KTT Phalaenopsis vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the KTT Phalaenopsis and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that cater to different preferences are the KTT Phalaenopsis and the Everglide Rice Pudding. The Phalaenopsis is celebrated for its light actuation force of just 37g, which reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. With a tactile force of 50g, it offers a satisfying tactile bump that's perfect for users who appreciate feedback with each keystroke. This switch is categorized as 'Bassy', 'Stepped', and 'Thocky', appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory and tactile experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches excel in delivering a smooth, deep sound, striking a balance between performance and comfort. Known for their precision, they are fully compatible with Wooting's innovative keyboards, making them a versatile choice for enthusiasts who prioritize adaptability in their setups. While both switches offer unique advantages—effortless typing with the Phalaenopsis and seamless operation with the Rice Pudding—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
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
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Phalaenopsis and Everglide Rice Pudding switches provide intriguing contrasts, especially when examining their respective top housings. Both switches employ polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a similar sound profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper quality. This commonality arises from the inherent properties of polycarbonate as a stiffer plastic that facilitates a clearer and more resonant sound. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal when RGB lighting is employed, allowing for vibrant illumination effects across both switch types. Thus, users of either switch can expect a similar auditory experience when pressing keys due to the uniformity in their top housing materials.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the KTT Phalaenopsis and Everglide Rice Pudding switches diverges significantly, impacting their overall sound and typing feel. The Phalaenopsis utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, maintaining the sharper sound profile throughout the switch. Conversely, the Rice Pudding features nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. The softer characteristics of nylon absorb acoustics more effectively than polycarbonate, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. This difference in material properties indicates that while both switches may share a crisp sound profile from the top, the Rice Pudding will produce a more subdued, rounded tonal quality when bottomed out, contrasting the Phalaenopsis’s more consistent sharpness.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings of the KTT Phalaenopsis allows for a cohesive sound experience from top to bottom, emphasizing clarity and resonance. In comparison, the Everglide Rice Pudding's dual material design results in a split sound profile, where the nylon bottom housing provides a richer, fuller audio experience upon bottoming out, and the polycarbonate top maintains brightness upon release. Therefore, while both models may yield some similar auditory outcomes due to their polycarbonate tops, the bottom housing materials serve to offer distinct sonic signatures and tactile feedback for the user. This nuanced differentiation is key for enthusiasts who prioritize unique auditory sensations when typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, both options are relatively light but exhibit some differences in their specifications. The Phalaenopsis has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Rice Pudding requires a slightly higher actuation force of 38 grams and has a lower bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Phalaenopsis is marginally lighter in terms of actuation force, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Rice Pudding, with its heavier actuation force, may provide a slightly more substantial feel upon keystroke initiation, appealing to those who prefer a firmer touch. Overall, if you're seeking a lighter typing experience, the KTT Phalaenopsis would be the better choice, while the Everglide Rice Pudding offers a stronger push without being overly heavy.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, it is clear that the Phalaenopsis has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Rice Pudding measures at 3.5 mm. This means that the Phalaenopsis offers a longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more pronounced tactile feel when pressing keys. In contrast, the shorter 3.5 mm travel distance of the Rice Pudding could appeal to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, as shorter distances are often associated with faster actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference: if you enjoy a more substantial depth, the Phalaenopsis would be the ideal option, whereas if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Rice Pudding would be more suitable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch is characterized by its rich, deeper tones, often described as "bassy" and "thocky." This means that each key press provides a satisfying auditory experience, reminiscent of a soft thud that adds a layer of satisfaction during typing. The depth of its sound contributes to an immersive typing environment. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch does not have a defined sound description available, making it difficult to compare directly. However, it’s noted that the Rice Pudding switches deliver a balanced typing experience, which might indicate a more refined sound profile focused on smoothness rather than depth.
When evaluating the feel of these switches, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch has a stepped tactile quality. This means it features a discernible bump that can be felt in a two-stage manner, providing feedback at both pre-travel and post-travel points. This structured response makes typing both satisfying and engaging, especially for those who enjoy tactile sensations. The Everglide Rice Pudding switch, however, lacks information about its tactile characteristics, so it’s difficult to assess how its feel compares to the Phalaenopsis. If they share similar smoothness in operation, one could assume a satisfying typing experience from the Rice Pudding, but specifics remain unknown.
In conclusion, while the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch stands out for its deep sound and stepped tactile feel, offering a unique and pleasurable typing experience, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch provides an appealing option for those seeking a blend of smooth operation and versatility, though more information regarding its sound and feel would be beneficial for a comprehensive comparison. Regardless of the differences highlighted, both switches cater to enthusiasts seeking quality and an enjoyable typing experience, ensuring that whether you choose the Phalaenopsis or Rice Pudding, you're likely to have an overall satisfying interaction with your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a lighter actuation force and enjoy a distinct tactile bump with a rich auditory feedback, the Phalaenopsis is an ideal option for you, particularly for extended typing sessions where comfort and minimal finger fatigue are key. Its thocky and bassy sound profile adds a pleasant dimension to each keystroke, making your typing experience not only functional but also enjoyable. On the other hand, if you seek a smooth and versatile typing experience, the Rice Pudding switch should be your go-to. With its excellent balance of precision and satisfaction, it's perfect for users who appreciate a quieter operation without sacrificing performance. Additionally, its compatibility with Wooting keyboards enhances its appeal for enthusiasts looking to maximize their setup. Ultimately, consider the feel, sound, and intended use of your keyboard setup to make the best choice for your typing style and preferences.
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