TTC Gold Red vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are two great options to consider: the TTC Gold Red and the Everglide Oreo. The Gold Red is known for providing a smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. Its snappy sound profile adds just the right amount of personality to your keyboard without being overpowering. On the other hand, the Oreo switches offer a delectable treat for your fingertips with a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. These switches strike the perfect balance between satisfying keystrokes and a comfortable typing experience. While these general descriptions offer some insight, it's important to dive deeper into the specific characteristics and features of each switch to determine the best fit for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Red and the Everglide Oreo both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing material. This choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound, resulting in a pleasant typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for users planning to use RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant lighting effects. Therefore, both switches offer similar sound and aesthetic benefits thanks to their polycarbonate top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, there is a difference between the two switches. The Gold Red features a nylon bottom housing, whereas the Oreo utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics like polycarbonate. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for the Gold Red switch. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Oreo contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a different typing experience between the two switches.
In summary, the similarities between the TTC Gold Red and the Everglide Oreo lie in their choice of polycarbonate for the top housing, creating a similar sound and aesthetic experience. However, the difference in bottom housing materials leads to variations in sound profile and typing feel. The Gold Red's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the Oreo's polycarbonate bottom housing produces a sharper sound. Ultimately, the two switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, there are some notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Gold Red has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, while the Oreo has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches provide a relatively light actuation force, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Gold Red has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Oreo has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Oreo switch requires a bit more force to fully press down compared to the Gold Red. For individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, the Oreo switch may provide a better option due to its slightly heavier bottom out force.
Considering weight, some users may prefer lighter switches like the Gold Red or the Oreo, as it allows for longer typing sessions without experiencing fatigue. These switches are ideal for those who spend long hours at work or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals desiring a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces.
In summary, while the Gold Red has a lighter actuation force (43 grams) and bottom out force (50 grams), the Oreo offers a slightly heavier actuation force (45 grams) and bottom out force (55 grams). Though the differences may seem subtle, they can cater to specific preferences for typing or gaming experiences. Ultimately, users should consider their personal preferences and intended usage to determine which switch would be more suitable for their needs.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning they both travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom when pressed. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, these two switches offer the same experience. Whether you choose the TTC Gold Red or the Everglide Oreo, you can expect similar results and a consistent travel distance of 4 mm.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile. This means that when the keys are pressed and released, they produce a deep and satisfying "thud" or a soft "knock" sound. The Gold Red switch has a neutral sound profile, which means it is suitable for various purposes and environments. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch has a subtle and mellow sound profile. It is described as chirpy, which means it has a unique acoustic signature with a slight squeak. The Oreo switch provides a more subdued sound experience compared to the more pronounced sound of the Gold Red switch, making it suitable for shared spaces or those who prefer a quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a mild and silky typing experience. The switch is considered mild, which means it provides a gentler typing experience without any extreme characteristics. It also has a silky feel, meaning it offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the Gold Red switch is described as subtle and polished, providing a gentle resistance and a refined finish for a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is described as accented and stepped. The Oreo switch provides a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle, offering a noticeable tactile bump during keystrokes. It also has a stepped feel, meaning it feels milder compared to switches with a more pronounced tactile bump, allowing for some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Gold Red switch provides a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a snappy sound profile. It offers a mild, silky, subtle, and polished feel. On the other hand, the Oreo switch indulges the fingertips with a crisp and responsive tactile bump, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. It has a mellow sound profile and is described as chirpy, accented, and stepped. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide an enjoyable typing experience. If you prefer the sound and feel of the Gold Red switch, you can achieve similar results with the Oreo switch by choosing a suitable keyboard and keycaps.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light-medium resistance with a smooth typing experience and a modest touch of personality, the TTC Gold Red linear switches would be a great choice. These switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams and offer a thocky and low-pitched sound profile. They provide a mild and silky feel, making for a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium light tactility with a crisp and responsive tactile bump, the Everglide Oreo tactile switches are the way to go. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches offer a subtle and mellow sound profile, with a slight chirp. They have an accented or stepped feel, providing a satisfying keystroke without being overwhelming. Ultimately, the decision boils down to personal preference in terms of resistance, sound, and feel.
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