TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, users often find themselves choosing between various types based on their personal preferences and specific needs. The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch stands out as a versatile option, providing an effortless typing experience that caters to a wide range of users, from gamers to office workers. With its neutral sound profile that avoids being overly loud or silent, it strikes a balance that allows for pleasant use in any environment. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) leverages hall effect technology to deliver a smooth and refined experience characterized by a satisfying "thock," appealing to enthusiasts seeking a tactile touch alongside auditory enjoyment. The Sticky Rice switch boasts a dustproof stem designed to reduce wobble, ensuring a silky and buttery keystroke that enhances overall performance. Each option has its strengths: the Gold Red Pro for its adaptability across multiple scenarios and the Sticky Rice for its emphasis on a tactile and auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your unique typing needs.

By the numbers

TTC Gold Red Pro Linear

Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) Hall Effect

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to their overall sound profiles in similar ways. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for a clearer and crisper response, producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound when keys are pressed. This material's translucency beautifully complements RGB lighting, enhancing aesthetic appeal for users who prioritize this feature in their keyboard setups. As a result, both switches benefit from an elevated sound quality and visual experience due to the shared properties of polycarbonate in their top housing.

In contrast, the bottom housings of the Gold Red Pro and the Sticky Rice (V2) switches are made from nylon, a material known for its soft and durable qualities. Nylon absorbs more sound than harder materials, which contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile while typing. Thus, the switches exhibit a blend of sonic characteristics: the polycarbonate top ensures a bright and resonant tone as keys are released, while the nylon bottom dampens sound, providing a more rounded and solid feel when bottoming out. The differing materials for the top and bottom housings result in a nuanced auditory experience unique to each switch.

Ultimately, despite their material differences, the TTC Gold Red Pro and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) can produce similar performance outcomes. The combination of polycarbonate for the tops and nylon for the bottoms creates a balanced relationship between clarity and depth in sound. Users can expect to enjoy a distinctive and engaging typing experience, benefiting from the unique sound dynamics introduced by each material. Thus, even though the switches may feel and sound different based on their respective housings, the engineering behind them allows both to deliver satisfying results.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, we see some interesting differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Red Pro has an actuation force of 43 grams, while the Sticky Rice (V2) is slightly lighter, with an actuation force of 40 grams. This means that typists or gamers who prefer a lighter touch may gravitate towards the Sticky Rice (V2) for its ease of activation. In terms of bottom out force, the Sticky Rice (V2) has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a stronger feel when the switch is fully pressed down. Conversely, the bottom out force for the Gold Red Pro is unknown, leaving a gap in comparison. Therefore, users looking for a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Sticky Rice (V2), which offers both a lighter actuation and a heavier bottom out, providing a tactile contrast that some users enjoy. Overall, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a lighter actuation and a clear bottom out force, making it a unique option for those who appreciate a varied typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, the Gold Red Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Sticky Rice (V2) features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Gold Red Pro the switch with the longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial key press for a deeper typing experience. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2), with its shorter travel distance, caters to those seeking quicker response times, making it a favored choice for gamers. Users who opt for the shorter distance may appreciate the snappier feel, though some might find the abruptness less satisfying. Ultimately, if you prefer a switch with a more responsive feel, the Sticky Rice (V2) may be the better option, while those wanting a more traditional typing experience might lean towards the Gold Red Pro.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, both the TTC Gold Red Pro and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches exhibit a low-pitched tone that contributes to a neutral auditory experience, making them suitable for diverse environments, be it an office or a gaming setup. The Gold Red Pro is specifically noted for its balance between a thocky, low-pitched sound and a neutral signature, providing a rich, satisfying acoustic experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Sticky Rice (V2) also maintains a low-pitched profile but leans into the 'thock' sound that many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts cherish. Consequently, users can expect a pleasant auditory feedback from both switches, accented by their respective designs and materials.

When discussing feel, both switches shine through their polished characteristics that result in a smooth typing experience. The Gold Red Pro delivers a mild and subtle resistance that creates a gentle and approachable typing sensation, making it broadly accessible for users of varying preferences. Similarly, the Sticky Rice (V2) is described as silky and buttery, suggesting an even more refined feel during keystrokes, which reduces resistance and enhances the overall fluidity of typing. While both switches provide a mild typing experience, the Sticky Rice (V2) potentially offers a slightly elevated level of smoothness, appealing to users who prioritize a seamless keystroke.

Considering all aspects, both the TTC Gold Red Pro and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offer distinct yet complementary qualities that cater to different user preferences. Their shared attributes of polished feel and low-pitched sound create a versatile typing experience that can satisfy both casual users and enthusiasts alike. Ultimately, your choice may come down to slight variations in feel and the specific sound profile you're seeking; however, either switch can deliver an enjoyable, adaptable performance for daily tasks or gaming sessions.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you seek versatility and a lighter touch for various applications—be it casual typing, gaming, or office work—the Gold Red Pro is an excellent choice. Its smooth and polished feel combined with a neutral sound signature ensures that it can comfortably fit in any environment, while its mild resistance makes it accessible for beginners and seasoned users alike. On the other hand, if you appreciate a refined typing experience characterized by a buttery smooth keystroke and the satisfying "thock" sound that many enthusiasts crave, the Sticky Rice (V2) will likely be your pick. With its slightly heavier bottom-out force, it offers a tactile performance that elevates the typing sensation, making it suitable for those who relish a touch of elegance and subtle acoustics. Ultimately, choose the Gold Red Pro for adaptability and ease or the Sticky Rice (V2) for a more luxurious feel and that cherished auditory feedback.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Red Pro Linear

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) Hall Effect

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn more