KTT Lightning vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the KTT Lightning and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Lightning and Everglide Rice Pudding stand out for their distinct qualities and user experiences. The KTT Lightning, recognized as a "speed" switch, is designed for gamers and typists who thrive on rapid response times, offering a slick typing feel accompanied by a clacky sound profile. This makes them an ideal choice for those who prioritize quick keystrokes and an engaging auditory feedback. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches provide a harmonious blend of smooth actuation and a deep, satisfying sound. Known for their balanced typing experience, they cater to enthusiasts who value both precision and comfort, especially given their compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards. While the KTT Lightning excels in speed and responsiveness, the Everglide Rice Pudding offers a more refined and versatile option. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Lightning and Everglide Rice Pudding switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in similar sound characteristics. The polycarbonate material lends a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relative stiffness. This stiffer nature allows for a clearer and more resonant sound to emerge when the keys are pressed. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of these switches when paired with RGB lighting, as it allows light to pass through effectively. Since both switches employ this same material in their top housing, users can expect comparable auditory experiences, particularly regarding the clarity and brightness of the sound emitted.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the KTT Lightning and Rice Pudding switches also share the same nylon material. Nylon is known for its softer properties, which absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. This leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, resulting in a sensation that is more rounded and less piercing at the bottom-out position. Since both switches use nylon for their bottom housings, users can anticipate a consistent tactile feedback across both models, allowing for a similar typing experience that emphasizes comfort and depth in sound, regardless of the notable differences at the top.
When combining the characteristics of both the top and bottom housing materials for each switch, certain distinctions emerge. While both switches deliver a crisp sound when the key is released due to the polycarbonate top, the impact of the sound produced at the bottom-out stage will be felt through the nylon bottom housing. As a result, pressing the keys will reflect the acoustic properties of both housing materials—the sharper sound from the polycarbonate top will contrast with the deeper tones of the nylon bottom. Even with this variation, users can achieve a balanced performance, enabling a blend of the brightness and clarity from the top and the warmth and fullness from the bottom, ultimately providing a well-rounded typing experience.
Weight
The KTT Lightning linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch both exhibit light force requirements, making them appealing for users who prioritize comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. The Lightning switch boasts an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Rice Pudding switch features a slightly lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. While both switches are relatively lightweight, the Rice Pudding switch is the lighter option overall, ideal for those who prefer effortless keystrokes. Conversely, the Lightning switch offers a slightly heavier feel, which some typists may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. In summary, both switches provide a pleasant typing experience, but the Rice Pudding offers a marginally lighter actuation force, making it better suited for users looking for less resistance.
Travel distance
The KTT Lightning linear switch has a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch features a longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you opt for the Lightning switch, you'll experience a shallower feel, which can be favorable for gamers seeking faster response times. Conversely, the Rice Pudding switch, with its 3.5 mm travel, offers a more substantial depth that some users may find more satisfying. As such, those who prefer a quick and responsive experience should consider the KTT Lightning, while those who favor a more pronounced keystroke may gravitate towards the Everglide Rice Pudding. Overall, the KTT Lightning is the shorter switch, making it potentially better for speed, while the Everglide Rice Pudding is longer, catering to users who appreciate more key travel depth.
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 Lightning comes in at $3.41 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 it comes to sound, the KTT Lightning linear switch stands out with its distinct clacky sound profile, characterized by sharp, bright, and percussive tones. It can also exhibit a high-pitched quality, offering an auditory experience that many find engaging and satisfying. Additionally, the chirpy element of the Lightning adds a unique flavor to its acoustic signature, creating an overall sound that's lively and attention-grabbing. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is known for delivering a deep sound, but specific details about its sound profile have not been provided, leaving its exact characteristics somewhat unknown. One important note is that the sound quality of any switch can vary significantly depending on the keyboard housing and keycap choice.
Regarding feel, the Lightning linear switch is recognized for its subtle resistance and polished typing experience. The subtlety offers a light typing feel that isn’t feather-like but strikes a balance for comfortable use, even in shared environments. Its polished nature means smoother key travel and minimized friction, enhancing the tactile experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Rice Pudding switch lacks specified descriptors for its feel. As such, any comparison in tactile sensation must remain speculative, reliant more on anecdotal experiences rather than concrete descriptions.
In conclusion, while the KTT Lightning linear switch is celebrated for its clear and vibrant sound coupled with a smooth and refined feel, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch remains less defined in both sound and tactile qualities. Enthusiasts may lean toward the Lightning for its engaging auditory feedback and polished typing experience. Meanwhile, the Unknown aspects of the Rice Pudding leave room for exploration, allowing users to discover what this switch offers in comparison. Both options cater to unique preferences, ensuring that whether one leans toward speed or depth, a satisfying typing experience is within reach.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately comes down to your specific typing preferences and use cases. If you’re seeking a switch that excels in faster response times, particularly for competitive gaming where every millisecond counts, the KTT Lightning is an excellent option. Its light bottom-out force of 50 grams makes it easy to actuate, and the clacky sound profile adds an engaging auditory feedback that can enhance your gaming experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and satisfying typing experience while also requiring versatility, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch could be the better choice. With its slightly lighter bottom-out force of 48 grams and its perfect blend of smoothness and deeper sound, this switch provides a more balanced typing experience. Its compatibility with Wooting keyboards also allows for innovative configurations, making it appealing for enthusiasts who want to explore greater performance. Ultimately, consider what aspects matter most to you—whether that’s speed and sound in the case of the Lightning, or smooth operation and versatility with the Rice Pudding.
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