TTC Light Cloud V2 vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Everglide Rice Pudding represent two distinct approaches to typing feel and performance. The Light Cloud V2 is celebrated for its silent operation and exceptionally refined typing feel, making it an ideal option for those who prioritize a smooth, lightweight experience without disruptive noise. Its characteristics—mild, muted, neutral, easy-to-press, and feathery—cater particularly to users looking for a subtle yet satisfying touch on their keys. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches offer a unique hall effect experience, striking a delightful balance between satisfying acoustics and precision. With a commitment to smooth operation and robust sound, they appeal to keyboard enthusiasts who appreciate not only performance but also the auditory feedback that accompanies each keystroke. Additionally, their compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards adds an extra layer of versatility for users seeking advanced functionality. 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
45g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated double-staged spring
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Everglide Rice Pudding, a notable difference arises in the materials used for their top housings. The Light Cloud V2 utilizes a nylon top housing, renowned for its capacity to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's soft nature. This characteristic allows the nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Rice Pudding employs a polycarbonate top housing, which generates a sharper and crisper sound. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to its clear and resonant sound profile, making it ideal for enhanced sound clarity, especially when RGB lighting is incorporated. The divergence in sound profiles highlights how slight variations in housing materials can lead to distinctly different user experiences.
Both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, creating a point of similarity that influences the overall sound and feel when typing. In the case of the Light Cloud V2, the nylon bottom contributes an acoustic quality that aligns with its softer profile, yielding a deeper, fuller bottom-out sound. Similarly, the Rice Pudding’s nylon bottom offers the same characteristic, reinforcing the perception of roundness and depth in sound. This shared material ensures that both models maintain a consistent auditory experience during key presses, even though their top housings differ significantly in nature. The nylon's role in the bottom housing accentuates the nuances of the user experience and provides an element of consistency across both models.
The interaction of the different housing materials in the TTC Light Cloud V2 and Everglide Rice Pudding demonstrates an interesting balance between sound profile and tactile sensation. While the Light Cloud V2's nylon top promotes a warm, deep sound, the Rice Pudding's polycarbonate top delivers a sharper auditory experience. The overlap in nylon bottom housings establishes a unified foundation, allowing both switches to produce a similar bottom-out feel, even amid contrasting top housing characteristics. Consequently, users can achieve great sound and tactile feedback regardless of the switch they choose, albeit with slight variations in the auditory experience that stem from the unique properties of each top housing material.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, we can see distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Light Cloud V2 features a medium actuation force of 45 grams, compared to the lighter 38 grams of the Rice Pudding switch, making the latter a better choice for those who prefer less resistance during typing or gaming. In terms of bottom out forces, the Light Cloud V2 has a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Rice Pudding’s is 48 grams, reinforcing the notion that the Light Cloud V2 requires more force throughout its operation. Consequently, users who lean towards a lighter feel for extended typing sessions might find the Everglide Rice Pudding more suitable, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience would likely prefer the TTC Light Cloud V2.
Travel distance
The TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch both feature an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning that users can expect a similar feel when pressing down on the keys of each switch. Since both switches have the same travel distance, those who prefer either option will experience comparable responsiveness and key actuation. This uniformity allows for a consistent typing or gaming experience, regardless of the choice between the two switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Light Cloud V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Cloud V2 for $5.49.
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 considering the sound profile of the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch, it is characterized as muted and neutral, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to typical mechanical switches. This makes it particularly appealing for environments where noise control is a priority, such as shared workspaces or homes. The neutral aspect means it’s versatile enough for both beginners and experienced typists, aiding in a pleasant overall typing experience without overwhelming auditory feedback. Unfortunately, the sound characteristics of the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch are unknown, which leaves some ambiguity regarding how its sound might compare to the Light Cloud V2.
In terms of feel, the TTC Light Cloud V2 is praised for its mild nature, combined with an easy-to-press and feathery typing experience. This allows for a gentle typing session that requires little effort, significantly reducing finger fatigue over longer durations. For those who prioritize comfort and responsiveness in their typing, the Light Cloud V2 truly excels. However, the tactile response and overall feel of the Rice Pudding switches are unspecified, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons in this regard.
In conclusion, the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch offers a muted sound profile along with an exceptionally light and comfortable typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a refined keyboard feel with lower noise levels. While the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch promises smooth operation and deep sound, its sound profile and tactile characteristics remain unknown, leaving enthusiasts with some room for exploration. If sound and feel are key determinants in your switch selection, the Light Cloud V2 provides clarity, while the Rice Pudding remains an intriguing yet enigmatic alternative.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and use cases. If you prioritize a quieter and more refined typing experience, especially in shared or professional environments, the Light Cloud V2 is an excellent option. With its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams, it strikes a balance that can be comfortably accommodated by both novice and experienced typists alike. Its muted sound profile and easy-to-press nature make it ideal for long hours of typing, minimizing finger fatigue and offering a gentle yet satisfying touch. On the other hand, if you desire a lighter and more versatile option that pairs well with performance-oriented setups, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch may be the perfect fit for you. With a bottom-out force of just 48 grams, its lightweight design facilitates swift key presses, making it a great choice for gamers and enthusiasts looking for a satisfying auditory feedback combined with smooth operation. Additionally, its compatibility with Wooting's keyboards gives you the flexibility to explore new functionalities. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you value a muted typing experience for extended sessions or a more responsive and versatile switch tailored for dynamic input.
Mentioned in this article
