TTC Iron vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the TTC Iron and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference regarding feel, sound, and performance. The TTC Iron, a linear switch, is highly regarded for its pronounced clacky sound signature, which provides a delightful auditory feedback with each keystroke. This switch is designed for light actuation, promoting swift and fatigue-free typing that appeals to both casual users and dedicated enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch embraces a unique hall effect design, delivering a satisfying and smooth operation that is complemented by a deep audio profile. This switch offers a balanced experience ideal for those who seek precision and versatility, particularly due to its full compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards. While the Iron excels in providing a clacky, enjoyable typing experience, the Rice Pudding stands out for its seamless integration with various setups and performance-driven design. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
41g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Iron and the Everglide Rice Pudding, it is apparent that both switches utilize different plastics for their top and bottom housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles and characteristics. The TTC Iron features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is known for producing a deeper, more muted sound. This quality contrasts sharply with the Everglide Rice Pudding's polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to the stiffness of the material. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switch. In terms of auditory output, the TTC Iron would give users a more subdued and rich auditory experience, while the Rice Pudding would provide a crisper and more resonant sound, catering to different user preferences.
Turning to the bottom housings, the TTC Iron again uses POM, which complements its top housing characteristics by contributing to an overall deeper sound profile. This uniformity in housing material leads to a cohesive sound when keys are pressed and released. Conversely, the Everglide Rice Pudding employs a nylon bottom housing. Known for its softer and more sound-absorbing nature, nylon contributes to a fuller, but less aggressive sound profile. This difference in bottom housing not only affects how the switch sounds when bottomed out but also influences the tactile feedback experienced during use. Thus, the Rice Pudding’s nylon bottom housing introduces a mix of sound qualities, resulting in a unique auditory experience compared to the consistently muted depth provided by the Iron.
In conclusion, the distinctions in housing materials between the TTC Iron and the Everglide Rice Pudding lead to notable differences in their respective sound profiles and user experiences, even if similar auditory results can be obtained through sound layering. The POM materials across the Iron provide a consistent depth, while the contrasting polycarbonate and nylon in the Rice Pudding create a blend of crispness and fullness. Understanding these differences helps users make informed choices that align with their sound preferences, whether they desire muted depths or pronounced clarity. Regardless of which switch is selected, both designs cater to diverse auditory tastes within the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The TTC Iron linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch both feature relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, catering to users who prefer a softer typing experience. The Iron switch has an actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Rice Pudding switch has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This makes the Rice Pudding switch the lighter option in both actuation and bottom out force, which may contribute to less fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. Although the actuation and bottom out forces differ slightly between the two switches, the overall feel is similar due to their light weight, offering a comparable typing experience. Users seeking a more substantial typing feel might lean towards heavier switches, but for those who prioritize comfort and ease over prolonged periods, either the TTC Iron linear or Everglide Rice Pudding switch would be an effective choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Iron linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, the Iron features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Rice Pudding has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Rice Pudding the more responsive option due to its shorter travel distance, which can be beneficial for gamers seeking quicker reaction times. On the other hand, the TTC Iron, with its greater depth, may provide a more satisfying tactile experience for users who prefer a more substantial key press. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Iron being favorable for those who appreciate a deeper keystroke, while the Rice Pudding may appeal to those looking for speed and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
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 it comes to sound, the TTC Iron linear switch produces a distinctively clacky sound signature, creating a sharp and snappy auditory feedback with each keystroke. Its crisp and bright notes add a percussive quality that many typists find satisfying and engaging, enhancing the overall typing experience. Conversely, while specific details about the Rice Pudding's sound are not provided, it is described as having a deep sound that offers a balanced auditory experience. Potential users of the Rice Pudding can anticipate a pleasing acoustic profile, though the specifics may vary based on the keyboard and keycap choices, making it challenging to draw direct comparisons.
In terms of feel, the TTC Iron excels with its easy-to-press characteristics, requiring minimal force for actuation. This gentle resistance translates to an effortless typing experience, allowing for prolonged use without significant finger fatigue. The Iron's mild feel means that both beginners and more experienced users can appreciate its comfortable and accommodating design. Unfortunately, details about the feel of the Rice Pudding switch are not available, leaving an unknown gap in this comparison. However, it can be presumed that its design aims to offer a smooth operation that aligns with user preferences, particularly catering to the ergonomic needs of enthusiasts.
Overall, both the TTC Iron and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches cater to different sensibilities in the mechanical keyboard community. The Iron is distinctly clacky and provides an easy, fatigue-free typing experience, making it appealing for those who value auditory feedback. Meanwhile, the Rice Pudding aims for a smooth, balanced typing experience with its deep sound, enhancing versatility, especially with compatible keyboards. Despite the differing sound profiles, both switches are designed to satisfy users seeking a blend of precision and comfort, though personal preferences will ultimately guide the choice between the two.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Iron linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing needs. If you appreciate a distinct auditory feedback in your typing experience, the TTC Iron is your go-to option; its clacky sound signature adds an enjoyable element that many typists find satisfying. With a bottom-out force of just 50 grams and a smooth travel, this switch is perfect for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue, making it a great choice for both casual users and those who spend long hours at the keyboard. On the other hand, if you prioritize versatility and a balanced, smooth typing experience, the Everglide Rice Pudding is likely the better fit. Its unique compatibility with Wooting keyboards opens up new possibilities for enthusiasts looking to enhance their setup, while its deep sound offers a satisfying auditory cue without overwhelming your environment. Both switches are on the lighter side in terms of bottom-out force, so you can't go wrong in terms of ease of typing. By considering how you plan to use your keyboard—whether for the joy of sound or the pursuit of versatility—you can make a well-informed choice that suits your style.