KTT Mint vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the KTT Mint and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) can significantly influence your typing experience. The KTT Mint, a linear switch, is celebrated for its satisfyingly smooth keystrokes, offering a unique poppy thockiness due to its long pole stem. This results in a light and fleeting typing feel, making it a great option for those who enjoy a quick and responsive action without any tactile resistance. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) features a hall effect mechanism that delivers a balanced typing experience marked by a neutral sound signature, also embodying the sought-after "thock" aesthetic. With its dustproof stem that minimizes wobble and enhances smoothness, it caters to enthusiasts keen on a refined tactile sensation. While both switches present compelling advantages, one focused on speed and smoothness and the other on stability and refined feel, 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Mint and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to their similar sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate in both switches ensures a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to the material's inherent stiffness. This characteristic allows the polycarbonate to resonate more effectively, thus enhancing the overall clarity of the sound produced. Moreover, as both switches utilize clear polycarbonate for their top housings, they also excel in showcasing RGB lighting, providing an aesthetically pleasing glow that enhances the visual appeal of any keyboard setup.
Contrasting the top housings, the KTT Mint and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) diverge in their bottom housing materials, with both utilizing nylon but exhibiting distinct acoustic signatures due to their unique construction. Nylon, as a softer plastic, helps create a deeper, fuller sound profile in the bottom housing, which is especially pronounced during the bottom-out phase. This characteristic enables users to feel the rounded and mellow tones associated with nylon, resulting in a typing experience that emphasizes depth and warmth. While both switches leverage nylon for their bottom housings, the interaction of each switch’s top and bottom housing material creates a balanced acoustic effect that blends clarity and warmth, yet the way each switch feels during typing may differ slightly.
In summary, while the KTT Mint and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, they capitalize on different qualities of nylon in their respective bottom housings to create a unique typing experience. Users looking for a crisp and clear sound will find satisfaction in both switches due to the polycarbonate top, whereas those who appreciate a deeper acoustic profile will benefit from the nylon bottom housing. Ultimately, by understanding the nuanced interplay of materials, keyboard enthusiasts can select the switch that best fits their sound and feel preferences, knowing that both options will deliver a performance that highlights the strengths of their material choices.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Mint linear switch to the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces are apparent. The KTT Mint features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that typists and gamers who prefer a lighter touch will find the Sticky Rice (V2) more accommodating for extended usage, while those who appreciate a more substantial feel may lean towards the KTT Mint due to its increased pressures. Overall, the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a softer typing experience, while the KTT Mint provides a slightly heavier push that some users may favor for tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, there is a noticeable difference. The KTT Mint features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Mint the choice for those who prefer a more substantial keypress, providing a hearty depth that some users find more satisfying. On the other hand, the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Sticky Rice (V2) caters to gamers and those seeking faster response times, as shorter distances are increasingly favored for quick actuation. Therefore, if you prioritize a snappier feel, the Everglide switch is the better option, while the KTT Mint is ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Mint linear switch produces a low-pitched tone that resonates with a satisfying poppy thockiness. This gives it a rich auditory experience, providing a bass-heavy and mellow backdrop that enthusiasts tend to appreciate. Its neutral sound profile further enhances versatility, making it suitable for both casual and professional environments. In contrast, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is recognized for its balanced typing experience, specific sound descriptors were not provided. However, it's implied that it offers a delightful auditory profile that hints at the sought-after "thock" sound, which may make it more musical compared to the Mint in certain setups.
In terms of feel, the Mint switches deliver a mild yet polished typing experience. This combination results in a gentle and approachable sensation, making it ideal for users who prefer a smooth ride without exaggerated characteristics. The long pole stem contributes to a silky keystroke that minimizes friction, while the overall design caters to a comfortable typing session. On the other hand, specific descriptors regarding the feel of the Sticky Rice (V2) were not disclosed. Nevertheless, the absence of wobble because of the dustproof stem suggests that it may provide a solid and stable typing experience, likely complementing or enhancing the smoothness that the Mint offers.
In summary, both the KTT Mint linear switch and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch seem designed to deliver satisfying sensations to their users, albeit through slightly different auditory and tactile approaches. The Mint excels in producing a gratifying thock sound and offers a smooth yet mild feel, making it a good choice for general use. The Sticky Rice (V2), while lacking detailed descriptors for sound and feel, is suggested to promise a refined and stable experience that could resonate well with fans of smooth switches. Ultimately, while you might find similarities in performance with both switches, trying them out in your personal setup will help you determine which one aligns better with your preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Mint linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use. If you lean towards a smooth typing experience where you appreciate a poppy thock akin to a satisfying bass-heavy sound, the KTT Mint would be an excellent selection, especially if you enjoy a light yet responsive feel at 53 grams of actuation force. Its mild and polished nature ensures an approachable experience for both newcomers and seasoned typists alike, making it ideal for all-purpose typing, whether at home or in a professional setting. On the other hand, if you prioritize a refined touch with a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a balanced sound signature, the Sticky Rice (V2) might be your best bet. It offers a super smooth keystroke combined with minimal wobble, appealing to those who value a meticulous typing experience without sacrificing performance or sound quality. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style, sound preferences, and the environments in which you'll be using the keyboard.
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