KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two noteworthy options to consider are the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2). The Sea Salt Lemon, celebrated for its smooth linear action, exemplifies the finer qualities of linear switches with its progressive spring and KTT's innovative dry-lube design. This results in a delightful typing experience that is often categorized as low-pitched, neutral, and mild, perfect for those who prefer a quiet, uninterrupted keystroke. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers a unique charm with its hall effect design, providing a balanced typing experience adorned with that coveted "thock" sound. Its super smooth keystroke is a result of a dustproof stem, which not only minimizes wobble but also enhances performance, making it ideal for enthusiasts looking for a tactile sensation without sacrificing feel. While both switches cater to distinct preferences—smooth linear action versus a balanced tactile experience—they each have their own merits that could appeal to different types of users. 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
53g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) both feature polycarbonate top housings, resulting in a similarly high-pitched, crisp sound profile. This structural choice is significant in that polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, enhances resonance and clarity when typing. Users seeking vivid auditory feedback will appreciate how the translucency of the polycarbonate top allows for effective light diffusion, making these switches highly compatible with RGB lighting setups. Both switches capitalize on the aesthetic appeal of clear housings to offer a bright and visually engaging typing experience, ensuring they deliver a comparable sound quality thanks to their shared top housing material.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Sea Salt Lemon and the Sticky Rice (V2) are made from nylon, which is well-known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon aids in sound absorption, resulting in a notably duller and rounder auditory experience compared to the sharper notes produced by polycarbonate. Since both switches utilize the same nylon material for their bottom housings, they will likely create a similar impact on the bottom-out sound, giving them a consistent and rich sound signature when keys are fully pressed down. This commonality in bottom housing further unifies the overall acoustic character of both switches, striking a balance between the crispness of the top and the depth of the bottom.
Ultimately, while the top housings of both switches contribute to a clear and vibrant sound profile, the nylon bottoms contrast this with a warmer, more muted tone. Consequently, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) will provide an enjoyable and consistent typing experience, with the polycarbonate top facilitating a resonant sound during keystrokes while the nylon bottom absorbs and mellows the sound upon bottoming out. This synergy between the materials means that users can expect a gratifying auditory result, melding the benefits of both housing types to achieve a well-rounded performance—one that exemplifies the nuanced qualities of each individual material while creating a cohesive typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight their distinct characteristics. The Sea Salt Lemon has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference signifies that the Sticky Rice (V2) requires less force to actuate, resulting in a potentially easier and more comfortable typing experience, particularly during extended use. Furthermore, the lighter bottom out force of the Sticky Rice (V2) suggests that it may provide a gentler keystroke feedback compared to the Sea Salt Lemon, which has a slightly heavier bottom out feel. Consequently, users who prefer a lighter touch and a softer typing experience might gravitate toward the Sticky Rice (V2), while those seeking a more substantial retreat with a stronger keystroke might prefer the Sea Salt Lemon. Overall, the Sticky Rice (V2) is the lighter of the two switches, offering a more accessible actuation at lower forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This comparison highlights the Sea Salt Lemon switch as the option for those who prefer a more pronounced feel and depth during typing, catering to users who appreciate tactile feedback and a traditional switch experience. On the other hand, the Sticky Rice (V2) is designed for gamers and those seeking quicker response times, thanks to its shorter travel distance. This means that while both switches serve unique preferences, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon offers a more substantial typing experience, whereas the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) allows for speedier interactions. Ultimately, choosing between these two will depend on whether you prioritize depth or responsiveness in your typing experience.
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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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 characteristics of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch with the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, the Sea Salt Lemon presents a low-pitched and neutral auditory experience. Its low-pitched sound offers a more bass-heavy, mellow tone that is pleasant for long typing sessions, making it suitable for both home and work environments. This neutral sound profile ensures that it won't be too intrusive, allowing users to maintain concentration. Conversely, the sound profile of the Sticky Rice (V2) remains uncharacterized, but it is known for a delightful balance, hinting at the sought-after "thock" sound. Ultimately, both switches are designed to provide enjoyable auditory feedback, though the specifics of the Sticky Rice may depend more heavily on the board and keycap choices.
In terms of feel, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a mild typing experience, characterized by its buttery smooth keystroke, buoyed by a progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. This creates a gentle touch that's approachable for both newcomers and seasoned typists. At the same time, the performance of the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) emphasizes smoothness through its dustproof stem, which minimizes wobble to enhance overall performance. While the specifics of the feel for the Sticky Rice are not detailed, its promise of a refined tactile sensation suggests that it also caters well to those who appreciate a balanced and satisfying typing experience.
In conclusion, both the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) are appealing options for anyone seeking a quality typing experience. The Sea Salt Lemon excels in providing a low-pitched, neutral sound accompanied by a mild feel, ideal for varied environments. The Sticky Rice (V2), while lacking specific sound and feel descriptors, offers a smooth keystroke with a balanced auditory profile that many users seek. Together, these switches cater to different preferences but share a common goal of delivering satisfying tactile and auditory experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the specific typing experience you're seeking. If you lean towards a buttery smooth and light typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out force of 53 grams, the Sea Salt Lemon is an excellent option. Its low-pitched, neutral sound profile, combined with a mild feel, makes it an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned typists looking for a versatile switch that performs reliably in both gaming and typing scenarios. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter feel with a bottom out force of 50 grams and appreciate a refined tactile sensation, the Sticky Rice (V2) might be more suited for you. The super smooth keystroke and satisfying "thock" sound it produces will likely appeal to enthusiasts seeking a balance between performance and auditory pleasure. Therefore, consider your typing habits, the sound profile you enjoy, and the overall feel you want, and choose accordingly to ensure your mechanical keyboard experience is both enjoyable and tailored to your needs.
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