softer touch that absorbs more sound. This difference in material composition means that when typing on the Everglide Rice Pudding switches, users experience a more muted, rounder sound upon bottoming out compared to the KTT F2, which maintains its crispness.
The interplay between the top and bottom housings further enhances the complexity of how each switch behaves. With the KTT F2, the polycarbonate construction for both top and bottom housings affords a cohesive sound character, wherein the clarity from the top translates consistently through to the bottoming-out experience. Contrastingly, the Rice Pudding benefits from a distinctive sound signature due to its nylon bottom housing, creating a split in sound quality where the top housing delivers higher-pitched notes and the bottom housing introduces a rounded timbre. Consequently, while both switches may deliver sharpness through their polycarbonate tops, the varying bottom housing materials profoundly impact the overall acoustic experience and tactile feedback that typists can expect.
Weight
The KTT F2 linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The KTT F2 has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it appealing for those who prefer fewer finger strain during long typing or gaming sessions. Consequently, the Rice Pudding offers a softer feel overall, whereas the KTT F2 provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces. While both switches are designed to deliver responsive performance, the differences in their weights may influence user preference depending on whether they value a lighter touch or a more robust push feel.
Travel distance
The KTT F2 linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch both have an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning users will experience the same amount of key travel when pressing down on either switch. This similarity in travel distance leads to comparable typing sensations and overall user experiences, making both switches equally suitable for those who prefer a consistent feel in their keyboard usage. With no switch having a shorter or longer distance, users can expect similar results in terms of responsiveness and feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT F2 comes in at $3.90 per 10 switches.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the KTT F2 linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, the F2 stands out with its distinct hollow sound signature that contributes to its unique auditory experience. It's characterized as both neutral and subdued, offering a moderate sound that is neither overly loud nor entirely silent, making it versatile for various environments, be it home or office. The Rice Pudding switch, on the other hand, is noted for its deep sound that complements its smooth operation, although specific descriptors for its sound are not provided. The overall auditory experience of the Rice Pudding may lean towards richness, which, in conjunction with the F2’s subtler profile, creates a varied auditory landscape.
In terms of feel, the KTT F2 switches cater to a comfortable and versatile typing experience. They are described as feathery, mild, and subtle, making them exceptionally light and reducing finger fatigue during extended use. This blend of qualities ensures that the F2s are approachable for most users, providing gentle resistance without overwhelming the typist. The Everglide Rice Pudding switches, lacking specific descriptors, do not provide enough information to ascertain their feel, leaving an aspect of their performance unknown. However, the F2's light and nuanced tactile experience suggests a more universal appeal that may not be as pronounced in the hall effect variant.
Taking into account both sound and feel, the comparison between the KTT F2 and Everglide Rice Pudding switches highlights distinctive attributes that cater to different user preferences. The F2 offers a unique auditory signature and a comfortable typing experience that many will find appealing, particularly for those seeking a lighter touch. While the Rice Pudding’s deep sound may satisfy enthusiasts looking for a rich auditory experience, the overall tactile feedback remains a mystery. Ultimately, these switches provide varied qualities, allowing users to find a suitable match based on their preferences for sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the KTT F2 linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, consider your priorities in terms of typing experience, sound, and the intended use of your keyboard. If you prefer a medium-light actuation force that offers a comfortable typing experience with a subtly textured feel and a distinct hollow sound, the KTT F2 will likely suit your needs, especially in environments where a subdued sound profile is advantageous, such as shared workspaces or quiet home setups. On the other hand, if you value a lighter actuation force and are seeking a smooth typing experience with a deeper sound, particularly for gaming or performance-focused tasks, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch would be the better choice. Additionally, if you are an enthusiast using Wooting's innovative keyboards, the Rice Pudding’s compatibility adds to its appeal. Ultimately, both switches provide unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, allowing you to tailor your mechanical keyboard to fit your specific typing needs and environment.