TTC Flame Red vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Flame Red and the Everglide Rice Pudding offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Flame Red is acclaimed not only for its performance but also for its striking aesthetics, featuring an impressive light diffuser that enhances the look of RGB keyboards. With a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, this linear switch delivers a typing experience that many find enjoyable. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches embrace a hall effect technology that emphasizes both smooth operation and a deeper sound, creating a more balanced yet precise typing experience. These switches are particularly advantageous for users looking for compatibility with Wooting’s innovative keyboards, allowing for greater performance versatility. Ultimately, while each switch has its unique attributes that may appeal to different users—be it the eye-catching design and sound of the Flame Reds or the satisfying feedback and compatibility of the Rice Puddings—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the TTC Flame Red switch to the Everglide Rice Pudding switch, a notable difference lies in the top housing materials used for each. The Flame Red features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile when typed on. This is largely due to nylon's comparatively softer nature, allowing for greater sound absorption, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Rice Pudding utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, characterized by its stiffer properties. The stiffness of polycarbonate results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making it clearer and more resonant. Thus, while both switches provide excellent typing experiences, the sonic output contrasts sharply due to the materials employed in their top housings.
Interestingly, both switches boast nylon as the material for their bottom housings, leading to a shared characteristic that enhances the overall typing experience. The nylon bottom housing in both the Flame Red and Rice Pudding switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, maintaining the same auditory elements that define the Flame Red's performance. This similarity suggests that while the top housings dictate the tonal sharpness or dullness of key releases, the bottoms create a unified base for sound quality, especially during the bottoming-out action. Therefore, even with differing top housing materials, the nylon bottom helps engender a baseline consistency in typing sound and feel.
The interaction between the distinct top housing materials and the shared nylon bottom housing showcases how the overall performance of each switch can reflect both their unique characteristics and their commonalities. The Flame Red’s nylon top produces a duller sound that contrasts with the crisper clarity of the Rice Pudding’s polycarbonate. However, when it comes to the sensation of keystrokes and how they resonate through the typing experience, the bottom housings unify both switches. Players can expect a different auditory response upon each release due to the discrepancies in the top materials, but both switches will ultimately deliver a consistent deep and full sound profile when bottoming out thanks to their nylon bases. Thus, while the top sounds may differ significantly, the underlying performance elements stay in harmony.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch to the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, there are distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Flame Red features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Rice Pudding offers a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This difference makes the Rice Pudding a preferable choice for those who seek less resistance, which can enhance comfort during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Flame Red's heavier forces may appeal to users desiring a more substantial push feel, providing a firmer typing experience. Overall, while both switches serve their unique purposes, the TTC Flame Red is heavier, making it suitable for those who appreciate a more robust tactile response, whereas the Everglide Rice Pudding is the lighter option, ideal for extended use without fatigue.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, the differences are notable. The Flame Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Rice Pudding has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Flame Red the longer travel option, offering a more substantial feel that some users prefer for its deeper actuation. In contrast, the Rice Pudding's 3.5 mm travel distance may appeal to those who favor quicker response times, especially gamers seeking efficiency and speed in their keystrokes. Overall, the choice between the two depends on personal preference; if you appreciate a more responsive and rapid actuation, the Rice Pudding would be the better fit, while the Flame Red caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
The Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding 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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Flame Red switch presents a neutral auditory profile. This characteristic makes it quite versatile, allowing it to suit various environments, whether you're at home or in a more professional setting. The moderate sound level offers a balance, making it approachable for both beginners and experienced typists. In contrast, the sound profile for the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is not specifically described, leaving some mystery regarding its auditory qualities. However, it is noted that the Rice Pudding switches deliver a deep sound, which indicates a potentially richer auditory experience, adding depth to the typing soundscape.
In terms of feel, the TTC Flame Red switch is designed to provide a mild and polished typing experience. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a gentle yet smooth key action. The factors contributing to this experience include its balanced actuation force and the refined finish that results from quality materials and likely factory lubrication. The result is reduced friction and a fluid key travel, ideal for extended typing sessions. The Everglide Rice Pudding switch, however, lacks detailed descriptions regarding its feel, which leaves us uncertain about how it compares in this area. Without specific descriptors, one can only speculate on whether it too provides smoothness or if it takes a different approach.
In summary, both the TTC Flame Red and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches have attributes that cater to distinct preferences among enthusiasts. The Flame Red excels in providing a reliable and versatile typing experience, marked by its neutral sound and polished feel. While we lack specific sound and feel descriptions for the Rice Pudding switch, its reputation for delivering a balanced experience may suggest it occupies a similar space for those who appreciate smooth operation and satisfying auditory feedback. Ultimately, choosing between these switches may come down to personal preference and the specific qualities that resonate most with your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, consider the specific attributes that align with your typing preferences and usage scenarios. The Flame Red is an excellent choice if you are looking for a visually appealing switch that also delivers a medium-light tactile experience with a pleasing sound profile. Its dazzling light diffuser makes it ideal for backlit or RGB keyboards, providing an engaging aesthetic alongside a weighty smoothness and clacky sound that many users find satisfying for both work and casual use. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a typing feel that is both smooth and precise, the Rice Pudding switch might be more suited to your needs. Its 48-gram bottom-out force offers a more effortless typing experience, while its deep sound creates an immersive auditory environment. Additionally, the Rice Pudding’s compatibility with Wooting's keyboards adds a layer of versatility for gaming enthusiasts who desire performance without sacrificing tactile satisfaction. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize aesthetics and a balanced medium-light feel with the Flame Red, or if you seek a lighter, smoother, and deeper sound experience with the Rice Pudding.