KTT Pine vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the KTT Pine and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the KTT Pine and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2). The KTT Pine, a linear switch, is celebrated for its medium-heavy actuation, providing a buttery smooth experience thanks to its polished and factory-lubed finish, making it a favorite for those seeking an effortless typing sensation. With its bassy, creamy sound profile, the Pine switch offers a more muted auditory feedback that can enhance focus during long typing sessions. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) distinguishes itself with a hall effect design that delivers a balanced typing experience characterized by a neutral sound signature and a desirable "thock" sound, appealing to those who enjoy a refined tactile sensation. This switch's super smooth keystroke, alongside its dustproof stem that minimizes wobble, caters to users who prioritize enhanced performance and feel. Both switches have their unique advantages, so understanding your typing preferences is essential. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Pine and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which imparts a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile to each switch. This commonality results from the inherent qualities of polycarbonate, a rigid, translucent plastic known for its resonant properties. As both switches utilize this material in their top housing, users can expect similar auditory experiences when pressing down and releasing the keys, particularly in relation to the sound produced during key releases. The clear nature of polycarbonate also enhances the aesthetics of the switches, especially when RGB lighting is involved, making both models visually striking.
However, the bottom housing of the KTT Pine switch is constructed from polycarbonate, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) employs nylon for its bottom housing. This divergence in materials leads to contrasting sound characteristics between the two switches. The KTT Pine maintains a consistent sound profile, with both top and bottom housing contributing to a crisper and clearer auditory experience. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2)'s nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, as this softer plastic absorbs more noise and results in a duller and rounder auditory sensation. Consequently, while the top housing behavior remains similar, the tactile and auditory feedback upon bottoming out illustrates the distinct feel and response that each switch can provide.
In summary, the shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both the KTT Pine and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) ensures that users will experience a refined and resonant sound during key releases. However, the differences in the bottom housing materials—polycarbonate for the Pine and nylon for the Sticky Rice (V2)—introduces unique characteristics that influence each switch's overall sound profile and tactile experience. Understanding these differences allows enthusiasts to choose the switch that aligns best with their preferred typing experience, whether they favor the sharper clarity of the Pine or the fuller sound of the Sticky Rice (V2).
Weight
When comparing the KTT Pine linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Pine switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, which categorizes it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) is lighter, with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This lighter force may appeal to users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially during extended use for work or gaming. The Pine switch, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, caters to those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing. In essence, if you value a softer touch and reduced finger fatigue, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) would be the preferable option, whereas the KTT Pine would suit those seeking a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Pine linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, we see a clear distinction between the two. The KTT Pine features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a choice that caters to those who prefer a more traditional, deeper keystroke. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, appealing to users who favor quicker response times and a more responsive feel commonly sought after in gaming. While both switches have their merits depending on user preference, the Pine switch offers a more pronounced tactile experience, whereas the Sticky Rice (V2) leans towards a snappier, more rapid activation. Thus, the KTT Pine is the longer option, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is the shorter, making it suitable for those who enjoy swift key presses.
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 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.
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 switch offers a unique audio experience characterized by its bassy and low-pitched tones. This switch produces deeper, richer sound profiles during key presses, akin to the depth typically associated with bass. The KTT Pine's sound can enhance the typing experience for users who appreciate those lower frequencies. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) doesn’t have specific sound descriptors noted, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison regarding its acoustic profile. However, variations in sound can often arise from surrounding factors like the keyboard build and keycap choice.
In terms of feel, the KTT Pine switch excels with its buttery and creamy characteristics, providing an exceptionally smooth and seamless keystroke experience. The factory-lubed finish minimizes friction, resulting in a fluid and effortless typing sensation that many users find desirable. On the other hand, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is heralded for its super smooth keystroke performance, there are no specified descriptors available regarding its tactile feel. This makes it difficult to assert how it might stack up against the Pine in terms of the overall typing experience.
In summary, the KTT Pine linear switch is an excellent choice for users who value a robust sound profile paired with an extraordinarily smooth feel, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers a compelling but less-defined auditory experience alongside a refined, balanced sensation. If sound is a critical aspect for you, the Pine stands out with its deeper acoustic value. Meanwhile, if the tactile quality is paramount, more experimentation might be necessary to effectively evaluate the Sticky Rice (V2).
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Pine linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch largely depends on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and overall usage. If you prioritize smooth keystrokes and appreciate a heavier typing experience, the KTT Pine, with its buttery and creamy feel, offers a medium-heavy actuation force that ensures every key press feels substantial. Its deeper, bassy sound provides an immersive typing experience, which could enhance your enjoyment during prolonged typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a refined, smooth keystroke, the Sticky Rice (V2) is an excellent choice. With a bottom-out force of just 50 grams and a neutral sound profile that hints at the desirable "thock," these switches cater to users seeking a balance of comfort and auditory satisfaction. Ultimately, consider how you intend to use your keyboard—whether for gaming, typing, or a blend of both—as this will guide you to the switch that best aligns with your typing style and sound preferences.
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