Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two notable options stand out: the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and KTT Wine Red switches, each catering to different preferences. The Sticky Rice (V2) is celebrated for its balanced typing experience, characterized by a super smooth keystroke and a neutral sound signature that delivers the coveted "thock" that many enthusiasts crave. With its dustproof stem designed to minimize wobble, this switch is an excellent choice for users seeking a refined tactile sensation without sacrificing feel. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red switches provide a pillowy light typing experience alongside a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile, making them ideal for those who appreciate a warmer auditory feedback while typing. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to various typing styles and sound preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
44g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the KTT Wine Red keyboard switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which means they share similar sound characteristics. Polycarbonate's rigidity contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for producing clear and resonant acoustics. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the overall aesthetics, especially when RGB lighting is employed, creating vibrant visual effects that complement the auditory experience. This commonality in top housing material implies that users can expect an engaging auditory response when typing on either switch, enhancing their overall typing experience.
However, a key difference lies in the bottom housing materials of each switch. The Sticky Rice (V2) features a nylon bottom housing, prized for its ability to deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb sound, resulting in a more rounded acoustical response compared to the rigid structure of polycarbonate. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, which aligns with its top housing to maintain a consistent, sharp sound profile. This difference in bottom housing materials means that while the Sticky Rice (V2) may yield a more mellow bottom-out sound, the Wine Red will produce a distinctively sharper termination, resulting in a clearer auditory separation between the actuation and bottom-out stages.
Ultimately, the combination of these materials dictates the feel and sound experience of each switch. The Sticky Rice (V2), with its nylon bottom housing, will provide a balanced auditory experience, where a muted, full-bodied sound arises from the bottom-out action while a brighter sound emerges from the top housing. The KTT Wine Red, conversely, will feature a consistent sound profile across both actions, with heightened resonance and clarity from both the top and bottom made of polycarbonate. Users looking for a specific type of acoustic experience can select either switch based on their preference for either a fuller sound (Sticky Rice) or a sharper, more resonant experience (KTT Wine Red).
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Sticky Rice (V2) features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users looking for a softer typing experience, which can be particularly beneficial during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 44 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial push feel while typing. As a result, the Sticky Rice (V2) is the lighter option overall, while the Wine Red is on the heavier side. Users seeking a relaxed typing experience would likely favor the Sticky Rice, whereas those who want a firmer feedback might lean towards the KTT Wine Red. Ultimately, the difference in forces indicates that a typist's preference can greatly influence their choice between these two switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, the difference is notable. The Sticky Rice (V2) has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Wine Red measures 4 mm. This places the Sticky Rice as the shorter travel distance option, which may appeal to gamers and those seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red, with its longer 4 mm travel, offers a more substantial feel that some users might prefer for a more tactile and hearty depth while typing or gaming. Therefore, if you prioritize a more responsive action, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) would be the better choice, whereas the KTT Wine Red would be recommended for those who appreciate a more traditional and deeper keystroke.
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 Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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) is celebrated for its neutral sound signature, often giving typists a delightful blend of acoustics that leans toward the "thock" that many keyboard enthusiasts crave. This pleasant tone is characterized by a balanced output that allows for a satisfying auditory feedback without being overly intrusive. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red switch is noted for its deeper, richer sound profile, offering a bassy and low-pitched auditory experience. This sound derives from its construction, providing a resonant quality that enhances the typing experience with a deeper feed, enveloping each keystroke in a soothing sonic layer. Both switches offer distinct sound experiences; however, the KTT Wine Red leans more towards a warm bass tone, while the Sticky Rice (V2) brings a more balanced thock to the table.
In terms of feel, the Sticky Rice (V2) excels in providing a super smooth keystroke, driven by its dustproof stem design which minimizes wobble and reinforces overall performance. This results in a refined tactile experience that ensures a comfortable typing experience, appealing to those who appreciate subtlety in their keyboard interactions. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switch boasts a pillowy light-type feel that provides a gentle cushion during typing, fostering a sensation that promotes fluid movements across the keys. This contrast highlights how the Sticky Rice (V2) leans towards a more polished and precise touch, while the Wine Red offers a softer, more forgiving keystroke experience.
Overall, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and KTT Wine Red switches present distinct characteristics that cater to varying preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. The Sticky Rice (V2) makes its mark with a balanced sound and an exceptionally smooth keystroke, appealing to those who prioritize precision and clarity. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red excels with its rich, deep auditory profile and pillowy feel that creates an inviting typing environment. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference, as both options provide unique and enjoyable typing experiences that can significantly influence one's overall keyboard enjoyment.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) and the KTT Wine Red linear switch depends largely on your personal preferences and specific needs in a mechanical keyboard. If you prioritize a lighter typing experience with a smooth keystroke and a refined tactile sensation, the Sticky Rice (V2) would be an excellent choice. Its 50-gram actuation force makes it feel effortless during long typing sessions, and the subdued "thock" sound signature offers a balanced acoustic experience that won’t disturb those around you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly firmer feel with a richer, bassy sound profile, the KTT Wine Red linear switch, with its 55-gram bottom-out force, will deliver a satisfying and deeper auditory feedback as you type. The pillowy sensation combined with a low-pitched tone can be particularly rewarding for those who relish a more immersive acoustic environment. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style and the auditory experience you seek—whether it’s the smoothness and neutrality of the Sticky Rice (V2) or the deep resonance of the Wine Red.
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