KTT Orange vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)

Overview

When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the distinct characteristics of various options, such as the KTT Orange switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switch. The KTT Orange, a linear switch, boasts a bouncy feel due to its 22mm long spring, paired with a polycarbonate milky top housing and a vibrant orange nylon bottom. This design not only contributes to a frictionless typing experience but also ensures a low-pitched sound profile, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists seeking smooth keystrokes without interruption. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) utilizes a hall effect mechanism to deliver a low-pitched, polished typing experience that resonates with users who appreciate a satisfying "thock." Its dustproof stem minimizes wobble and enhances smoothness, offering a refined tactile sensation ideal for those who prioritize both performance and sound. While both switches cater to different preferences—one emphasizing a bouncy, smooth experience and the other highlighting a polished, buttery feel—ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.

By the numbers

KTT Orange Linear

Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) Hall Effect

$5.55

$4.15 per 10

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

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Housing materials

The KTT Orange and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a similar sound profile characterized by a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp auditory experience. Polycarbonate, as a stiffer material, contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound, making it an advantageous choice for users who value enhanced acoustic feedback from their switches. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting effects, providing visual appeal when the switches are integrated into a keyboard. Consequently, both switches deliver comparable auditory characteristics due to their identical top housing material, reflecting the benefits of using polycarbonate in this context.

However, a notable contrast arises in the bottom housing materials of the two switches. The KTT Orange also employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing, which continues to reinforce the overall crispness and clarity of the sound profile established by the top housing. In stark contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) utilizes nylon as its bottom housing material. Nylon is known for its softer properties, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile that tends to absorb sound rather than enhance it. This difference means that while the top housings of both switches produce a similar sharpness, the bottom housing of the Sticky Rice adds a rounded and softer listening experience, which affects the bottom-out feel and sound distinctly.

Ultimately, the combination of materials in the KTT Orange results in a unified sound experience due to its use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings, while the Sticky Rice's mixed housing provides a more complex auditory feedback. Users experiencing the KTT Orange will notice a consistent high-pitched sound throughout, whereas the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers a dynamic blend of sharper highs from the top and warmer, fuller lows from the bottom. This differentiation highlights how housing materials influence the overall performance of keyboard switches, allowing enthusiasts to choose based on their preferred sound profile and typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Orange linear switch to the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, we can see some distinct differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The KTT Orange features an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Consequently, the Sticky Rice (V2) is the lighter option overall, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Orange, with its heavier forces, provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer push feel. While both switches have bottom out forces that are relatively close, the KTT Orange requires slightly more force to achieve both actuation and bottoming out compared to the Sticky Rice (V2). Thus, if one is seeking a lighter feel for extended use, the Sticky Rice (V2) would likely be preferable, while the KTT Orange would be better suited for users who appreciate a heavier response.

Travel distance

The KTT Orange linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch both feature a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in terms of how far the switch moves from the top to the bottom. This similarity means that users can expect the same feel when pressing down on either switch, resulting in a comparable typing or gaming experience. As both switches have the same travel distance, they will provide a similar tactile response, which can be appealing for those who prioritize consistent key feel in their setups.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the KTT Orange linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch exhibit a low-pitched profile. This means that both switches produce a mellow and bass-heavy tone, which can create a pleasant auditory experience during typing. The low-pitched quality makes them suitable for quieter environments, as they won't dominate the soundscape like higher-pitched variants. However, it's important to note that the actual sound can also be influenced by factors such as the type of keyboard they are installed in and the keycaps used. This means that while they share a similar sound characteristic, their overall auditory impression could vary depending on the setup.

In terms of feel, the KTT Orange switch stands out with its bouncy and frictionless characteristics, delivering a pronounced rebound and a smooth, effortless typing experience. The combination of its long spring and expertly lubricated components ensures a lively yet seamless keypress. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers a polished and silky experience, emphasizing reduced friction and a mild typing sensation. Its buttery smoothness enhances the ease of pressing and releasing keys, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions. While both switches prioritize smoothness and reduced friction, the KTT Orange leans towards a lively bounce, whereas the Sticky Rice focuses on a refined glide, appealing to somewhat different preferences in typing experiences.

In conclusion, both the KTT Orange and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches deliver exceptional performance with low-pitched sounds and smooth typing experiences, although they cater to different tactile preferences. The Orange offers a bouncier and more dynamic feel, while the Sticky Rice presents a more polished and silky experience. Depending on what type of feedback you prefer during typing—either lively or refined—each switch has its unique strengths. Ultimately, you can expect satisfying results from either option, but your choice will depend on whether you prioritize that springy bounce or the smooth glide in your mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the KTT Orange linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a bouncy feel with a higher bottom out force, the KTT Orange, with its 53-gram actuation and lively key rebound, may be the preferable option for you. It's ideal for those who appreciate a frictionless, fluid typing experience that also produces a low-pitched sound, making it well-suited for both casual and gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you're seeking a lighter touch with a smoother and more refined keystroke, then the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), with its 50-gram actuation and silky feel, would likely resonate with you more. This switch provides a balanced typing experience that can satisfy enthusiasts who enjoy the subtle "thock" sound while also minimizing resistance and wobble. In essence, the KTT Orange is perfect for those who prefer a more energetic typing style, whereas the Sticky Rice (V2) caters to users looking for a gentler and almost luxurious sensation during their typing adventures.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Orange Linear

$5.55

$4.15 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) Hall Effect

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn more