TTC Gold Brown vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, two contenders that stand out are the TTC Gold Brown and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2). The Gold Brown is renowned for its balanced performance, offering a slightly noticeable tactile bump that enhances feedback without being overwhelming. Its moderate weightiness and softer sound profile strike an ideal balance for users seeking a typing experience that is both satisfying and unobtrusive. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) from Everglide excels in delivering a smooth keystroke, thanks to its dustproof stem that minimizes wobble and promotes a refined tactile sensation. This switch aims to achieve that coveted "thock" sound that many enthusiasts crave, while still maintaining a neutral sound signature that some might prefer over more pronounced auditory feedback. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences: the Gold Brown for those who favor a buttery, balanced feel, and the Sticky Rice (V2) for users seeking a premium tactility without sacrificing performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials used in both the TTC Gold Brown and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches highlight a fascinating interplay between design and acoustic properties. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a crisp, sharper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This shared design choice results in a clearer and more resonant sound, making both switches excellent options for users aiming for a high-pitched auditory feedback that enhances typing experiences. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate ensures that both switches excel in RGB lighting setups, allowing for impressive illumination effects that can accentuate the aesthetics of a mechanical keyboard.
In contrast to their polycarbonate tops, both switches employ nylon as their bottom housing material, which introduces a different acoustic character. Nylon is known for its softer composition, yielding a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic means that the bottom-out sound when a key is pressed will have a rounder and more muted quality in both switches. Thus, while the top housing of each switch contributes to a bright and articulate sound when released, the nylon bottom housing ensures a softer landing, which allows for a more balanced auditory experience when typing. This combination of materials creates a dynamic interplay between high-pitched and deep sounds, providing users with a nuanced auditory experience.
Overall, the similarities between the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) allow for comparable performance characteristics. The shared use of polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom reinforces the duality of sound profiles, ensuring a well-rounded typing experience. Users can expect consistent results in terms of sound clarity and depth of bass when typing on either switch, thanks to the synergy created by these materials. Therefore, switching between these two options will not detract from the overall auditory enjoyment but instead offer a variety of tactile experiences while maintaining a unified sound signature.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, a clear distinction emerges in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Brown switch features a medium actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, making it a heavier option that may provide users with a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) boasts a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This lighter setup offers a more comfortable typing experience for extended use, ideal for those who prefer less resistance during longer work or gaming sessions. Therefore, if you seek a switch for a more tactile feedback experience, the TTC Gold Brown would be the better choice, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) caters to users favoring a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, we find that the Gold Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sticky Rice (V2) measures a shorter 3.5 mm. This difference illustrates a preference for traditional versus modern switching characteristics; the Gold Brown's 4 mm travel offers a more pronounced key press, appealing to those who enjoy a deeper feedback as they type. Conversely, the Sticky Rice (V2), with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers and those seeking quick response times, allowing for faster actuation and potentially more efficient gameplay. Therefore, if you value a hearty depth in key presses, the TTC Gold Brown is the preferable choice, while those who favor responsiveness might opt for the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2).
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 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
When it comes to the sound profile, the TTC Gold Brown switch is known for its balanced and rounded auditory experience. It offers a moderate sound that is softer than many other mechanical switches without veering into silence. This makes it an adaptable choice for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) boasts a neutral sound signature that is particularly appealing to enthusiasts seeking that desirable "thock" sound. While both switches provide an unobtrusive auditory experience, the Gold Brown leans towards a softer tone, whereas the Sticky Rice enhances the depth of sound, giving users a more resonant feedback.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown switches provide a mild and buttery typing experience. They strike a fine balance with their pronounced yet non-harsh tactile bump, making the typing experience approachable for most users. The tactile feedback is accentuated but not overwhelming, resulting in a pleasant typing rhythm. These switches are polished to reduce friction, ensuring a smooth keystroke that feels refined and effortless. On the other hand, while the specific qualities of the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) are not detailed, the inherent nature of hall effect switches typically allows for a unique, smooth keystroke experience. This would suggest that the Sticky Rice may also offer a refined feel, though without the explicit tactile characteristics present in the Gold Brown.
In summary, both the TTC Gold Brown and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches cater to users who appreciate a balanced typing experience but do so in different ways. The Gold Brown excels in producing a soft sound and offers a tactile feel that is mild yet refined, making them versatile for various environments. Meanwhile, the Sticky Rice promises a more neutral sound with the potential for smooth, enjoyable keystrokes, appealing particularly to enthusiasts. If you're seeking a gentle typing experience with a polished feel, both switches can deliver similar satisfaction, tailored to personal preferences regarding sound and feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, when you are choosing between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, consider your personal preferences and typing habits. If you desire a balanced, tactile experience with a mild bump and a sound profile that is soft yet audible, the Gold Brown is an exceptional choice. Its moderate bottom-out force makes it suitable for both extended typing sessions and quick gaming, offering a comfortable middle-ground feel that resonates well with beginners and seasoned users alike. However, if you prefer a lighter key feel with an incredibly smooth keystroke and a refined tactile sensation, the Sticky Rice (V2) is likely to be more appealing. The hall effect mechanism provides a unique typing experience with less wobble and a well-rounded "thock" sound that many enthusiasts cherish. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a balanced tactile feedback with a soft sound or a lighter, smoother action with a more pronounced auditory feedback. Whichever switch you choose, consider how it aligns with your typing style and the environment in which you’ll be using it for the best overall experience.
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