KTT Purple Star vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Star and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two unique options stand out: the KTT Purple Star and the Everglide Rice Pudding. The KTT Purple Star, known for its all-POM construction, provides a buttery smooth typing experience with a light 45g bottom-out force, making it a fantastic choice for lighter typists who prefer a smooth and effortless feel. This linear switch is characterized by its mild and low-pitched sound, creating a pleasant typing environment without the distraction of clacking noises. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch offers a satisfying blend of smooth operation and a deeper sound profile, striking a balance between feedback and quiet typing. Additionally, its compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards positions it as an appealing option for enthusiasts who prioritize both performance and versatility. While both switches cater to different preferences—one emphasizing ease of use and quietness, and the other offering a satisfying auditory experience—each has its own unique merits. 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
43g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Purple Star and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches, it becomes evident that they employ different materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The KTT Purple Star features a POM top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and more muted sound. This is attributed to the inherent properties of POM, which create a sound that is unique and pleasing to the ear. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding uses a polycarbonate top housing, which generates a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate contributes to its capability of producing a clearer and more resonant sound, making it ideal for those who prefer a sharper auditory experience, especially when combined with RGB lighting thanks to its translucency.
Examining the bottom housing materials of both switches reveals further contrasts. The KTT Purple Star utilizes POM for its bottom housing, mirroring the sound characteristics established in its top housing. This material continues to deliver a muted sound, aligning with its overall acoustic profile. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding incorporates a nylon bottom housing, a classic choice known for generating a fuller sound. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a rounder and duller sound profile. Therefore, the Rice Pudding's design creates a contrasting auditory experience that is richer but still markedly different from the more muted POM bottom of the Purple Star.
In terms of overall impact on performance, the unique combination of different housing materials in both switches influences their sound profiles during use. While pressing down on a switch primarily showcases the characteristics of the bottom housing, the top housing takes precedence in shaping the release sound. The KTT Purple Star, with its consistent POM housing, will maintain a similar acoustic quality whether pressing or releasing. Conversely, the distinct sound experience of the Everglide Rice Pudding is shaped by its combination of nylon and polycarbonate, achieving a blend of crispness on actuation and a fuller resonance upon release. This disparity in sound production highlights how varying materials can lead to unique auditory outcomes, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch both offer a light typing experience, appealing to users who prefer less resistance during long typing or gaming sessions. The Purple Star has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Rice Pudding features a slightly lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This makes the Rice Pudding the lighter option overall. Though both switches are considered light, the Purple Star requires a bit more force to activate and bottom out compared to the Rice Pudding, which may provide a slightly more subdued typing feel. However, given their close specifications, users looking for a similar typing experience could find either switch suitable depending on their individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, both switches have the same travel distance, measuring 3.5 mm. This similarity means that users can expect a consistent keypress feel from both switches, as they will require the same amount of force and distance to activate. Because the travel distances are equal, users will likely experience comparable responsiveness and tactile feedback when typing or gaming, making either switch a viable choice based on other preferences, such as actuation force or switch feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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 Purple Star switches emit a low-pitched tone that contributes to a mellow and bass-heavy auditory experience. This sound quality allows for a more subdued typing atmosphere which can be appreciated during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the sound profile of the Everglide Rice Pudding switches remains unspecified, leaving a gap in comparison. However, it’s important to consider that the sound output of any switch can be affected by the keyboard’s construction and the keycaps used, so individual experiences may vary.
In terms of feel, the Purple Star switches are characterized by a mild typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable resistance that makes them ideal for typists who seek comfort. The light actuation force of 45g means that minimal effort is required to activate the keys, making them particularly well-suited for those who might experience finger fatigue after prolonged use. Unfortunately, the feel characteristics of the Rice Pudding switches are not provided, making a direct comparison challenging. However, the distinct qualities of the Purple Star suggest they would be easier on the fingers and conducive to a comfortable typing rhythm.
In summary, both the KTT Purple Star switches and Everglide Rice Pudding switches hold unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Purple Star excels in providing a soothing auditory experience coupled with a mild and effortless feel, while the Rice Pudding's smooth operation remains an appealing option for those seeking versatility—especially for users who might participate in the Wooting ecosystem. Regardless of the differences in specifics, both switches can deliver enjoyable typing experiences, albeit through varied sensory pathways.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Purple Star linear switches and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switches should be influenced by your preferences in typing experience, sound, and compatibility. If you favor a smooth and gentle typing feel, the Purple Star is an excellent option that provides a very light actuation force of 45 grams, making it perfect for extended typing sessions without inducing finger fatigue. Its low-pitched sound and mild characteristics offer a neutral and approachable typing experience, ideal for typists who enjoy a soft touch while maintaining a traditional mechanical keyboard feel. On the other hand, if you are an enthusiast looking for performance and versatility, especially if you plan to use innovative keyboard layouts like Wooting's, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches will serve you well. They provide a satisfying combination of smooth operation and a deeper sound, delivering a slightly more responsive feel that many users appreciate. Ultimately, your choice boils down to whether you prioritize a buttery smooth and gentle typing experience with the Purple Star or the balanced performance and compatibility offered by the Rice Pudding switches.
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