TTC Gold Red vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference in typing feel and sound. The TTC Gold Red linear switches are widely celebrated for their buttery smooth keystrokes that provide a light-medium level of resistance, striking an ideal balance for typists who seek efficiency and comfort. Their thocky, low-pitched sound profile offers just the right amount of auditory feedback without being overwhelming, making them a great option for both casual and professional environments. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches bring a unique twist with their hall effect technology, delivering a smooth yet refined typing experience with a neutral sound signature that tantalizes enthusiasts with the subtle "thock." The dustproof stem design minimizes wobble, enhancing overall performance and ensuring a consistent feel. While the Gold Red switches cater to those who prioritize a silky linear experience, the Sticky Rice (V2) appeals to those who desire a more tactile sensation in a quieter setting. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
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 TTC Gold Red and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches share a notable similarity in their choice of top housing material, both utilizing polycarbonate. This commonality results in a sound profile characterized by sharpness, high-pitched clarity, and overall crispness. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, enhances the resonant qualities of the switches, which is especially beneficial for users who enjoy RGB lighting, as the material’s translucency facilitates light dispersion. Consequently, those who use either switch can expect similar acoustic feedback when typing, lending a consistent auditory experience that can enhance gameplay or typing productivity.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the Gold Red and Sticky Rice (V2) switches diverge only slightly in their application but yield similar auditory outcomes. Both switches feature nylon in their lower housings, a well-established material known for its capacity to absorb sound effectively. This absorption leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile that contrasts sharply with the high-pitched nature provided by the polycarbonate tops. Therefore, users can anticipate a harmonious balance of sound characteristics; the nylon bottom contributes to a softer bottom-out sound while the polycarbonate top remains the key contributor to the sound profile upon releasing the key.
Ultimately, the combined effect of the polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms in both the TTC Gold Red and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) creates a unique auditory experience that showcases the strengths of each material. While the polycarbonate top enhances clarity and brightness, the nylon bottom introduces depth and fullness, giving each switch its specific character. Users can expect a consistent performance in both switches where the interaction of the two materials influences the overall typing experience, ensuring that the switches deliver a compelling blend of sound and tactile feedback tailored to suit individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch with the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, both share similar bottom out forces, at 50 grams, indicating they provide the same level of resistance when pressed fully down. However, the actuation forces differ slightly; the Gold Red requires 43 grams to register a keystroke, while the Sticky Rice (V2) is lighter at 40 grams. This means that the Everglide switch may be more suitable for users seeking a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, those who prefer a more tactile experience might lean towards the TTC Gold Red, as its slightly higher actuation force could provide a more substantial feel while typing. Overall, for a keyboard intended for prolonged use, the lighter Sticky Rice switch could enhance comfort, whereas the Gold Red switch would appeal to those who appreciate a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, the Gold Red offers a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sticky Rice (V2) has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference may significantly impact user preference: gamers often lean towards the shorter travel distance for quicker response times, making the Sticky Rice (V2) a more appealing choice for those seeking rapid key presses. On the other hand, the Gold Red, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying tactile feel for users who prefer a deeper actuation that avoids feeling too abrupt. Ultimately, if you value responsiveness and speed, the Sticky Rice (V2) might be more suitable, while those who appreciate a more traditional and deeper switch experience may favor the Gold Red.
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 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 sound, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is noted for its snappy sound profile, which strikes a balance between being engaging and unobtrusive. Its low-pitched and thocky characteristics create a deep, satisfying sound with each press, reminiscent of a soft knock or thud that appeals to those who appreciate an audible feedback without being overly loud. In comparison, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) features a neutral sound signature that hints at the coveted "thock" many enthusiasts seek, but lacks specific descriptors to differentiate further. Users may find that the sound of both switches can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard construction and keycap material, meaning that while they offer distinctive auditory profiles, the overall experience can customize upon assembly.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Red switch is characterized by a gentle, mild typing experience with a silky and polished touch. Its gentle resistance provides an approachable sensation for most typists, maintaining a smooth keystroke that mitigates fatigue during prolonged use. The subtle feedback makes it ideal for both casual and professional settings, fostering productivity without being distracting. On the other hand, specific details about the feel of the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) remain unknown. However, it is designed to deliver a smooth keystroke with reduced wobble, suggesting a refined tactile experience that may match the comfortable typing feel of the Gold Red.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch cater to those who seek smooth, enjoyable typing experiences with distinct sound profiles. While the Gold Red is recognized for its rich, thocky sound and mild, polished feel, the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a well-balanced auditory output with a smooth keystroke, though the specifics of its feel remain unspecified. Ultimately, both switches can provide users with a satisfying typing experience, and the choice between them will likely come down to personal preference regarding sound and tactile sensation, along with the influence of the keyboard build and keycap choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch should be guided by your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a typing experience that is buttery smooth with a light touch, the Gold Red switches may be your best bet. They provide a snappy sound profile and an approachable feel, making them suitable for both newcomers and experienced typists alike. These switches are particularly well-suited for shared environments, offering a balanced sound that won't disturb those around you while still delivering satisfying feedback. On the other hand, if you seek a refined tactile sensation and appreciate a more pronounced acoustic character, the Sticky Rice (V2) is an excellent choice. With its dustproof stem designed to minimize wobble and enhance overall performance, these switches deliver a super smooth keystroke coupled with a neutral sound signature that appeals to enthusiasts looking for that coveted "thock." Ultimately, your decision should involve considering how much you value sound, feel, and the overall typing experience—whether you want something subtle and polished like the Gold Red or something more robust and thocky like the Sticky Rice (V2).
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