I have been using the technique for a couple of months now. I love it and I would say that for me, it works for both kinds of work. I know it sounds silly, but it has come to a point where the ticking sound is my work-mode reminder which helps me stay focused. Also, I have started competing with myself to see how many pomodoros a day I can do.
I've been using a timer on the computer. I think a ticker might drive me nuts, but I get what you mean by the ticking sound.
I've been using something similar for my meditative practice, only I use incense. I sit there until the entire stick burns off. What ends up happening is that I subconsciously associate the meditative state with the smell of sandalwood incense.
