KTT Matcha vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, both the KTT Matcha and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The KTT Matcha is celebrated for its tactile feedback, providing a comfortable, snappy feel that many typists find satisfying. Its distinct sound profile—defined by a clean bottom-out noise—adds a layer of auditory pleasure, making it a joy for those who enjoy a more tactile and clacky typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) excels in delivering a smooth and balanced keystroke that appeals to enthusiasts looking for a refined tactile sensation. With its emphasis on a neutral sound signature that incorporates the coveted "thock," it stands out as a compelling option for users who desire a blend of performance and subtlety without the more pronounced feedback characteristic of many tactile switches. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on whether you prefer the pronounced tactility and acoustic feedback of the Matcha or the refined and smooth experience offered by the Sticky Rice. 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
40g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Matcha and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) share an important element in their design: both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes significantly to their sound profiles. The polycarbonate material is characterized by a stiffer structure that allows for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This quality results in a clear and resonant auditory experience, making the switches particularly suitable for those who appreciate nuanced acoustic feedback. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances their aesthetic appeal, especially for users who want to incorporate RGB lighting into their setups, as the lighting can shine through, showcasing the switch's design.
However, the materials diverge significantly when it comes to the bottom housing. The Matcha employs polycarbonate here as well, reinforcing the bright and crisp sound profile experienced in the top housing. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) opts for nylon in its bottom housing, a material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer composition. The nylon absorbs more sound than the stiffer polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder character that can provide a unique typing experience. This differentiation in the bottom housing materials means that while the top sounds of both switches may be closely aligned, the overall acoustic profile when bottoming out will differ due to the distinct characteristics of nylon.
When considering the interplay of these materials, the KTT Matcha and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) demonstrate how the combination of different housing materials can create varied sound experiences. With the Matcha featuring the same polycarbonate for both top and bottom, users can expect a consistent and harmonized sound profile. Conversely, the Sticky Rice leverages the contrasting properties of nylon in the bottom housing to deliver a unique sound experience characterized by warmth and depth, alongside the bright clarity from the polycarbonate in its top housing. Ultimately, these differences and similarities provide users with distinct auditory experiences tailored to their preferences, regardless of how closely they resemble each other in certain aspects.
Weight
The KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch both feature an identical actuation force of 40 grams, making them effortless for typing and gaming, suitable for users who prefer lighter switches for extended use. However, there is a distinction in their bottom out forces; the Matcha has a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Sticky Rice (V2) has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference means that while both switches feel light at the actuation point, the Matcha provides a softer overall experience as it bottoms out sooner than the Sticky Rice, offering a more subdued tactile feedback for those who value a gentler press. In contrast, the Sticky Rice's heavier bottom out force may appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing experience. Overall, those who prefer a lighter switch for longer sessions may lean towards the Matcha, while those who enjoy a firmer push might gravitate towards the Sticky Rice.
Travel distance
The KTT Matcha tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option when compared to the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference can significantly impact the typing experience: the Matcha's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying and hearty feel during keystrokes, appealing to those who prefer a deeper tactile response. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2), with its shorter 3.5 mm travel distance, may offer quicker actuation and less resistance, catering to enthusiasts who value rapid responsiveness, especially in gaming scenarios. Therefore, if you enjoy a pronounced key press, go for the KTT Matcha, whereas if you lean towards a faster and more immediate feedback, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) might be a better choice.
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 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 Matcha tactile switch produces a distinctly clacky sound, characterized by its sharp and snappy notes that resonate with a crisp, bright, and percussive quality. This sound is accentuated by its long pole stem, which contributes to a clean bottom-out tone that many typists find satisfying. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has a more neutral sound signature that leans toward a subtle "thock," a quality often sought after by keyboard enthusiasts. The sound profile of the Sticky Rice does not overshadow its overall balanced performance, making it suitable for a variety of environments. Both switches, however, can exhibit varying acoustic properties depending on the keyboard, plate material, and keycap choice used, which makes the subjective experience unique to each setup.
In terms of feel, the KTT Matcha stands out with its stepped tactile response that provides a nuanced typing experience. Users will appreciate the snappy and responsive nature of the switch, which often feels lively during key presses. The balance between tactility and smoothness is notable, as it avoids being overly aggressive while still maintaining a pleasant tactile bump. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is designed to offer a super smooth keystroke due to its dustproof stem that reduces wobble, making it a compelling choice for those who seek a refined tactile sensation. While specific descriptors for the feel of the Sticky Rice are not provided, the emphasis on smoothness suggests an enjoyable typing experience that could differ from the Matcha’s pronounced tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the KTT Matcha and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches bring their unique flavors to the table, appealing to different typing preferences. If you appreciate a pronounced, clacky sound paired with a subtle yet responsive tactile experience, the Matcha might be your go-to. Conversely, if you're seeking a smoother feel that complements a neutral auditory experience, the Sticky Rice (V2) could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, both options present compelling reasons to explore as you embark on your mechanical keyboard journey, with the potential for satisfying results tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using them. If you're someone who enjoys a pronounced tactile feedback with a snappy response and a clacky sound, the KTT Matcha is likely your best bet. Its light bottom-out force of 45 grams aids in reducing finger fatigue, making it ideal for long typing sessions, whether for work or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother keystroke that balances refinement with a satisfying "thock" sound without being overly loud, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is an excellent choice. With a slightly higher bottom-out force of 50 grams, it offers a more stable typing experience with less wobble, appealing to those who value subtlety and consistency in their keystrokes. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your tactile preferences and sound requirements, and let that guide your decision.
Mentioned in this article
