TTC Neptune vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the TTC Neptune and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Neptune and Everglide Rice Pudding offer distinct experiences for typists and gamers alike. The TTC Neptune, characterized by its innovative internal structure, delivers a buttery smooth and almost frictionless glide, reminiscent of the delightful chewiness of mochi or tapioca pearls. This linear switch is ultralight, allowing for swift and effortless typing, complemented by a low-pitched, muted sound signature that strikes a perfect balance between tactile feedback and sound dampening. Conversely, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch shines with its hall effect mechanism, providing a satisfying blend of smooth operation and deep, resonant sound. Its balanced typing experience is precise, appealing to those who prioritize both performance and acoustics. Furthermore, the Rice Pudding is compatible with Wooting's innovative keyboards, making it an exciting choice for enthusiasts looking for versatility in their setup. With both switches catering to unique preferences—one emphasizing smoothness and weightlessness, the other offering a satisfying auditory experience and adaptability—your choice ultimately hinges on personal taste. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
41g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Neptune and Everglide Rice Pudding feature contrasting materials in their switch housings, which greatly influence their respective sound profiles. The Neptune utilizes a POM top housing, known for delivering a more muted and deeper sound. POM, or polyoxymethylene, allows for a unique sound signature that some typists may find pleasing, especially when desiring a less sharp auditory feedback. In comparison, the Everglide Rice Pudding employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances RGB lighting aesthetics, making it a popular choice among those who appreciate visually appealing builds.
Examining the bottom housings reveals different characteristics that further distinguish these switches. The Neptune utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which shares some tonal qualities with the top, contributing to a consistent sound profile that remains sharper and clearer. This pairing may appeal to those who enjoy a defined auditory experience throughout their typing interactions. Conversely, the Everglide Rice Pudding's nylon bottom housing introduces a softer element, known for creating a deeper, fuller sound due to its acoustic absorption properties. This leads to a more rounded auditory experience, especially during bottoming out, contrasting sharply with the Neptune's sharper sound that is informed by its polycarbonate bottom.
When considering the overall auditory experience, the unique combination of materials in both switches provides distinct results. The Neptune, with its POM top and polycarbonate bottom, brings about a cohesive and deep sound profile, while the Rice Pudding, combining polycarbonate and nylon, creates a blend of crispness from the top and fullness from the bottom. While these housing materials differ, they can yield a range of satisfying results depending on user preference. For instance, a typist might find joy in the mixed characteristics of the Rice Pudding, while others may prefer the more uniform sound of the Neptune. Ultimately, switching between these two can reveal varied auditory experiences, showcasing the essential role that housing materials play in switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, both options are on the lighter side, making them suitable for prolonged typing or extended gaming sessions. The Neptune switch features an actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Rice Pudding switch has slightly lighter actuation and bottom out forces at 38 grams and 48 grams, respectively. This slight difference indicates that the Rice Pudding switch provides an even lighter typing experience compared to the Neptune, making it potentially preferable for users who prioritize fatigue-free usage. Additionally, both switches exhibit low force requirements, which can lead to similar results in terms of total typing feel. Overall, while both switches are light, the Rice Pudding's forces are marginally lower, offering a slightly softer touch than the Neptune.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, the Neptune measures 3.8 mm, whereas the Rice Pudding is slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This indicates that the Neptune provides a deeper press, which some users might find more satisfying, especially those who prefer a hearty depth in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Rice Pudding's shorter travel distance caters to gamers and those seeking faster response times. With the continued trend towards shorter travel distances in modern switches, the Rice Pudding aligns with preferences for responsiveness, albeit at the expense of a more abrupt feel. Ultimately, if you are looking for a more traditional depth, the TTC Neptune would be the better choice, while the Everglide Rice Pudding offers a quicker engagement for those who favor speed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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 Neptune switch stands out with its low-pitched, muted, and thocky characteristics. This creates a bass-heavy, mellow tone that enhances the typing experience, making it more satisfying and less disruptive. The Neptune offers a subdued sound profile, striking a balance that makes it suitable for both home and work environments. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch's sound qualities are not specifically detailed but are said to deliver a deep sound that complements its operation. While the Neptune is recognized for its distinct sound signature, the Rice Pudding may produce a similar deep auditory experience once paired with appropriate key caps and boards.
In terms of feel, the TTC Neptune is exceptionally smooth, characterized by a buttery and frictionless glide that ensures effortless typing. The switch's unique internal structure offers a spongy resistance reminiscent of chewy textures, which can make the typing experience quite pleasurable. It feels gentle yet responsive, making it approachable for typists of all skill levels. The Everglide Rice Pudding switch's tactile qualities are not explicitly outlined, leaving a gap in comparison. However, enthusiasts can typically expect satisfactory feedback from hall effect switches, which may result in a comfortable and engaging typing experience similar to the Neptune.
In conclusion, both the TTC Neptune and Everglide Rice Pudding switches cater to specific preferences in sound and feel, with the Neptune providing a more clearly defined experience. The Neptune is celebrated for its smooth action and muted thocky sound, while the Rice Pudding’s qualities remain somewhat ambiguous. If you're seeking a well-rounded and satisfying typing experience, either with the Neptune’s noted attributes or the Rice Pudding's potential, you'll be tapping into high-quality switch options that can cater to different styles and environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Neptune linear switches and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switches ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and specific typing needs. If you prefer a light and smooth typing experience, characterized by an almost frictionless glide and a thocky sound profile, the TTC Neptune is likely the better fit for you. This switch excels in situations where a muted sound is desired, making it ideal for both quiet work environments and casual gaming. On the other hand, if you value a touch of versatility and a deeply satisfying sound without sacrificing precision, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch may be your best option. Its compatibility with Wooting keyboards further enhances its appeal for enthusiasts looking for performance and playability. Ultimately, if your primary focus is on a smoother and butter-like keystroke, go with the Neptune; but if you’re in search of a reliable switch that delivers both a rich sound and a balanced feel, the Rice Pudding should be your choice.
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