TTC Gold Brown vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact the typing experience, and two notable options are the TTC Gold Brown and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches. The TTC Gold Brown boasts a tactile bump that provides a satisfying feedback without being overly aggressive, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a balanced and mild typing experience. Its softer sound profile contributes to a quieter environment, which some may find appealing for office settings or late-night gaming sessions. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches stand out with their hall effect technology, providing an exceptionally smooth operation and a deeper sound profile that elevates the overall typing experience. Their versatility, particularly in compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards, is attractive to enthusiasts looking for performance and adaptability. Ultimately, while both switches offer unique benefits—one favoring a nuanced tactile sensation and quieter operation, the other prioritizing smoothness and versatility—there's much to unpack about what makes each switch special. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches utilize similar materials for their top and bottom housings, which significantly influences their performance and sound profiles. Both switches feature polycarbonate for the top housing, a material known for its stiffer composition. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucency of the polycarbonate not only enhances the clarity of the sound but also makes them highly compatible with RGB lighting setups, providing an aesthetic appeal that allows the lights to shine through vividly. Users can expect a consistent sound quality when pressing keys due to the similarity in the top housing material.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Gold Brown and Rice Pudding switches employ nylon. This classic material brings a distinct contrast to the polycarbonate, delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon contributes to a more muted and rounded auditory experience when pressing the keys. This divergence between the top and bottom housing materials is pivotal; while the polycarbonate top housing enhances the sharpness of the sound upon release, the nylon bottom housing impacts the bottom-out feel and sound, softening the overall acoustic impression when the keys are fully pressed down. Consequently, users can anticipate a well-rounded typing experience that combines clarity and warmth, regardless of the switch they choose.
The similarities in materials highlight how careful selection of housing components can lead to desirable performance outcomes in both switch types. Since both the TTC Gold Brown and Everglide Rice Pudding switches share polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms, their combined sound profile showcases an interesting balance of the sharper top-end sound and a more subdued lower-end tone. This ensures that whether one chooses the Gold Brown or Rice Pudding, they can achieve a satisfying typing experience with a unique blend of auditory feedback that leverages the best qualities of each material. The interplay between the resonant polycarbonate and absorbent nylon ultimately culminates in a sound that’s rich and enjoyable, regardless of the switch’s branding.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, a distinct difference in actuation and bottom out forces emerges. The Gold Brown switch has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, categorizing it as a medium force switch. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Rice Pudding is better suited for users seeking a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Gold Brown's heavier forces provide a more substantial typing experience that some may prefer. Overall, while both switches serve their unique preferences in keyboard input, the TTC Gold Brown is the heavier option, offering a firmer push, while the Everglide Rice Pudding provides a lighter, more effortless typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, a notable difference in travel distance emerges. The Gold Brown features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Rice Pudding has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Gold Brown the option for those who prefer a more substantial depth to their keystrokes, providing a traditional tactile feel that some users find satisfying. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Rice Pudding caters to gamers and users who favor quicker response times, which can enhance performance in fast-paced environments. Therefore, for those who appreciate a more robust typing experience, the TTC Gold Brown is the better choice, while the Everglide Rice Pudding offers a more responsive keypress suited for speed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 Gold Brown switch presents a rounded tone that is notably softer than many traditional mechanical switches, offering a balanced auditory experience that makes it suitable for use in various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. Its neutral sound profile allows for a moderate volume, making it approachable and versatile for both newcomers and seasoned typists. On the other hand, while the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is recognized for its deep sound that adds a satisfying acoustic layer to the typing experience, specific descriptors for its sound profile are not provided. Therefore, while both switches offer engaging auditory qualities, the comprehensive sound experience of the Rice Pudding remains partially undefined.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown switch is characterized by a mild tactile sensation that strikes a balance between pronounced feedback and a smooth typing experience. The switch provides a gentle keystroke that is accessible to users, making it an ideal option for those new to mechanical keyboards. The combination of its buttery smoothness and polished finish ensures an effortless and refined typing experience, with enough tactile accentuation to keep the engagement alive without overwhelming the user. In contrast, the feel of the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is not specifically detailed, leaving its tactile characteristics open to interpretation; thus, we cannot make a direct comparison in this aspect.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Brown and Everglide Rice Pudding switches present unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Gold Brown excels with its balanced sound and gentle, refined tactile feedback, making it versatile for various contexts. Meanwhile, the Rice Pudding's sound profile promises a satisfying experience, although its tactile characteristics remain unspecified. Those who prefer a complete and definitive tactile feedback might lean towards the Gold Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two may hinge on whether one prefers a more familiar and comfortably defined experience or if there is a curiosity in exploring the less-documented qualities of the Rice Pudding switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch will ultimately come down to your specific typing preferences and use cases. If you prefer a balanced typing experience with a moderate actuation force and enjoy the tactile feedback provided by a small bump, the Gold Brown is likely your best choice. Its soft sound profile and mild feel contribute to a comfortable typing experience that works well in both home and office settings, making it versatile for any user, whether you're a beginner or an experienced typist. On the other hand, if you seek a lighter keystroke with a smooth and buttery feel, the Rice Pudding switch offers a satisfying precision that may appeal to avid typists and gamers alike. Its unique compatibility with Wooting keyboards adds to its versatility, making it a fantastic option for enthusiasts looking to take advantage of innovative features. In essence, your decision should reflect whether you value a tactile experience that feels reassuringly balanced or a fluid, effortless keystroke that enhances your overall performance.