TTC Gold Red vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preference and typing style. The TTC Gold Red linear switches are celebrated for their buttery smooth feel and a light to medium resistance that allows for effortless keystrokes. Their snappy sound profile adds just enough character without overwhelming the senses, making them an excellent choice for users who appreciate a subtle typing experience that’s both refined and polished. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches utilize Hall effect technology to provide a unique typing experience characterized by a deep sound and smooth operation. Their balanced performance makes them a solid option for those seeking both satisfaction and precision, along with the added benefit of compatibility with Wooting keyboards, appealing to enthusiasts who want performance and versatility. While each switch has its appeal—whether it’s the smooth and subtle Gold Red or the satisfying depth of the Rice Pudding—you may find it helpful to explore their distinctions further to determine which switch aligns best with your typing needs. So, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
50g
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 Red and Everglide Rice Pudding both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which sets a foundation for similar auditory characteristics. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This shared material enhances the responsiveness of both switches, making them particularly suitable for RGB lighting due to their translucency. Not only does this contribute to an aesthetically appealing glow, but it also allows users to experience a more vibrant sound when key presses are engaged. Thus, in terms of sound quality and lighting compatibility, users of both switches can expect comparable results owing to their identical top housing material.
When considering the bottom housing, both switches employ nylon, which creates a contrasting auditory experience. Nylon's softer nature leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate top. This divergence in materials plays a crucial role in how sound is perceived when typing: the Gold Red and Rice Pudding switches will deliver a unique sound experience upon bottoming out, driven largely by the nylon bottom. Therefore, while the top housing brings clarity and brilliance to the acoustic signature, the nylon bottom housing significantly alters the overall tactile feedback and sound depth of the switches.
Ultimately, the interplay between the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom in both the Gold Red and Rice Pudding results in a balanced auditory experience, blending sharpness with warmth. Despite the differences in each housing’s role in sound production, both switches collectively deliver a performance that caters to varying user preferences. Whether a user prioritizes the clarity of a high-pitched tone, the depth of a lower sound profile, or a balance of both, they will find satisfaction in the distinct yet complementary sound dynamics afforded by the shared materials in these innovative designs.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, both options are categorized as light switches, making them ideal for users who prefer less resistance for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. The TTC Gold Red has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Everglide Rice Pudding requires an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This makes the Rice Pudding switch slightly lighter in terms of actuation force, offering an even easier typing experience. In contrast, the Gold Red switch has a marginally heavier bottom out force of 50 grams compared to Rice Pudding’s 48 grams. Thus, while both switches provide a light touch, the Rice Pudding allows for a softer press initially, while the Gold Red provides a slightly more substantial feel at the bottom. Users seeking a more pronounced weight should lean towards the Gold Red.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, we find a distinction in their design parameters. The TTC Gold Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional preferences for a hearty key feel. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, catering to gamers and users who favor quicker response times in their typing and gaming experiences. This shorter travel distance can make keystrokes feel more responsive, although some may find it too abrupt compared to the deeper engagement of the Gold Red. Ultimately, if a user appreciates a substantial depth in keystrokes, the Gold Red would be the preferable choice, while those who lean towards rapid activation may favor the Rice Pudding for its reduced travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red 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 comparing the sound profiles of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, the Gold Red produces a snappy sound that leans towards a thocky and low-pitched resonance, akin to a deep "thud" when keys are pressed. This sound is generally perceived as pleasant, making it suitable for various environments due to its neutral tone, striking a balance that can appeal to both casual users and enthusiasts. In contrast, while the sound characteristics of the Rice Pudding switches aren’t detailed, their design is recognized for delivering a deep sound, suggesting they also have a rich auditory experience, though specifics on pitch or resonance remain undisclosed.
In terms of feel, the Gold Red switch is noted for its mild resistance and silky smooth operation, which contributes to a gentle typing experience. This nuanced feel is complemented by a polished finish that reduces friction, making key presses comfortable and efficient. The subtle resistance ensures a satisfying tactile experience without overwhelming the typist, while maintaining an approachable feel for users of all skill levels. On the other hand, the feel of the Rice Pudding switches is not described, leaving some ambiguity regarding how they compare in terms of smoothness, resistance, or other tactile qualities.
Overall, both the TTC Gold Red and Everglide Rice Pudding switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gold Red excels in providing a balanced auditory and tactile experience that is both accessible and refined. Although specifics regarding the Rice Pudding's sound and feel are missing, the fact that it is designed for smooth operation indicates it may also deliver satisfying results. Ultimately, users can expect strong performance from either switch, but personal preference—especially in sound and feel—will guide their choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between TTC Gold Red linear switches and Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switches, consider the context of your usage and personal preferences. If you're after a light typing experience that feels buttery smooth with a pleasant snappy sound, the Gold Red switches might be your best bet. They offer a mild feel that's approachable for both beginners and advanced users alike, making them suitable for everyday typing or gaming without drawing too much attention in shared environments. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more precise and satisfying typing experience with a deeper sound profile, the Rice Pudding switches could be the right choice for you. Their compatibility with Wooting keyboards also opens up avenues for enhanced performance, especially for those who appreciate the versatility in their typing or gaming setup. In essence, whether you prioritize a gentle, polished feel or a deeper, more resonant feedback will guide your decision on which switch to choose.
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