KTT Mint vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mint and the Everglide Rice Pudding each offer distinct advantages that cater to different typing preferences and styles. The KTT Mint stands out with its satisfyingly smooth linear action, characterized by a long pole stem that delivers a unique poppy thockiness, making it a favorite among users who appreciate a light and fleeting typing feel. This switch is categorized as low-pitched and polished, providing a muted yet pleasant acoustic experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches provide a perfect balance of smooth operation and a deeper sound, resulting in a typing experience that is both satisfying and precise. Additionally, their compatibility with Wooting’s innovative keyboards enhances their appeal for enthusiasts seeking performance and versatility. Each switch has its strengths: the KTT Mint is ideal for those looking for a lightweight and smooth typing experience, while the Everglide Rice Pudding caters to those who seek a more robust and versatile option. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Mint and Everglide Rice Pudding switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in very similar sound profiles. The polycarbonate material is known for its rigidity, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound quality. This shared aspect means that both switches will deliver a pronounced auditory experience, making them suitable choices for enthusiasts looking for that clean and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate can enhance the visual appeal of these switches when accompanied by RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant lighting effects to shine through. Given these similarities, users can expect comparable acoustic outcomes when both switches are employed in a keyboard setup.
While the top housings of the Mint and Rice Pudding switches possess the same polycarbonate material, their bottom housings are also constructed from nylon, which provides a contrasting acoustic signature. Nylon, being a softer plastic, tends to dampen sound and contributes a deeper, fuller sound profile during key presses. This makes the experience of typing on both switches richer, albeit with different aural characteristics. As each switch boasts a nylon bottom housing, they offer a solid foundation for sound absorption that balances the sharper acoustics contributed by their polycarbonate tops. In this way, the two switches present a harmonious interplay of materials that allows for both crisp high notes and warm bass.
In considering the overall tactile and auditory experience of each switch, one must recognize the distinct role each housing material plays. While the polycarbonate tops amplify a bright and lively sound, the nylon bottom housings ground the feedback with a rounded, fuller tone. Users should note that this division of acoustic quality means the Mint excels during the release phase, while the Rice Pudding shines on key press. Together, their combination of materials offers a well-rounded keyboard experience that can cater to varied preferences among mechanical switch enthusiasts, serving both the need for clarity and warmth in one's typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Mint linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The KTT Mint exhibits an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light and providing a firmer hit during use. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a gentler typing experience. As a result, those who type for extended periods or engage in lengthy gaming sessions may gravitate towards the Rice Pudding switch for its lighter touch, while users favoring a more substantial keystroke might find the Mint switch more appealing. Overall, while both switches have distinct actuation and bottom out forces—making the Rice Pudding lighter and the Mint heavier—they each cater to different preferences regarding typing experience and force requirements.
Travel distance
The KTT Mint linear switch offers a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch provides a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Mint switch, with its greater travel distance, caters to those who appreciate a more substantial depth in their key presses, which can enhance the tactile feel and overall typing experience. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch, with its shorter travel distance, is more aligned with current gaming trends that favor quicker response times and rapid actuation. Therefore, for gamers or users who prioritize speed and efficiency, the smaller travel distance of the Rice Pudding switch would be advantageous. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences for either depth or responsiveness; the Mint is the longer travel option, whereas the Rice Pudding is the shorter.
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 Mint comes in at $2.91 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
The sound profile of the KTT Mint linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched tone that delivers a poppy thockiness during use, resulting in a bass-heavy, mellow auditory experience. This allows for a pleasant typing atmosphere, making it suitable in both casual and professional settings due to its neutral sound character. The Everglide Rice Pudding switch, however, is noted for its deep sound quality, enhancing the overall acoustic experience during typing. While specific descriptors for its sound profile were not provided, it is known to provide a satisfying auditory feedback that aligns well with the preferences of many enthusiasts. Ultimately, both switches promise an engaging auditory performance, though the Rice Pudding might offer a slightly richer or deeper tone.
In terms of feel, the KTT Mint shines with its mild characteristics, delivering a gentle and approachable experience for all users. The polished nature of the switch allows for smooth key travel, reducing friction and making every keystroke feel refined. This culminates in a responsive yet subtle typing feel that can be appreciated by both beginners and seasoned typists. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is described as providing a balanced typing experience that's both satisfying and precise, although specific tactile qualities or descriptors are not provided. This suggests that while it may not have the same mildness or polish as the Mint, it likely delivers a compelling tactile response that could appeal to a range of users.
Considering the overall qualities of these switches, the KTT Mint offers a smooth and mellow typing feel with an engaging low-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for those who value a gentle yet clear auditory feedback. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding promises a deep sound and balanced tactile response, catering to enthusiasts looking for a versatile and precise keyboard experience. Both switches are set to enhance your typing experience in their own unique ways, and your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a silky smooth action or a deeper auditory satisfaction.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the KTT Mint linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a medium-light actuation force and enjoy a satisfying, smooth typing experience accompanied by a deep, thocky sound, the KTT Mint is likely your best bet. It offers a light and fleeting feel that may appeal to those who value a bit of punch in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you seek an even lighter touch with a force of just 48 grams, the Rice Pudding switch could be ideal for you, especially if you appreciate a balanced typing experience that is both smooth and precise. Notably, if you're an enthusiast interested in performance and versatility, the Rice Pudding's compatibility with Wooting keyboards adds an extra layer of functionality. Overall, consider your typing style, preferred sound profile, and whether compatibility with particular hardware is important to you in making your choice between these two excellent switches.