KTT Pine vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the KTT Pine and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of various options, such as the KTT Pine linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch. The KTT Pine is celebrated for its medium-heavy resistance, buttery smooth operation, and factory-lubed finish, which together create an effortlessly satisfying typing experience. Its unique sound profile—bassy, creamy, and low-pitched—adds to the tactile pleasure of each keystroke. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch offers a delightful blend of smooth key actuation and a deep, resonant sound, satisfying those who appreciate both precision and auditory feedback. Moreover, the Rice Pudding’s compatibility with Wooting’s innovative keyboards makes it a versatile choice for tech enthusiasts seeking enhanced performance options. Both switches have their strengths, catering to different preferences and needs in the keyboard landscape; however, 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
38g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Pine and Everglide Rice Pudding switches both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which offers certain acoustic advantages that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. Specifically, the use of polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material’s stiffer properties. This trait allows for a more resonant sound that is particularly pronounced in the actuation and release of the key. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate enhances aesthetic effects when paired with RGB lighting, making both switches visually appealing for gamers and typists seeking immersive experiences.
Contrasting the bottom housings of the KTT Pine and Everglide Rice Pudding reveals notable differences in material choice that lead to distinct sonic qualities. The KTT Pine utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, which maintains the clearer sound characteristic of the top housing. Consequently, this choice contributes to a consistent higher-pitched sound profile across the entire switch. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a fuller and deeper sound profile. This difference implies that while the top of each switch may resonate crisply, the KTT Pine will retain a brighter tone while the Rice Pudding will deliver a warmer, rounder sound upon actuation.
When examining the impact of these housing materials, it becomes clear that each switch offers a unique typing experience shaped by their constructions. The KTT Pine’s combination of polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings leads to a uniform sound profile that emphasizes brightness and clarity, especially noticeable during key release. Conversely, the Everglide Rice Pudding achieves a divided acoustic quality: the nylon bottom softens the overall sound experience, enriching it with depth while allowing the polycarbonate top to provide that initial crispness. Therefore, the differences in sound profiles highlight how the interplay of materials can significantly affect the tactile and auditory experience when typing or gaming on these switches.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Pine linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The KTT Pine switch requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it easier to press down and ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. This distinction makes the Pine switch better suited for users who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Rice Pudding caters to those who favor a lighter touch. Overall, the KTT Pine switch is the heavier option, while the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is the lighter choice, providing different experiences based on users' preferences for weight and actuation force.
Travel distance
The KTT Pine linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch differ in their travel distances, with the Pine measuring 4 mm and the Rice Pudding at 3.5 mm. This indicates that the KTT Pine offers a longer travel distance, which can provide a more pronounced tactile feedback for users who appreciate a deeper keystroke. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Rice Pudding may cater to gamers or those who prefer quicker responsiveness, as it requires less effort to activate. While both switches serve the purpose of key pressing, the choice between them boils down to personal preference: the Pine could be favored for a more robust typing experience, while the Rice Pudding might appeal to those who prioritize speed over depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine 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 Pine linear switches stand out with their bassy and low-pitched characteristics. These switches provide a deeper and richer auditory experience, which can elevate the tactile pleasure of typing. The lower frequency range tends to deliver a more satisfying thock sound on key presses, adding depth to any typing rhythm. Conversely, the sound profile of the Everglide Rice Pudding switch remains unknown, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. However, sound is also influenced by the keyboard and keycap choices, so users may achieve similar auditory experiences depending on their specific setup.
In terms of feel, the KTT Pine switch excels with its buttery and creamy tactile sensation. The polished, factory-lubed finish offers a seamless and effortless typing experience, allowing fingers to glide over the keys smoothly. This creates a uniform keystroke that many typists appreciate for its comfort during prolonged use. The tactile feedback is refined, which can help enhance typing speed and accuracy. Unfortunately, the feel of the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is not detailed, which leaves a gap in understanding how it might compare in terms of typing ergonomics.
In summary, while the KTT Pine linear switches clearly excel in delivering a rich sound profile and a buttery smooth feel, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch's sound and feel attributes remain unspecified. The Pine offers a confident and enjoyable typing experience that enthusiasts may seek, especially with its compatibility with different setups. To make the best choice, newcomers should consider how important sound and tactile feedback are to their typing preferences, as this will guide their ultimate selection between the two switch options.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Pine linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy feel with a robust bottom-out force, the Pine linear switch is the way to go. Its buttery smooth and creamy keystrokes make it ideal for users who enjoy a satisfying tactile experience, while the bassy sound adds a richness to your typing that can be quite fulfilling. On the flip side, if you lean towards a lighter keystroke and value versatility, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch would suit you better. Its lightweight design makes it perfect for prolonged typing sessions, as it requires less finger effort, while still delivering a satisfying and precise performance. Additionally, if you’re an enthusiast looking to explore innovative keyboard technology, the Rice Pudding’s compatibility with Wooting’s products offers extra potential for customization. Ultimately, consider what aspects—whether they be sound, feel, or the weight of the switch—align with your preferences to make the best choice for your typing needs.