Everglide Rice Pudding vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the Everglide Rice Pudding and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the distinct qualities of each option on the market. The Everglide Rice Pudding switch, recognized for its hall effect mechanism, is celebrated for delivering a harmonious blend of smooth actuation and a satisfying deep sound, appealing to those who enjoy a balanced and precise typing experience. This switch stands out particularly for its compatibility with Wooting's cutting-edge keyboards, making it a versatile choice for performance-oriented users. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switch offers a completely silent operation, providing an ideal solution for those who prioritize noise-free typing, especially during quiet, late-night sessions. With a linear actuation and advanced dampening technology, these switches create a comfortable and gratifying typing feel that resonates with users seeking a muted yet responsive experience. While both switches cater to different preferences—performance and sound for the Rice Pudding versus silence and comfort for the Semi Mute—it's essential to delve deeper into their distinctive features to determine which is the best fit for your typing style and environment.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Rice Pudding and the KTT Semi Mute switches share a commonality in their top housing material, with both featuring polycarbonate. This choice of material leads to a distinct sound profile characterized by sharpness and clarity. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, which allows for a more resonant sound, resulting in a crisper auditory experience when typing. The clear nature of polycarbonate also enhances the aesthetic appeal of switches, especially for those who utilize RGB lighting, as it allows light to diffuse beautifully through the switch. Therefore, users of either switch can expect similar sound characteristics from the top end, enriching their typing experience with higher-pitched tones.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the two switches diverge significantly, contributing to varied auditory profiles. The Rice Pudding utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, a material known for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer composition. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, giving a more muted response during key presses. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute maintains the same polycarbonate material in its bottom housing as well, maintaining the sharpness and clarity of sound from a typing perspective. With this difference in materials, the Rice Pudding will evoke a rounder sound upon bottoming out, while the KTT Semi Mute will deliver a consistently brighter, crisper sound throughout the keypress.
Overall, the combination of a nylon bottom housing in the Everglide Rice Pudding and polycarbonate in the KTT Semi Mute results in notable differences in sound profile despite their shared polycarbonate top. While the top housing contributes to the clarity and resonance of sound when keys are released, the differing bottom materials will ultimately impact the typing experience. Users looking for a deeper, warmer sound might gravitate toward the Rice Pudding, while those who enjoy a consistent and bright auditory feedback might prefer the KTT Semi Mute. Thus, when choosing between these switches, it’s essential to consider how both the top and bottom housing materials will affect the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force that cater to varying user preferences. The Rice Pudding switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it an ideal choice for those who desire a less strenuous typing experience, especially during long work hours or gaming sessions. In contrast, the KTT Semi Mute switch has a higher actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, providing a more substantial push feel that can enhance the typing experience for users who prefer a heavier switch. As such, the Everglide Rice Pudding is the lighter option, while the KTT Semi Mute is the heavier one. Ultimately, users may find that the Rice Pudding's softer actuation and bottom out forces allow for a more comfortable use, while the Semi Mute's greater forces might offer a more tactile sensation for those who enjoy a firmer touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch to the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, we find that the Rice Pudding measures at 3.5 mm, while the Semi Mute has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This indicates that for those who prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Rice Pudding may be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, which can provide quicker actuation for gaming or fast-paced typists. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute's 4 mm travel distance offers a more substantial depth, catering to users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and a less abrupt feel. Therefore, individuals who appreciate responsive key presses may gravitate toward the Rice Pudding, while those who favor a hearty depth in their keystrokes might prefer the Semi Mute.
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 Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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
The Everglide Rice Pudding switches produce a sound described as deep and satisfying, which provides a more pronounced auditory feedback compared to the KTT Semi Mute switches. The Semi Mute switches, true to their name, focus on delivering a completely silent operation. Their muted performance offers a softer, quieter experience, making them ideal for environments where noise is a concern. While the Rice Pudding offers a more engaging sound profile, the Semi Mute prioritizes discretion and peace, which can be crucial for late-night typing sessions.
In terms of feel, the Rice Pudding switches provide an exceptionally smooth operation, ensuring that each keystroke is both satisfying and precise. This quality can lead to a more responsive typing experience, enhancing overall enjoyment. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switches are designed for a buttery feel that emphasizes fluidity and effortless keystrokes. This results in a gentle typing experience that many users find approachable, as their mild characteristics make them comfortable for extensive typing sessions.
Overall, both switches cater to different typing preferences and environments. The Everglide Rice Pudding switches are ideal for those looking for a deeper auditory feedback and precise feel, making them suitable for performance-oriented users. Meanwhile, the KTT Semi Mute switches cater to individuals who prioritize a quiet workspace without compromising smoothness. Depending on your priorities, you can select the switch that best aligns with your needs and still achieve satisfying results, whether it be through pronounced feedback or a serene typing environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a light and smooth typing experience that is both satisfying and precise, the Rice Pudding switch is an excellent option. Its light actuation force of 48 grams allows for effortless keystrokes, especially beneficial if you spend long hours typing or gaming. Additionally, if you're looking to showcase your skills on a Wooting keyboard, the Rice Pudding's compatibility with these innovative devices makes it a versatile choice for performance enthusiasts. Conversely, if you often find yourself in noise-sensitive environments or prefer a more subdued typing experience, the KTT Semi Mute switch would suit you better. With a medium actuation force of 58 grams and complete silence, these switches provide a guilt-free typing experience during late-night sessions, ensuring you won’t disturb others. Their buttery feel creates a smooth typing experience, which can be ideal for both work and leisure. Ultimately, both switches offer their unique advantages, so consider your specific needs to pick the one that enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
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