TTC Silent Red vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Red and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Silent Red and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) present two compelling options, each catering to distinct preferences and needs. The Silent Red, a linear switch, is designed for users seeking a smooth and quiet typing experience, making it an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces. Its muted sound profile and padded bottom-out feel provide a comfortable and distraction-free experience, appealing to those who value subtlety and fluidity in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), featuring a hall effect mechanism, delivers a balanced typing experience that resonates with enthusiasts looking for a bit of "thock" in their keypresses. With its dustproof stem reducing wobble and enhancing performance, this switch offers a refined tactile sensation that some users might find particularly satisfying. While both switches have their unique strengths—one prioritizing a silent, smooth feel and the other combining tactile feedback with a satisfying sound—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.70 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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Silent Red and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), it is interesting to note that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice of material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, which can enhance the typing experience. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate not only provides clarity in acoustics but also renders both switches particularly suitable for RGB lighting, given the translucency of the material. Since both switches share this characteristic, users can expect a similar bright and resonant sound when typing, along with visually appealing lighting effects if illuminated.
However, while the top housing materials of both switches are the same, their bottom housings differ as they both utilize nylon. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, contrasting the higher frequencies delivered by their polycarbonate tops. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and more muted acoustic experience, greatly influencing the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Therefore, even with the same material for the top wat, users may still perceive different acoustic qualities depending on how the nylon bottoms interact with the typing action.
In summary, the TTC Silent Red and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) share similarities in their top housing materials, creating comparable sound height and clarity when pressed, whereas the nylon bottom housings offer a contrasting depth and warmth. This blend of high-pitched resonance from the polycarbonate tops combined with a fuller, more subdued sound from the nylon bottoms creates a unique typing experience for both switches. Users can anticipate a rich acoustic profile; however, the distinctive balance in tonal qualities brought by the varying bottom housing materials ensures that even though they share certain attributes, they maintain their unique identities within the mechanical keyboard landscape.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, we can see significant differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Red requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer for tactile feedback. Conversely, the Sticky Rice (V2) features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an appealing choice for those who desire a softer push feel, which can enhance long typing or gaming sessions. Thus, the Silent Red is the heavier switch, while the Sticky Rice (V2) is lighter, appealing to different user preferences in the keyboard experience. Ultimately, if users prioritize a lighter feel for increased comfort over extended use, they would lean towards the Sticky Rice (V2).
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, it is evident that the Silent Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Sticky Rice (V2) measures 3.5 mm. This means that users who prefer a more pronounced key press may find the Silent Red more appealing, as it offers that extra depth which can enhance the tactile experience. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Sticky Rice (V2) can provide gamers with a quicker response time, which is often favored in fast-paced scenarios. Thus, if you're prioritizing speed and responsiveness, the Sticky Rice (V2) would be the better choice, whereas those who enjoy a more substantial feel might prefer the TTC Silent Red.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 considering the sound profile, the TTC Silent Red switch is characterized by its muted acoustics, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize quiet operation in shared or office environments. This switch effectively minimizes the noise commonly associated with mechanical keyboards, providing a serene typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers a neutral sound signature with a subtle emphasis on the desirable "thock" that enthusiasts often seek. While it may not be as quiet as the Silent Red, its sound could still be appreciated in settings where a bit of acoustic feedback is welcome. The overall sound experience will also be influenced by additional factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which can affect resonance and amplification.
In terms of feel, the Silent Red excels with its buttery smooth keystroke, characterized by a polished and refined touch that enhances the overall typing experience. This switch is mild, ensuring that the typing sensation remains approachable and comfortable for most users. Its smooth actuation and padded bottom-out feel make for a seamless experience that many novice and experienced typists alike will enjoy. Conversely, details about the feel characteristics of the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) remain unspecified, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. However, this switch is designed to provide a smooth keystroke with minimal wobble due to its dustproof stem, potentially translating to a refined tactile sensation that could rival the Silent Red in its own right.
In summary, both the TTC Silent Red and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) present compelling options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, albeit with distinct qualities. The Silent Red excels in offering a quiet and smooth typing experience, making it ideal for quieter environments, while the Sticky Rice (V2) is geared towards those who appreciate a subtly resonant sound combined with a refined feel. Users seeking a balance between noise and feel may find both switches appealing, though selecting between the two will ultimately depend on personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding force, sound, and typing experience. If you're in an environment where noise is a concern, such as an office or shared living space, the Silent Red would serve you well with its muted sound profile and buttery smooth keystrokes. The medium-heavy actuation force of 63.5 grams provides a tactile resistance that some typists find satisfying, while the cushioned bottom-out feel enhances comfort during prolonged use. On the other hand, if you crave a lighter touch with a balance of sound and feedback, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is an excellent option. With a bottom-out force of only 50 grams, it allows for quick and effortless typing, and its refined "thock" sound will appeal to those who appreciate auditory feedback without it being overly loud. The dustproof stem design further contributes to a smooth, wobble-free experience, making it perfect for enthusiasts looking for a high level of performance. Therefore, consider your environment, typing style, and sound preferences when making your choice to ensure it aligns with your specific needs.
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