TTC Brother vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between distinct options that cater to varying preferences. The TTC Brother, a clicky switch, offers a lightweight actuation force of just 37g that delivers a delightful tactile experience without feeling overly strenuous. Its satisfying crunchy sound signature adds an audio layer that resonates with clicky switch aficionados, while its distinct tactile bump provides a balanced feedback that enhances typing enjoyment. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) embraces an entirely different philosophy with its Hall Effect technology, presenting a whisper-quiet operation and a neutral sound profile that produces the elusive "thock" sound cherished by many. The smooth keystroke, aided by a specially designed dustproof stem, ensures a refined tactile sensation with minimal wobble, appealing to those who prefer a more understated, yet luxurious typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Brother and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) reflects personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing performance. 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
37g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
17.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Brother and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches both feature polycarbonate as their top housing material. This choice of polycarbonate in both switches contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the keystrokes, allowing for a more pronounced auditory feedback that many typists and gamers appreciate. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal selection for RGB lighting, as the light can pass through effectively, creating a vibrant and visually appealing aesthetic. Since both switches utilize this material for their top housing, users can expect similar sound characteristics and illumination effects when using either switch.
In contrast, the bottom housing material varies between the two switches, where both the Brother and the Sticky Rice (V2) switch employ nylon. Nylon is known for its softer composition, which plays a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience. The use of nylon allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing sound more than harder plastics would, and resulting in a more muted auditory experience when bottoming out. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing, the sound produced when the keys are fully pressed down will exhibit a more rounded and less piercing tone, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. This material choice emphasizes the contrast with the clearer sound profile seen in the polycarbonate top.
The combined effects of these materials lead to distinct characteristics in their sound profile and feel. In both switches, the polycarbonate top housing brings brightness and clarity to the sound as users release the keys, while the nylon bottom housing ensures a deeper and softer response when the keys are pressed down. This combination in both the Brother and Sticky Rice (V2) allows for a well-rounded typing experience that balances sharpness and depth, appealing to a variety of users who enjoy both the tactile feedback and the sound signature that each switch offers. Therefore, regardless of the differences in bottom housing, the utilisation of both polycarbonate and nylon creates a cohesive performance that users can appreciably enjoy.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, we find notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out characteristics. The Brother switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the Sticky Rice (V2) requires a slightly heavier force at 40 grams to register a keystroke. This means that typists and gamers who favor a lighter touch might prefer the Brother switch for extended use, as it can help reduce finger fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions. However, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, which provides a more substantial feel when the key is fully pressed down, enhancing the tactile experience for users who enjoy a stronger push. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Brother switch is not specified, leaving a gap in comparison. Overall, the Everglide switch offers a heavier typing experience with a clear bottom out sensation, while the TTC Brother is better suited for those who prioritize a lighter actuation force.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch feature the same travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning users will experience a similar key feel and responsiveness when pressing down on these switches. Since both switches share this identical measurement, typists and gamers can expect a comparable experience in terms of key travel, resulting in a uniform tactile feedback. This similarity in travel distance contributes to a consistent performance across various applications, whether for typing or gaming, allowing for an enjoyable and familiar interaction with each switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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.
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
**Sound:** The TTC Brother clicky switch is characterized by its distinctly crunchy sound signature, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves, which is a hallmark of the clicky switch experience. This auditory feedback not only enhances the typing experience but also serves to satisfy enthusiasts who enjoy an audible response with each keystroke. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is known for its neutral sound signature that produces the highly coveted “thock.” While the Brother's sound is pronounced and lively, the Sticky Rice offers a more subdued and refined auditory satisfaction, allowing for a diverse range of environments depending on user preference. However, the final decision on sound and overall acoustics can depend heavily on the specific keyboard you pair these switches with and the type of keycaps used.
**Feel:** When it comes to feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch stands out for its lightweight actuation requiring just 37g of force, making it easy to press without feeling overwhelming. This easy-to-press nature reduces finger fatigue, allowing for longer typing sessions with an effortless touch. The tactile feedback is also noticeable, featuring a stepped sensation that provides a compelling two-stage experience during key presses. In contrast, details regarding the feel of the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) are less defined in the available information, but it is implied that the switch offers a smooth keystroke, which typically translates to refined tactile sensations. Therefore, while the Brother leverages both tactile feedback and light actuation force for a particular typing experience, specifics on the tactile feel of the Sticky Rice (V2) remain unknown.
**Conclusion:** In summary, the TTC Brother clicky switch excels in delivering a bright and satisfying auditory experience paired with a comfortable, tactile feedback and easy actuation, distinguishing it as a standout in the clicky switch category. Meanwhile, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches promise a quieter and neutral sound profile with an emphasis on a smooth and possibly refined feel, although further details on tactile characteristics remain unclear. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will hinge on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback, while both promise to enhance the typing experience in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch largely depends on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. If you love the exhilaration of clicky feedback and the sharp auditory response that accompanies it, the Brother switch is your ideal match. Its lightweight actuation and crunchy sound signature provide not only an engaging tactile experience but also a dynamic one that adds a sense of excitement to each keystroke. This makes it perfect for gamers or typists who want their actions to resonate with a satisfying sound and response without fatiguing their fingers during extended use. Conversely, if you prioritize a smooth typing experience with a more neutral, refined sound profile, the Sticky Rice (V2) is likely the better fit for you. This switch offers a superbly balanced feel and a more subdued auditory output, designed for those who wish to enjoy a serene typing atmosphere without overwhelming clicks. Its light bottom-out force ensures a relaxed performance, making it especially suitable for writers or office professionals engaged in long hours of typing. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you crave the exuberance of clicky feedback or the tranquil precision of a smooth, hall effect experience.
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