TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Everglide Oreo stand out as popular choices, each offering unique characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Gold Red Pro is a linear switch known for its versatility and ease of press, providing a seamless typing experience with a neutral sound signature suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo is a tactile switch that boasts a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out, offering a satisfying keystroke with a comfortable typing experience. While the Gold Red Pro caters to those seeking a polished and subtle typing experience, the Oreo appeals to individuals looking for a more pronounced tactile feedback. 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Everglide Oreo are quite similar in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate creates a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Gold Red Pro differs in its use of nylon for the bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Oreo's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile.
The Gold Red Pro's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing offers a unique sound experience, with the top housing contributing to the sound when key presses are released, while the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the Everglide Oreo utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, providing a consistent sharp and crisp sound profile throughout key presses. While both switches excel in their respective sound qualities, the Gold Red Pro's nylon bottom housing may appeal to users seeking a deeper and fuller typing experience, while the Oreo's polycarbonate construction maintains a consistent sound profile across all key presses.
In conclusion, the choice between the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Everglide Oreo ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Gold Red Pro offers a unique combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing for a varied sound experience, with the nylon bottom housing providing a deeper and fuller sound. On the other hand, the Oreo's consistent use of polycarbonate throughout the housing ensures a sharp and crisp sound profile across all key presses. Whether you prefer a more varied sound profile or a consistent sharp sound, both switches offer quality housing materials to enhance your typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, it is evident that the Gold Red Pro is lighter in terms of actuation force at 43 grams, compared to the Oreo at 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Oreo at 55 grams is heavier compared to the Gold Red Pro, for which the force is unavailable. This means that typing on the Gold Red Pro may require less force to initiate a keystroke, while typing on the Oreo may provide a more substantial typing experience due to the heavier bottom out force. Depending on personal preference, some may find the lighter actuation force of the Gold Red Pro more suitable for extended typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Oreo for a more robust typing feel. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, it is evident that the Gold Red Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the Oreo's 4 mm. While both fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the Gold Red Pro offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter distance. Gamers may prefer this shorter travel distance for faster reactions in gameplay. On the other hand, the Oreo's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more gradual key press, appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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 Gold Red Pro linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, with a low-pitched and thocky feel that is satisfying to the ears. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch presents a chirpy sound signature that adds a unique touch to your typing experience. While the Gold Red Pro brings a deep, rich tone, the Oreo introduces a subtle, mellow sound that complements its tactile feedback.
Moving on to feel, the Gold Red Pro showcases a polished and silky typing experience, with mild and subtle characteristics that cater to a wide range of users. The smooth and refined finish of the switch enhances the overall typing feel, minimizing resistance and providing a pleasant keystroke. In contrast, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers an accented and stepped typing experience, striking a balance between a medium amount of tactility and a mild tactile response. The Oreo's cushioned sensation when bottoming out adds a layer of comfort to the typing process.
Considering all the available information, it is clear that the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gold Red Pro excels in its polished and versatile typing experience, accompanied by a harmonious and deep sound profile. On the other hand, the Oreo stands out with its unique chirpy sound and accented tactile feedback, providing a delightful and responsive typing feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience that can enhance your overall productivity and comfort while using a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch or the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value a versatile switch that offers a neutral sound profile and a polished, silky typing experience suitable for various settings, then the Gold Red Pro may be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-light tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned bottom-out sensation, along with a chirpy sound profile, then the Oreo could be the perfect fit. Assessing factors such as typing feel, sound, and bottom out force can help guide your decision towards the switch that will best enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and needs.