TTC Speed Silver vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the TTC Speed Silver and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and intended use. The TTC Speed Silver, a linear switch, stands out for those seeking a fast and precise typing experience, thanks to its light-medium resistance and reduced travel distance that facilitates quick actuation. This makes it an excellent option for gamers or anyone who needs responsive keypresses without the distractions of sound. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), a hall effect switch, offers a well-balanced typing experience characterized by its neutral sound signature and delightful “thock” that many enthusiasts cherish. Its super smooth keystroke, enhanced by a dustproof stem that minimizes wobble, appeals to users who prioritize a refined tactile sensation. While both switches provide unique benefits—speed and precision from the Speed Silver, and a rich tactile experience from the Sticky Rice (V2)—understanding the nuances between them can be essential for making an informed choice. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond 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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 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
The housing materials used in the TTC Speed Silver and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches share notable similarities, particularly in their choice of top housing material—polycarbonate. Both switches benefit from the inherent properties of polycarbonate, which lends a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is primarily due to polycarbonate's stiffness, allowing for a clear and resonant auditory experience. Moreover, the aesthetic appeal of both switches is amplified by the translucency of polycarbonate, making them excellent choices for setups featuring RGB lighting. This shared property ensures that users of both switches can expect similar performance in terms of sound and visual effects when illuminated.
Contrastingly, the bottom housing materials diverge, with the TTC Speed Silver employing nylon while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) also uses nylon, ensuring that both switches retain a deeper and fuller sound profile during use. Nylon, being a softer plastic, has sound-absorbing qualities that lead to a more muted audio output, providing a duller and rounder sound compared to the crispness imparted by the polycarbonate top. This uniformity in material for the bottom housing means that both switches will deliver comparable acoustics in terms of the low-end response, which is especially noticeable during bottom-out moments when a key is fully pressed down.
When considering the overall acoustic and tactile experience, it becomes clear that while the top housings of the two switches produce sharp, bright sounds, the nylon bottom housings work to create a smooth and fuller auditory experience. The interplay between these materials allows both the TTC Speed Silver and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) to offer a unique typing experience, with the qualities of sound and feel being separated by the function of the housing material. Therefore, users can expect a rich blend of clarity from the polycarbonate top while enjoying the softer, muffled tones contributed by the nylon bottom, creating a harmonious balance that caters to varying preferences in keystrokes.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the TTC Speed Silver linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, notable differences arise in their weight and feel. The Speed Silver features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Sticky Rice (V2) the lighter option, ideal for users who prefer a softer touch for prolonged typing or extended gaming sessions. Meanwhile, the Speed Silver, with its slightly heavier forces, may appeal to those who favor a more robust and substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches provide distinct experiences, the Speed Silver demands a bit more force to actuate and bottom out compared to the Sticky Rice (V2), making them well-suited for different user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Speed Silver linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, we find that the Speed Silver has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Sticky Rice (V2) measures slightly longer at 3.5 mm. This means that the Speed Silver is the shorter option, providing a quicker actuation that can cater to gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel during key presses. Ultimately, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Speed Silver would be the better choice, while those who are fond of a little extra depth in their keystrokes might lean towards the Sticky Rice (V2).
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 it comes to sound, the TTC Speed Silver switch has a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for various environments, whether personal or professional. Its moderate actuation force lends itself to an unobtrusive auditory experience that won’t disrupt others around you. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switch is characterized by a neutral sound signature that leans into the desirable "thock" sound familiar to enthusiasts. While both switches produce relatively restrained sounds, the Sticky Rice might evoke more acoustic satisfaction for users who appreciate a touch of richness in their keystrokes, influenced further by the choice of board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Speed Silver switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, suitable for individuals seeking a gentle yet satisfying feedback with every keystroke. The smooth key travel, bolstered by reduced friction, ensures that even during extended typing sessions, the effort remains manageable and enjoyable. On the other hand, the characteristics of the Sticky Rice (V2) are not explicitly defined, leaving some unknowns regarding its tactile feedback. However, the description suggests a smooth keystroke due to the dustproof stem, indicating that users may find a refined experience as well. Both switches appear to cater to users who want a smooth typing feel, though the specifics of the Sticky Rice's tactile response may offer variability.
Overall, both the TTC Speed Silver and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches target users seeking a pleasant typing experience, albeit with subtle differences in sound and feel. While Speed Silvers excel with their neutral sound and polished touch, the Sticky Rice (V2) presents an enticing option for those enamored by a "thock" sound and smooth operation. Depending on personal preferences for auditory and tactile feedback, users will find valuable aspects in each switch that cater to their mechanical typing needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Speed Silver linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize speed and precision in your typing, perhaps because you're a gamer aiming for quick reflexes or a typist seeking efficient keystrokes, the Speed Silver would be an excellent choice. Its medium-light 55-gram actuation force and reduced travel distance create an effortless typing experience, making it easy to achieve rapid inputs. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced and refined tactile sensation, especially if you enjoy the satisfying “thock” sound while typing or gaming, the Sticky Rice (V2) could be more appealing. With its light 50-gram bottom-out force and super smooth keystrokes, you'll experience a delightful blend of comfort and performance that enhances your overall typing experience. Thus, consider what aspects of feel, sound, and actuation force matter most to you, and choose accordingly to make the most of your mechanical keyboard setup.
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