Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly influence your typing experience. The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), with its hall effect mechanism, is celebrated for its balanced performance, offering a satisfying "thock" sound that many enthusiasts crave. This switch features a super smooth keystroke thanks to its dustproof stem, which minimizes wobble and amplifies its tactile nature—ideal for users who appreciate a refined typing sensation without sacrificing its overall feel. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch presents a different appeal, known for its creamy smoothness derived from the innovative use of POK material in both its stem and housing. This results in an effortlessly fluid keystroke accompanied by a high-pitched, clacky sound signature that can please those who enjoy a lively auditory experience while typing. While the Sticky Rice (V2) may cater to tactile enthusiasts seeking a balanced and refined touch, the Vanilla Ice Cream is perfect for those in pursuit of a buttery-smooth, resonant experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) Hall Effect

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

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Housing materials

The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches exhibit distinct differences in their housing materials, which significantly influence their auditory and tactile experiences. The Sticky Rice (V2) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, prized for its stiffness and translucency, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This choice of material not only enhances the acoustic clarity of the switch but also complements RGB lighting due to its clear nature. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream features a proprietary blend for its top housing, crafted from "special mixed materials," enabling it to achieve a similarly high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While the techniques and specific materials differ, both switches are designed for auditory brightness, suggesting that users interested in a defined and lively sound profile will find satisfaction in either option.

Examining the bottom housing reveals more pronounced differences between the two switches. The Sticky Rice (V2) is equipped with a nylon bottom housing, traditionally known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer texture, which effectively absorbs vibrations. This leads to a rounder acoustics profile overall. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes POK material for its bottom housing. Known for its exceptional durability and smoothness, POK not only contributes to a clacky sound but also excels in terms of wear and shock resistance. While both materials offer distinct auditory experiences—the rounded qualities of nylon versus the sharpness of POK—the KTT bottom's smoothness may yield a more immediate tactile response than the Sticky Rice.

In terms of how each switch ultimately performs during use, the interplay between the different materials means that users will feel the unique attributes of each housing when typing. With the Sticky Rice (V2), the nylon bottom will deliver a softer bottom-out feel that provides a softer return sound, while the polycarbonate top enhances the overall clarity during release. Meanwhile, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, with its resilient POK bottom, sacrifices some of that warmth for a crisper attack and immediate tactility. Consequently, while both switches offer high-pitched sound signatures, they provide different bottoming-out experiences, providing users with a choice that aligns with their auditory and tactile preferences. Ultimately, those preferring a crisper, more definitive click may enjoy both switches, appreciating the high-level craftsmanship and material quality inherent in each design.

Weight

The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch both offer relatively light typing experiences, making them suitable for extended use during long work hours or gaming sessions. The Sticky Rice (V2) has an actuation force of 40 grams, which is slightly lighter than the 43 grams required for the actuation of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch. When it comes to bottom out forces, the Sticky Rice (V2) requires 50 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has a marginally lower bottom out force of 48 grams. Overall, while both switches fall into the light category, the Sticky Rice (V2) is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, providing a slightly more effortless keystroke initiation, while the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a bit more resistance. This variance allows users to choose based on their preference for typing feel—those who favor a lighter touch may prefer the Sticky Rice (V2), whereas those who appreciate a firmer push might lean towards the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch.

Travel distance

Both the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users can expect a similar tactile response and actuation point, providing a consistent feeling during use. Since both switches share this travel distance, users will achieve comparable results in terms of key performance and feedback, making either choice suitable for those preferring a 3.5 mm travel distance in their typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, the Sticky Rice (V2) is noted for its balanced acoustic signature that leans toward a neutral sound, featuring a desirable "thock" that many typing enthusiasts appreciate. This creates an engaging auditory experience without being overly loud. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch produces a distinctively high-pitched sound that is described as sharp, crisp, and clacky, giving it a more resonant and immersive quality. The contrasting sound profiles mean that while both switches have their own unique auditory appeal, users looking for a more muted "thock" will prefer the Sticky Rice (V2), while those who enjoy a brighter and more pronounced acoustic presence will gravitate towards the Vanilla Ice Cream.

In terms of feel, the Sticky Rice (V2) excels with a notably smooth keystroke due to its dustproof stem, which minimizes wobble and enhances the overall tactile experience. This results in a refined and precise sensation while typing, appealing to those who appreciate a clean and direct feedback. The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch, on the other hand, challenges this with its buttery and creamy feel, designed to evoke a silky typing experience that feels almost effortless. The materials used in the Vanilla Ice Cream switch contribute to a delightful sense of gliding across the keys, giving it a unique typing sensation that contrasts with the more direct and focused feel of the Sticky Rice (V2).

Overall, both switches offer exceptional yet distinctly different experiences in sound and feel. The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) appeals to those desiring a balanced, thocky sound with a firm yet smooth tactile experience. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is ideal for typists seeking a higher-pitched, clacky sound combined with a buttery smoothness in feel. Depending on personal preference regarding sound and tactile feedback, either switch could prove to be a satisfying choice, reinforcing the idea that while both deliver exceptional qualities, their unique characteristics cater to different typing experiences.

Conclusion

To conclude, both the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences and typing styles. If you value a balanced typing experience with a neutral sound signature and appreciate a refined tactile sensation, the Sticky Rice (V2) is likely your best choice. Its super smooth keystroke and minimal wobble make it ideal for users who prioritize a snug yet responsive feel, ensuring a satisfying typing experience that resonates with those who enjoy a “thock” sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that embodies a buttery and creamy feel, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream is where you should lean. Its innovative POK material not only promises an effortlessly smooth keystroke but also delivers a high-pitched, resonant sound that sets it apart from others in the market. The choice between these two switches ultimately boils down to your personal typing preferences: go for the Sticky Rice (V2) if you seek a sophisticated feel and sound, or opt for the Vanilla Ice Cream if you enjoy a lighter, more playful acoustic experience.

Mentioned in this article

Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) Hall Effect

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn more

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn more