KTT Matcha vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Matcha and Everglide Rice Pudding present two appealing yet distinct options catering to different typing preferences and experiences. The KTT Matcha, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its comfortable and snappy feedback, providing a satisfying tactile response with each keystroke. Its long pole stem not only enhances typing accuracy but also offers a distinctly clean bottom-out sound, making it a great choice for those who prioritize feedback and auditory satisfaction. Conversely, the Everglide Rice Pudding utilizes a hall effect design to achieve a smooth operation paired with a deep, resonant sound profile. This switch delivers a balanced typing experience that is both satisfying and precise, ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate the harmony of functionality and auditory depth, especially as they are compatible with Wooting's innovative keyboards. While both switches have their merits, the choice ultimately depends on whether you lean more towards tactile feedback or a smooth and deep auditory experience. 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
40g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Matcha and Everglide Rice Pudding share a commonality in terms of their top housing material, both utilizing polycarbonate. This choice of material contributes to a similar sound profile characterized by sharpness and clarity. Polycarbonate's properties, being a relatively stiffer plastic, enhance the crispness of the sound produced when a key is pressed, making both switches ideal for users who appreciate a bright auditory response while typing. Furthermore, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows RGB lighting to shine through effectively, enhancing the visual appeal of both switches. Users can expect a consistent performance in terms of sound clarity from the upper portion of both switches.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the KTT Matcha and Everglide Rice Pudding differ significantly, with the Matcha employing polycarbonate and the Rice Pudding utilizing nylon. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Matcha maintains the sharper sound profile established by its top housing, providing a consistent auditory experience across the switch. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Rice Pudding introduces a deeper, fuller sound profile that contrasts with the brightness of its polycarbonate top. As nylon is a softer material, it absorbs more sound, resulting in a more subdued and rounded auditory experience when typing. This differentiation means that while both switches perform well acoustically, the Rice Pudding offers a more muted bottoming-out sound compared to the KTT Matcha.
The varying qualities of the housings play distinct roles in the overall typing experience of each switch. In switches with differing housing materials, such as the KTT Matcha and Everglide Rice Pudding, the top housing significantly influences the sound during key release, while the bottom housing predominantly affects the impact sound and feel upon bottoming out. Thus, while the KTT Matcha maintains a consistent sharpness in sound through both its polycarbonate housings, the Everglide Rice Pudding creates a more dynamic range of sound by combining the bright upper with a softer, more resonant lower. Consequently, users can either enjoy a continuous, crisp typing experience with the KTT Matcha or a more nuanced auditory profile with the Everglide Rice Pudding, depending on their preference for sound complexity.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Matcha tactile switch with its actuation force of 40 grams and bottom out force of 45 grams to the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, which features an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, we find them both to be relatively light switches. The Matcha requires a slightly heavier actuation force compared to the Rice Pudding, making it slightly more resistant to unintended keystrokes. However, the Rice Pudding has a heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial feel when fully engaged. This difference in bottom out forces may cater to users who prefer a firmer tactile response while typing or gaming. Overall, for those who enjoy a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Everglide Rice Pudding might be the better choice, while users seeking a bit more resistance in their keystrokes may gravitate towards the KTT Matcha.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, the Matcha switch offers a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Rice Pudding has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Matcha switch more suitable for users who prefer a deeper feel and a more pronounced keypress experience, aligning with traditional preferences for longer travel distances. In contrast, the Rice Pudding, with its 3.5 mm travel distance, caters to those who favor quicker response times, which can be particularly advantageous for gamers seeking swift actions. Therefore, if you value a more robust keypress, the Matcha is the better choice, while the Rice Pudding is ideal for those who like a more responsive, albeit shallower, keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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
The KTT Matcha switch offers a distinct auditory experience characterized by its clacky sound profile, which produces a sharp and snappy noise during keystrokes. This crisp, bright, and percussive sound can be especially satisfying for users who appreciate the auditory feedback of their typing. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is noted for providing a deep sound, although specific descriptors of its sound are not detailed in the provided information. The sound experience of the Rice Pudding may be influenced by the setup, including the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which could lead to a potentially quieter typing experience compared to the Matcha.
In terms of feel, the KTT Matcha is a tactile marvel, featuring a range of qualities that enhance its performance and responsiveness. This switch is described as stepped and snappy, giving users a combination of pre-travel and post-travel feedback, alongside a lively typing feel thanks to its responsive actuation. Additionally, it is accented and feathery, meaning it offers a notable yet enjoyable tactile experience without being overwhelming or fatiguing, making it suitable for extended use. On the other hand, details regarding the feel of the Everglide Rice Pudding switch are unknown, leaving a gap in comparison regarding its tactile qualities.
In conclusion, while the KTT Matcha tactile switch stands out with its clacky sound and impressive feel, the Everglide Rice Pudding’s sound profile and tactile feedback remain uncertain without additional information. If you're inclined towards an engaging auditory and tactile experience, the Matcha is a strong choice, while the Rice Pudding might appeal with its smooth operation and deep sound for those prioritizing an even typing experience. Ultimately, despite the differences in available information, both switches cater to unique preferences, ensuring that typists can find satisfaction regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and needs. If you enjoy a snappy and responsive typing experience with a distinct tactile bump and a clacky auditory feedback, the KTT Matcha is an excellent choice. It's particularly well-suited for those who prefer a lighter actuation force and appreciate a lively feel when typing, which can be beneficial during lengthy sessions of gaming or writing. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and balanced typing experience combined with a deep sound profile, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch would be the way to go. This switch is particularly appealing for those looking for versatility, especially if you intend to use it with Wooting keyboards for gaming setups. The slightly higher bottom-out force of the Rice Pudding gives it a solid feel, making it great for precise keystrokes without sacrificing comfort. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so evaluate your priorities in terms of sound, feel, and use case to find the best fit for your mechanical keyboard.
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