TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two noteworthy options emerge: the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Everglide Rice Pudding. The Gold Red Pro linear switch is celebrated for its remarkable versatility, providing an effortless typing experience that appeals to a wide range of users, from gamers to office workers. Its neutral sound profile strikes a balance that's neither intrusive nor overly quiet, making it suitable for various environments. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is distinguished by its smooth operation and satisfying deep sound, catering to enthusiasts looking for precision and an elevated tactile experience. Furthermore, its full compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards enhances its appeal for those seeking both performance and versatility. While the Gold Red Pro excels in adaptability across different contexts, the Rice Pudding switch offers a more defined auditory and tactile experience. 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
43g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Everglide Rice Pudding, it is evident that both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This commonality ensures that both switches produce a similar sound profile characterized by sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper tones. The use of polycarbonate, a relatively stiff plastic, enhances the resonant qualities of the switches, resulting in a clear auditory experience that is particularly favorable for users who enjoy RGB lighting. The translucency of the polycarbonate housing allows for effective light diffusion, further contributing to the visual aesthetics of the switches when illuminated.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the two switches differ, with both utilizing nylon but potentially having different effects on sound characteristics due to varying design elements or other factors. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Consequently, while both the Gold Red Pro and the Rice Pudding rely on nylon for their bottom housing, they may provide subtly different auditory experiences depending on other factors such as spring resistance or the overall switch design. The impact of the nylon bottom housing is crucial, as it contributes more prominently to the bottom-out sound and feel when typing.
Ultimately, while the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Everglide Rice Pudding share a common trait in their polycarbonate top housings, heralding a crisp sound profile, the differences in the design or construction aspects of their nylon bottom housings could lead to variations in typing feel and sound quality. If you seek a comparable experience, both switches can yield similar results in terms of clarity and brightness due to their polycarbonate tops. However, the fuller sounds associated with the nylon bottoms will provide unique character to each switch, showcasing how the combination of materials ultimately shapes the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces and bottom-out characteristics. The Gold Red Pro features an actuation force of 43 grams, while the Rice Pudding is slightly lighter at 38 grams. This makes the Rice Pudding a more suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter switch, enhancing typing comfort during extended sessions. However, while the actuation force is defined for both switches, the bottom-out force for the Gold Red Pro is unknown, leaving a gap in our comparison. The Rice Pudding, on the other hand, has a bottom-out force of 48 grams, indicating a more substantial feel when the key is fully pressed down. Thus, while the Rice Pudding is the lighter option, it offers a heavier bottom-out force compared to the TTC Gold Red Pro's undefined bottoming out. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on individual preferences for typing experience, weight, and feedback.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This results in the Gold Red Pro offering a greater depth of key travel, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial tactile experience. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Rice Pudding switch can provide quicker actuation and responsiveness, making it a favorable choice for gamers seeking faster key presses. Thus, if rapid response is a priority, the Rice Pudding might be the preferable option, while those who appreciate a deeper feel might lean towards the Gold Red Pro. Overall, the difference in travel distance highlights the distinct preferences among users regarding switch feel and performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch is characterized by its thocky and low-pitched profile, producing a satisfying and rich sound when pressed. This creates a pleasurable auditory experience that balances between being pronounced and muted, making it suitable for various environments like gaming or office settings. Its neutral sound signature ensures that it doesn’t overpower the room while still providing that gratifying feedback with each keypress. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch boasts a deeper sound, with an emphasis on smooth operation rather than specific descriptors. Given the sound-related inconsistencies surrounding the Rice Pudding, it may not deliver a sound profile as rich as the Gold Red Pro, but it still enhances the overall typing experience.
When considering the feel, the Gold Red Pro excels with its polished and mild characteristics, providing users with a smooth typing experience that is easy on the fingers. The slight resistance in its action makes it approachable, catering to both beginners and seasoned typists. The subdued nature of the switch ensures that it is non-intrusive when shared with others, ideally balancing force and feedback. Conversely, the feel of the Everglide Rice Pudding switch remains unspecified, leaving potential users in anticipation of how it might compare. If its operation aligns with its sound quality, it likely offers a tactile experience that equally emphasizes smoothness and comfort.
Overall, while the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch is well-defined in its sound—offering a rich, low-pitched profile that caters to all types of typists—the Everglide Rice Pudding switch leaves much to the imagination in terms of its feel and sound characteristics. The Gold Red Pro stands out for its accessible and adaptable qualities in both sound and feel, while the Rice Pudding may offer a desirable alternative for enthusiasts prioritizing versatility and compatibility. In the end, both switches may enable similar results in typing performance, but the features of each switch may appeal differently based on individual preferences and typing styles.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and use case scenarios. If you favor a switch that is versatile and provides a smooth experience, the TTC Gold Red Pro is an excellent option, especially if you'll be using your keyboard in diverse settings like gaming, office work, or casual typing. Its neutral sound profile and polished feel make it inviting and accessible, catering well to both new and experienced users alike. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more tactile and satisfying typing experience, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch might be your best bet, particularly if you appreciate a deeper sound signature and are interested in using keyboards compatible with innovative features like Wooting’s. The Rice Pudding's smooth operation, paired with its unique auditory characteristics, can enhance your typing experience if you’re inclined toward a more specialized application. Ultimately, your decision will depend on whether you prioritize versatility and neutrality or sound depth and precision in your keyboard experience.
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