Everglide Rice Pudding vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Everglide Rice Pudding and the KTT Strawberry 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 options that cater to different preferences in feel and performance. The Everglide Rice Pudding switches, renowned for their hall effect technology, offer a unique blend of smooth operation and a satisfying deep sound, making every keystroke a pleasure. These switches provide a balanced typing experience that favors both precision and comfort, plus they are fully compatible with Wooting’s innovative keyboards, appealing to users who value versatility in their setup. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry switches, characterized by their eye-catching pink and clear housings, are celebrated for their linear design that ensures a silky, frictionless feel with each stroke. This design not only enhances comfort, but also delivers reliable performance that can be particularly appealing for gamers and typists alike. While both switches have their unique strengths—Rice Pudding excelling in a tactile soundscape and versatility, and KTT Strawberry epitomizing smoothness and aesthetics—individual preferences will ultimately guide the choice. 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
38g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Everglide Rice Pudding and KTT Strawberry switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in uniquely crisp and resonant sound profiles. The choice of polycarbonate enhances the auditory experience because it is a relatively stiff plastic, which translates to a sharper, higher-pitched sound when a key is pressed. Additionally, the use of clear polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through beautifully, making both switches aesthetically pleasing for those who prioritize vibrant keyboard lighting. Since both switches feature the same top housing material, users can expect comparable sound clarity and brightness when using them, contributing to a consistent auditory experience across both models.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the switches presents a significant difference, which greatly influences the overall sound and feel when typing. The Rice Pudding employs nylon for its bottom housing, a material known for its softer composition which absorbs sound effectively, generating a deeper and more rounded sound profile. This contrasts starkly with the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing, which perpetuates the sharper sound characteristics found in its top housing. As a result, users of the Rice Pudding can expect a more muted and full-bottom-out experience, while those using the KTT Strawberry will enjoy a clearer sound that resonates more distinctly upon key release.
Overall, the contrasting materials of the Rice Pudding and KTT Strawberry switches serve to create different auditory experiences within the same typing environment. The combination of nylon in the Rice Pudding's bottom housing and polycarbonate in its top leads to a fuller sound, while the Strawberry's all-polycarbonate housing structure produces an overall sharper and crisper auditory feedback. Despite both switches using polycarbonate in their top housing, the varying bottom materials ensure that each switch retains its unique character. Users can choose based on their preference for sound profiles: those looking for a rounded resonance might lean towards the Rice Pudding, while fans of sharper, more pronounced sounds may prefer the KTT Strawberry.
Weight
The Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying user preferences. The Rice Pudding switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for those who want to type comfortably for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions without experiencing fatigue. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry switch, characterized as medium, has a heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for users who appreciate a stronger push feel. This means that while both switches trigger a keystroke successfully, the Rice Pudding requires less force, making it easier to press, while the Strawberry demands a bit more effort, appealing to those who prefer a firmer touch. Overall, if you seek a lighter switch for long-duration use, the Rice Pudding is the superior choice, whereas those looking for a heftier feel should opt for the Strawberry.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there's a clear distinction between the two. The Rice Pudding switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Strawberry switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that users who prioritize quick response times, such as gamers, may find the Rice Pudding switch more appealing due to its shorter travel distance, which allows for faster activation. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry's 4 mm travel distance provides a more traditional feel, catering to those who prefer a more substantial depth with each key press. Therefore, if you lean toward a more responsive experience, the Rice Pudding would be the better choice, whereas if you enjoy a more pronounced and hearty keystroke, the Strawberry would be the way to go.
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 Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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 Everglide Rice Pudding switch is known for its deep, resonant tones, delivering a satisfying auditory feedback that contributes to an engaging typing experience. This switch's sound profile creates a rich and balanced auditory environment, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate the blend of performance and acoustic pleasure. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry switch offers a low-pitched sound characteristic, which tends to be mellow and bass-heavy. This quality can create a more subdued auditory experience, making it ideal for users who prefer a quieter typing environment. However, it's essential to note that the final sound can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycap materials, so both switches may provide varying acoustic experiences when integrated into different setups.
Regarding feel, the Rice Pudding switch is celebrated for its smooth operation, though specific descriptors for its tactile feel are not provided. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry excels in this category, delivering a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience. This makes the Strawberries incredibly pleasing to type on, as they minimize resistance and enhance overall fluidity during keystrokes. Such qualities can significantly contribute to comfort during extended typing sessions, positioning the KTT Strawberry as a fantastic option for users seeking a refined and effortless feel.
In conclusion, both the Everglide Rice Pudding and KTT Strawberry switches have their strengths, catering to different preferences. The Rice Pudding showcases a deeper sound profile, potentially appealing to those who enjoy a richer typing acoustic, while the KTT Strawberry is noteworthy for its low-pitched sound and luxurious typing feel, characterized by smoothness and minimal friction. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, but both options promise to deliver satisfactory and enjoyable typing experiences when tailored to individual setups.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switches and KTT Strawberry linear switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you seek. If you favor a lighter touch and enjoy a deep sound that enhances your typing enjoyment, the Rice Pudding switches are an excellent choice. Their smooth operation and compatibility with Wooting keyboards make them particularly appealing for enthusiasts looking to maximize performance and enjoy a satisfying, precise typing feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more resistance and appreciate a low-pitched sound when typing, the KTT Strawberry switches will suit you well. With their medium bottom-out force and silky smoothness, they deliver a frictionless and effortless typing experience that can make long typing sessions feel more comfortable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so consider your own typing style and sound preferences when deciding between the two.