KTT Mallo vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the characteristics of the KTT Mallo and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) provide intriguing options for different preferences. The KTT Mallo switches are celebrated for their subtlety and finesse, offering a gentle tactile feedback that is just enough to inform the typist without overwhelming the senses. Their medium-light typing feel, coupled with a neutral sound signature, makes them an excellent choice for those who enjoy a versatile typing experience across various environments. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches stand out with their delightfully balanced performance and a “thock” sound that keyboard enthusiasts crave. Their super-smooth keystroke, enhanced by a dustproof stem that minimizes wobble, provides a refined tactile sensation, making them ideal for users who appreciate a buttery feel without sacrificing stability. Both switches have their unique charm, catering to different typing styles and preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Mallo and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches both feature polycarbonate in their top housing, which contributes to a similar auditory experience. The properties of polycarbonate — being a stiffer plastic — result in a sound profile characterized by sharpness, high pitch, and crisp resonance. This makes both switches attractive options for users seeking clarity in sound, particularly when used with RGB lighting due to the material's translucency. Since both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, one can expect similar acoustic qualities when typing, as the enhanced clarity of sound will be evident in both models.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches is crafted from nylon, a material known for its sound-absorbing properties. This softness contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing, distinguishing it from the sharper tones generated by the polycarbonate tops. As nylon is relatively softer than polycarbonate, it absorbs more sound, resulting in a more rounded and muted auditory experience. Therefore, while the top of both switches creates a bright and crystalline sound, the bottom housing of each switch softens this output, yielding an overall balanced auditory performance that combines both crispness and depth.
In essence, although the KTT Mallo and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, the synergy between polycarbonate and nylon in both switches creates a harmonized typing experience. Each switch delivers a distinctive feel and sound signature, with the polycarbonate on top emphasizing brightness and the nylon on the bottom promoting fullness. When typing, users will experience the best of both worlds: the clear tones resulting from the polycarbonate top and the fuller sounds attributable to the nylon bottom. Thus, while the materials differ in their contributions, the outcome is remarkably similar, allowing users to enjoy a dynamic yet cohesive auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, we see notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Mallo switch has an unknown actuation force, but its bottom out force is 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This suggests that the Sticky Rice switch is not only easier to press but also requires less force overall, making it more suitable for long typing sessions and gaming due to less finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Mallo's heavier bottom out force could provide a more substantial feel for those who appreciate a stronger tactile feedback. Therefore, while the Sticky Rice (V2) is lighter with a softer touch, the Mallo switch offers a slightly firmer experience at bottom-out, appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced keypress.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Mallo tactile switch measures at 4 mm, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference indicates that the Mallo provides a more substantial key press experience, which some users may find satisfying for its depth and tactile feedback. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) caters to those who prefer a quicker response time, making it more suitable for gamers looking for efficiency in their keystrokes. Consequently, if you favor a switch that feels more substantial under your fingers, the Mallo would be the better choice; however, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness in your typing or gaming experience, the Sticky Rice (V2) may serve you better with its shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 Mallo switch is characterized by a subdued profile, producing a dampened sound that is neither intrusive nor overly silent. This allows it to blend well in various environments without dominating the auditory landscape. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has a low-pitched sound that resonates with a richer, bass-heavy quality, evoking a satisfying "thock" that many enthusiasts crave. Both switches maintain a neutral sound signature, making them suitable for shared spaces, although their tonal characteristics vary, offering users distinct auditory experiences.
In terms of feel, the KTT Mallo offers a feathery and mild typing experience, making it suitable for extended typing sessions due to its light actuation force and gentle tactile feedback. The subtle resistance provides a relaxed atmosphere for typists who prefer a non-intrusive interaction with their keyboard. Meanwhile, the Sticky Rice (V2) is polished and silky, delivering a remarkably smooth keystroke experience with minimal friction. This contributes to a buttery feel that elevates the overall typing sensation, perfect for those who value a refined touch. Both switches present mild characteristics, which will be approachable for the majority of users.
Ultimately, both the KTT Mallo and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches offer distinct advantages that cater to different preferences while sharing overlapping qualities. The Mallo is ideal for users seeking a gentle tactile feel with a subdued sound, while the Sticky Rice (V2) excels in providing a smoother experience with a low-pitched auditory profile. Users can expect comfortable, balanced typing experiences from either choice, but the nuances in sound and feel can significantly influence personal preference. Whether you prioritize subtle feedback or a velvety keystroke, both options stand out as excellent candidates in the mechanical switch landscape.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch largely depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you're looking for a switch that strikes a balance between tactility and subtlety, the KTT Mallo is an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force, combined with a gentle tactile bump, makes it particularly well-suited for typists who enjoy a nuanced typing experience without overwhelming feedback. Its subdued sound signature ensures you can work in shared spaces without disturbing others, making it an ideal option for those who primarily type for work or school. On the other hand, if you seek a lighter, smoother experience enriched with a "thock" sound, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is your go-to option. With its 50-gram bottom-out force and super smooth keystroke, it caters to gamers and enthusiasts who appreciate a polished feel and refined auditory feedback. Ultimately, consider what matters most to you—whether it's the subtlety and finesse of the Mallo or the buttery smoothness and delightful sound of the Sticky Rice—to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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