KTT Rose vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the KTT Rose 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 switches, the KTT Rose and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) stand out for their unique characteristics and performance. The KTT Rose switches enchant users with their striking aesthetics and innovative progressive springs, delivering a typing experience that feels substantial without being overly heavy. With a low-pitched sound profile reminiscent of gentle raindrops, they offer a delightful auditory experience alongside their smooth action. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) prides itself on a balanced performance, featuring a neutral sound signature that strikes an engaging "thock" that many keyboard enthusiasts crave. The dustproof stem enhances the overall feel, allowing for a seamless keystroke and minimizing wobble for those who seek precision in their typing experience. Both switches have their merits: the KTT Rose for its beauty and unique sound and the Sticky Rice (V2) for its refined tactile feedback and performance. 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
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Progressive spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Rose and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) exhibit notable similarities, particularly in their top and bottom housings. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This shared characteristic arises from the inherent stiffness of polycarbonate, allowing for a clear and resonant acoustic experience. The translucency of polycarbonate also means that both switches are well-suited for showcasing RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal while ensuring that users enjoy an optimal visual and auditory experience. Thus, users can expect comparable sound qualities when typing on either switch, as both leverage the advantages of polycarbonate in achieving a bright and punchy sound signature.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the KTT Rose and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) diverge in their acoustic effects. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, leading to a sound that is more rounded and subdued when compared to the resonant qualities of polycarbonate. This relationship between the softer nylon and the stiffer polycarbonate results in a harmonious balance of tonal differences across the switches, with the nylon bottom housing contributing to a lower tone when keys bottom out, while the polycarbonate top enhances the higher frequencies when keys return to rest.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in both switches allows them to create a unique auditory experience, although the qualities of each material influence the overall sound in different ways. The use of polycarbonate at the top means that both the KTT Rose and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) will have a brighter and more articulate sound during key releases, while the nylon bottom emphasizes warmth and depth upon bottoming out. As a result, regardless of the differences in material between the two switches, users can expect a cohesive sound profile that brings together the sharpness of polycarbonate and the fullness of nylon, achieving gratifying performance for a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Rose linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The KTT Rose has an unknown actuation force, but it features a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is classified as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This distinction makes the Sticky Rice (V2) the lighter switch overall, which can be advantageous for users who prefer a less exertive typing experience, often beneficial during extended periods of use, such as in work or gaming scenarios. Meanwhile, the KTT Rose's heavier bottom out force offers a more substantial feel, appealing to those who enjoy a stronger push while typing. Therefore, the KTT Rose is better suited for typists seeking a more tactile feedback, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) caters to those who favor a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Rose linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, there is a notable difference. The KTT Rose features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two options and offering a more pronounced depth with each key press. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) comes in at a shorter 3.5 mm travel distance, aligning with the preferences of gamers who often prioritize quicker response times. For users who favor a more responsive feel and appreciate the benefits of a shorter travel distance, the Sticky Rice (V2) would likely be the better choice. Meanwhile, those who prefer a more substantial and traditional experience with a deeper feedback might lean toward the KTT Rose. Thus, the KTT Rose provides a more hearty depth, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers a crisp, quicker response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Rose comes in at $3.01 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 comparing the sound profiles of the KTT Rose linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, both offer distinct auditory experiences. The KTT Rose is characterized by a low-pitched sound, reminiscent of bassy raindrops, which delivers a mellow and soothing typing ambiance. This sound is relatively neutral, making it suitable for various environments, whether you're typing at home or in an office setting. On the other hand, while the sound profile of the Sticky Rice (V2) is not explicitly detailed, it is generally associated with the coveted "thock" sound that enthusiasts cherish. This indicates that it likely fulfills the desire for a satisfying auditory feedback during use, suggesting a more pronounced sound that may not match the mellowness of the Rose but appeals to those seeking depth in sound.
In terms of feel, the KTT Rose switch excels with its mild and polished characteristics. The mildness offers a gentle typing experience that is accessible to users of all skill levels, while the polished finish ensures smooth and refined keystrokes, minimizing friction during use. These qualities create a typing experience that feels approachable yet satisfying. Conversely, information regarding the feel of the Sticky Rice (V2) switch is unknown. However, it is mentioned to provide a balanced typing experience, likely hinting at a nuanced tactile sensation that appeals to enthusiasts.
In conclusion, both the KTT Rose and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Rose stands out with its low-pitched sound and gentle, polished typing experience, making it versatile for a wide audience. On the other hand, the Sticky Rice (V2) promises a refined experience likely focused on the tactile sensation and a nuanced sound profile that appeals to enthusiasts. Users may gravitate towards the KTT Rose for a more accessible, mellow experience or seek the Sticky Rice for a more pronounced auditory and tactile impact. Ultimately, both switches may yield satisfying results, but the choice will depend on individual preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Rose linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience that feels substantial and offers a satisfying auditory feedback, the KTT Rose is likely the better fit for you. Its higher actuation force of 63.5 grams can be ideal for those who prefer a bit more resistance when typing, allowing for a more deliberate and controlled keystroke. This switch is particularly well-suited for environments where you might appreciate the bass-heavy sound profile, pleasing to both you and your colleagues or family. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and lighter keystroke with a force of just 50 grams, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) might be your go-to option. Its refined feel and neutral sound signature provide an elegant typing experience that is perfect for both casual use and serious gaming, without the fatigue often associated with heavier switches. Ultimately, consider the context in which you’ll be using your keyboard, whether it be for gaming, typing, or a mix of both, and weigh the importance of sound, feel, and actuation force to find the switch that best suits your needs.