Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the unique benefits and characteristics of various options. The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is a distinguished hall effect switch, celebrated for its balanced typing experience and a neutral sound profile that offers that coveted "thock" sound sought after by many users. Its smooth keystroke, enhanced by a dustproof stem, minimizes wobble and delivers a refined tactile sensation, making it an appealing choice for those who prioritize both performance and feel. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry, a linear switch, stands out with its charming pink and clear housings, and is known for its silky smooth actuation and comfortable typing experience. With descriptors like ‘buttery’ and ‘polished,’ the Strawberry appeals to users who enjoy unhindered keystrokes without the tactile bump, allowing for fast and fluid typing sessions. Each switch has its merits based on user preference, whether you're drawn to the tactile feedback of the Sticky Rice or the effortless flow of the Strawberry. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the KTT Strawberry share similarities in their top housing material, as both utilize polycarbonate, which is renowned for its capacity to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The characteristics of polycarbonate, noted for its rigidity, lend themselves to a more resonant and clear auditory experience, particularly beneficial for users who appreciate the aesthetic appeal of RGB lighting. In both switches, this translucency enhances visibility when backlighting is applied, making them visually striking. Thus, when it comes to their top hosing, users can expect comparable results in sound clarity and aesthetic illumination.
In stark contrast, the two switches differ significantly in their bottom housing materials. The Sticky Rice (V2) employs nylon for its bottom housing, which is a classic choice for switch construction. Nylon’s softer and more absorbent nature contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience when bottoming out. Conversely, the KTT Strawberry utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which retains the sharpness and clarity associated with its top housing. This means that while the upper sound profile may be similar across both switches, the sound experience when bottoming out will be markedly different; the Sticky Rice will resonate with a warm depth, whereas the Strawberry will maintain a brighter, more precise acoustic presence.
Ultimately, the distinct choice of bottom housing material in the Sticky Rice (V2) and KTT Strawberry illustrates the nuanced interplay of sound characteristics across mechanical keyboards. When pressed, the user will feel the difference in sound profiles—the nylon bottom of the Sticky Rice dampens vibrations, delivering a soothing auditory experience, while the polycarbonate bottom of the Strawberry projects vibrant sound clarity. Although the top housings both contribute to the same sharp sound signature, the interaction between the bottom housings significantly alters the overall feel and acoustic feedback of each switch, making them ideal for different types of users seeking varying auditory properties in their typing experience.
Weight
The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and KTT Strawberry linear switches differ notably in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sticky Rice features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions where fatigue may be a concern. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry has a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a more pronounced typing experience. This means that the Sticky Rice switch is better suited for those who favor lighter switches, while the KTT Strawberry caters to those who appreciate a firmer tactile response. Overall, if someone is looking for a lighter switch for comfort during prolonged use, the Sticky Rice (V2) is the better option, while the KTT Strawberry would appeal to users who enjoy a firmer push with a heavier weight.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there is a noticeable difference between the two. The Sticky Rice (V2) features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Strawberry has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you are looking for a switch that offers more responsiveness, the Sticky Rice (V2) would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. Conversely, the KTT Strawberry caters to those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke depth with its longer travel distance, providing a more traditional feel that some users may find more satisfying. Overall, the choice between these two switches largely depends on personal preferences regarding depth and responsiveness.
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 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 Sticky Rice (V2) switches deliver a neutral auditory experience that leans toward the satisfying "thock" favored by enthusiasts, creating a balanced atmosphere that many typists find pleasing. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry switches produce a low-pitched sound, characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow tone that offers a distinct auditory signature. This difference means that while those seeking a refined "thock" may gravitate towards the Sticky Rice, users who prefer softer noises may find the low-pitched Strawberry to be equally appealing, though the ultimate sound profile will still be affected by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Sticky Rice (V2) provides a smooth and refined tactile sensation, thanks to its dustproof stem design. This switch minimizes wobble and enhances overall responsiveness, making for a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switches excel in providing a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel. This means that pressing the keys is exceptionally effortless, with reduced resistance contributing to an almost fluid typing experience. While both switches offer smooth keystrokes, the Strawberry's descriptions suggest an experience that amplifies that smoothness to an even greater degree, catering to those who prioritize minimal friction during use.
Overall, both the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and KTT Strawberry switches present distinct but appealing qualities. The Sticky Rice is well-suited for those who appreciate a balanced sound with a refined typing feel, while the KTT Strawberry excels in providing an exceptionally smooth and low-pitched auditory experience. Ultimately, each switch has its own charm, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. Depending on one's priorities—whether they lean more towards sound or feel—users can expect to find satisfaction and pleasure with either option, albeit in different ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the typing experience you desire. If you lean towards a lighter switch that offers a silky-smooth feel and a balanced sound profile, the Sticky Rice (V2) is an excellent choice. Its 50-gram bottom-out force and refined tactile sensation make it particularly appealing for those who appreciate a gentle touch and a more nuanced "thock" sound when typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bit more resistance and a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, the KTT Strawberry could be more suitable for you. Renowned for its frictionless and buttery keystroke, this switch provides a more pronounced feedback experience, making it a great option for those who enjoy a solid typing feel and a mellow, low-pitched sound. Ultimately, consider what aligns best with your typing style—whether it’s the smooth, lightweight elegance of the Sticky Rice (V2) or the slightly heavier, richly textured feel of the KTT Strawberry. Each switch has its strengths that cater to different user needs, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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