KTT Hyacinth vs. Everglide Rice Pudding

Overview

When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Hyacinth and the Everglide Rice Pudding offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The KTT Hyacinth, a linear switch notable for its 3.5mm travel distance, prioritizes user comfort by minimizing the harsh bottoming-out sensation often found in switches with longer stems. This is further enhanced by its single-stage elongated spring, providing a more consistent force curve for a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding employs innovative hall effect technology to achieve a striking balance of smoothness and deep sound, catering to those who value both satisfying acoustics and precise keystrokes. Their compatibility with Wooting's advanced keyboards also adds a layer of versatility for tech enthusiasts. Overall, the KTT Hyacinth excels in offering a neutral and silky feel, while the Rice Pudding stands out for its rich auditory feedback. 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 Hyacinth Linear

Everglide Rice Pudding Hall Effect

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When examining the housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the Everglide Rice Pudding, it becomes immediately evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This shared material contributes to a sound profile characterized by sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper tones. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature enhances the resonance and clarity of the sound produced, making it a popular choice for those who appreciate a distinct auditory experience while typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate promotes optimal RGB lighting effects, appealing to users who enjoy customizable aesthetics in their keyboard setup. Both switches benefit from these attributes, suggesting that their sound and visual outputs will be similar when evaluated under like conditions.

In contrast, the bottom housing of the KTT Hyacinth and the Everglide Rice Pudding is made of nylon. Nylon, being a softer plastic, contributes significantly to the overall sound profile by absorbing and dampening sound vibrations, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This difference in material between the top and bottom housing allows each switch to produce a unique sound signature, where the nylon bottom influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. Consequently, even though the top housings are the same, the nylon bottom in both switches will create a noticeable depth in acoustics that complements the sharper tones from the polycarbonate top.

Ultimately, while both the KTT Hyacinth and Everglide Rice Pudding switches will yield similar high-pitched and resonant sound qualities due to their polycarbonate top housings, the nylon bottom housing plays a crucial role in shaping their cumulative sound and tactile feedback. The integrated effects of the stiffer polycarbonate combined with the softer nylon create a harmonious balance between clarity and depth. Therefore, users can expect a cohesive and satisfying typing experience from both switches, characterized by a sharp sound when releasing keys and a fuller impact when bottoming out, resulting in a multifaceted auditory experience that is both distinctive and rich.

Weight

The KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch provide contrasting experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to different types of users. The Hyacinth features a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, making it suitable for those who appreciate a more substantial feel while typing. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, offering a gentler typing experience that can be ideal for long hours of use without fatigue. Consequently, if you prefer a lighter switch that allows for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Rice Pudding is the superior choice. On the other hand, those who enjoy a stronger push feel may gravitate towards the KTT Hyacinth switch due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces, which deliver a more pronounced tactile experience.

Travel distance

Both the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch feature a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this regard. This means that whether you're using the Hyacinth or the Rice Pudding switch, you'll experience the same keypress depth when you press down on the keys. As a result, users can expect similar tactile feedback and actuation performance from both switches due to their identical travel distances.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch offers a neutral auditory profile. This moderate sound level makes it versatile for various environments, whether during work or casual use, catering well to both beginners and advanced users alike. Conversely, details regarding the sound profile of the Everglide Rice Pudding switch remain unknown, which leaves room for uncertainty; however, users often find that their auditory experiences are also influenced by other factors like keyboard construction and keycap material.

In terms of feel, the Hyacinth switches are distinguished by their silky smooth operation and subtle resistance. This creates an exceptionally smooth typing experience, allowing for a seamless transition when pressing and releasing keys while reducing the feeling of resistance. This tactile quality can contribute to a more enjoyable typing experience, especially in shared workspaces due to the switch's non-resonant sound signature. The specific feel characteristics of the Everglide Rice Pudding switch are not provided, which means it's unclear how it may compare in this aspect.

In conclusion, while the KTT Hyacinth linear switch showcases a balanced sound profile and a notably smooth, tactile feel, information about the auditory characteristics and feel of the Everglide Rice Pudding switch remains unknown. For those seeking versatility and comfort, the Hyacinth stands out, offering a consistent and pleasant typing experience. If you prefer the deep sound of the Rice Pudding, it might provide good results too, but it would be important to evaluate its properties in practice to find the best fit for your typing style.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately boils down to your specific preferences and typing needs. If you favor a medium-light actuation force with a silky feel and a balanced, neutral sound profile, the KTT Hyacinth may be the way to go. Its 3.5mm travel distance is designed to minimize the uncomfortable hard bottoming-out experience, making it suitable for both home and work environments, especially if you find yourself typing for extended periods. On the other hand, if you prioritize a lighter actuation force and are looking for a switch that offers smooth operation coupled with a rich auditory experience, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch could be your best choice. Additionally, being compatible with Wooting keyboards, this switch presents an attractive option for enthusiasts who value versatility and performance. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether you lean more towards comfort and consistency with the Hyacinth or the lightweight, satisfying typing experience of the Rice Pudding switch.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Hyacinth Linear

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Rice Pudding Hall Effect

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn more