TTC Ice vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence both typing feel and overall performance. Two notable options are the TTC Ice linear switches and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switches, each catering to different preferences and use cases. The TTC Ice switches are celebrated for their crystal-clear transparent design, offering a smooth and responsive typing experience with a gratifying bottom-out sound, making them ideal for gamers and daily typists alike. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches provide a harmonious blend of smooth operation and deep acoustic feedback, delivering a balanced typing experience that is both satisfying and precise. Additionally, their compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards makes them a versatile choice for enthusiasts looking to enhance performance. While the TTC Ice may appeal to those seeking a straightforward linear switch experience, the Rice Pudding stands out for its unique sound profile and hall effect technology. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Ice and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which significantly enhances their sound profiles. The property of polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic allows both switches to deliver a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This similarity highlights the strengths of polycarbonate when it comes to resonance and clarity, making these switches particularly attractive for users who enjoy RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant illumination. With both switches sharing this material in their top housing, one can expect a consistent auditory experience upon key release, characterized by a bright and resonant sound.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials diverge between the two models. The Ice uses polycarbonate for the bottom housing, which continues to produce a sharp sound profile, while the Rice Pudding opts for nylon, known for its softer, more absorbent qualities. The nylon bottom housing not only contributes to a deeper and more full-bodied sound but also dampens the impact noise when bottoming out. This distinction results in a notable difference in the overall tactile experience when the key is pressed down; users pressing the Rice Pudding will experience a rounder, quieter bottom-out feel, which can enhance typing comfort especially during prolonged use.
With the top and bottom housings made of different materials in the Rice Pudding, the sound and feel experienced during pressing and releasing the key will reflect the characteristics of both materials. The Ice's consistent polycarbonate construction across its top and bottom provides a uniform sound experience, while the Rice Pudding's combination of nylon and polycarbonate creates a blend of auditory qualities and sensations. Together, the polycarbonate top delivers a bright sound upon release, while the nylon bottom's muted tones enrich the pressing experience, allowing users to enjoy distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The TTC Ice linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch present a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ice switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight option that may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, catering to users who favor a softer touch and longer typing sessions without fatigue. This contrast means that while the Ice switch might be ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback, the Rice Pudding switch suits users looking for a more effortless keystroke. Thus, if you prefer lighter forces for endurance, the Rice Pudding is the clear choice, while the TTC Ice offers a heavier feel for a more engaging typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, the Ice switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Rice Pudding has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Ice switch provides a more substantial feel with its longer travel distance, which some users may appreciate for a "hearty depth" during key presses. In contrast, the Rice Pudding's shorter travel distance may cater more to gamers and those seeking increased responsiveness, allowing for quicker actuation. Ultimately, while both switches are in the realm of shorter travel distances that have gained popularity, the TTC Ice switch stands out as the option for users who prefer more depth, while the Everglide Rice Pudding switches would be ideal for those looking for rapid responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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 Ice linear switch produces a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances the overall typing experience, providing a premium sensation whether you're gaming or typing. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is characterized by its deep sound, which adds a unique auditory dimension to each keystroke. Both switches deliver satisfying auditory feedback, but the Ice tends to emphasize clarity and crispness, while the Rice Pudding offers a more resonant tone. It's worth noting that the final sound profile can vary significantly based on other elements like the keyboard frame and keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Ice switch offers a smooth and responsive typing experience, making it enjoyable for a variety of tasks from gaming to everyday typing. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch also promises a smooth operation but places a greater emphasis on a balanced experience that merges satisfaction with precision. While both switches provide a fluid typing action, the Ice leans more towards that immediate responsiveness, whereas the Rice Pudding may provide a slightly more refined touch.
In conclusion, both the TTC Ice and Everglide Rice Pudding switches bring unique qualities that appeal to different preferences. The Ice excels with its clear and crisp sound combined with a responsive feel, making it versatile for gamers and typists alike. Conversely, the Rice Pudding offers a deep sound and balanced operation that may cater more to enthusiasts who enjoy a touch of depth in their keystrokes. While each switch has its distinctive characteristics, ultimately, both are capable of providing an enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and intended usage. If you enjoy a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams alongside a satisfying typing sound and smooth feel, the Ice switch may be the right choice for you. It’s particularly well-suited for gamers and everyday typists who appreciate a responsive experience without feeling overly taxing on the fingers. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 48 grams, while still maintaining a smooth operation and rich acoustic feedback, the Rice Pudding switch stands out as an excellent option. Its compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards also makes it appealing if you are someone seeking more versatility and potentially higher performance in your setup. In the end, the decision should reflect what feels best in your hands and aligns with your typing style—whether that's the robust feedback of the Ice or the precise comfort of the Rice Pudding.
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