TTC Brother vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience. The Brother stands out with its lightweight actuation of just 37g, providing a breezy and satisfyingly crunchy sound that will please clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Oreo offers a crisp and responsive tactile bump with a cushioned bottom out, creating a comfortable typing experience with a subtle and mellow sound profile. While the Brother is known for its easy-to-press nature and distinct tactile bump, the Oreo excels in its balanced tactility and comfort. 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
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Everglide Oreo differ in terms of their bottom housing. The Brother utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. In contrast, the Oreo features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which enhances the overall sharpness and resonance of the sound produced. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and crisper sound profile, making the Oreo a potentially louder option for some users.
On the other hand, both the TTC Brother and Everglide Oreo share a commonality in their polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, regardless of the switch brand. Its translucency makes it an ideal material for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through for a visually appealing effect. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more resonant sound, which can be particularly satisfying for users seeking a distinct typing experience. Overall, the top housing material plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile of both switches.
In conclusion, while the TTC Brother and the Everglide Oreo differ in their bottom housing materials, they both rely on polycarbonate for their top housing. The contrasting properties of nylon and polycarbonate in the bottom housing result in different sound profiles when typing, with nylon offering a deeper sound and polycarbonate providing a crisper sound. However, the shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing ensures that both switches deliver a sharp and resonant sound experience that is enhanced by their clear and translucent design. Ultimately, the choice between the Brother and the Oreo may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Everglide Oreo tactile switch which has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the TTC Brother is unknown, while the Everglide Oreo has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it heavier than the Brother. This means that the Brother may provide a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Oreo offers a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a heavier force. Both switches have their own advantages and it ultimately depends on personal preference whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Everglide Oreo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Oreo has a longer travel distance compared to the Brother. A shorter travel distance can be favorable for gamers seeking faster response times, making the Brother switch more appealing in that regard. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Oreo switch may provide a more substantial and satisfying keypress for those who prefer a deeper pressing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
The Everglide Oreo has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Oreo for $4.19.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch offers a crunchy sound signature that resonates with each satisfying click, perfect for those who enjoy an audible typing experience reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch provides a chirpy sound profile that adds a unique touch to your typing sessions with a subtle squeak. Both switches offer distinct acoustic qualities that cater to different preferences, so the choice between them will ultimately depend on your personal sound preference, as well as other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps you pair them with.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for actuation and providing a light and effortless typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during prolonged use. Additionally, its stepped tactile bump ensures a subtle yet noticeable feedback throughout the keystroke. Conversely, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers an accented tactility that strikes a balance between satisfying feedback and comfortable typing, along with a stepped feel that provides distinct pre-travel and post-travel sensations. These qualities make the Oreo switch a pleasant option for those seeking a medium tactile experience that enhances typing accuracy and comfort.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch stands out for its lightweight actuation, crunchy sound, and easy-to-press feel, making it a top choice for clicky switch enthusiasts looking for a tactile and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers a unique chirpy sound profile, accented tactility, and cushioned bottom-out feel, appealing to those who prefer a medium tactile feedback with a comfortable typing sensation. Ultimately, both switches provide their own set of subjective qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that you'll achieve a delightful typing experience with either choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a clicky switch that provides a satisfyingly crunchy sound and tactile bump without being too heavy on the fingers, the TTC Brother clicky switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light tactile switch that offers a crisp tactile bump at the top and a cushioned sensation when bottoming out, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch would be more suited to your preferences. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so ultimately the decision between the two would depend on whether you prioritize clicky feedback or tactile feel in your mechanical keyboard switch selection.