Everglide Oreo vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Everglide Oreo and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Everglide Oreo and TTC Silent Red are two mechanical keyboard switches that each offer their own unique benefits. The Oreo is a tactile switch, known for its crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. This switch strikes a perfect balance between satisfying keystrokes and a comfortable typing experience. Additionally, the Oreo has a subtle, mellow sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Red is a linear switch that delivers a smooth and seamless typing experience while maintaining a muted sound profile. It is perfect for those who require a quiet environment, such as in an office or shared living space. The Silent Red switch also provides a consistent feel from top to bottom, with a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Oreo and the TTC Silent Red both incorporate polycarbonate materials for their top housing, resulting in a similar sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in both switches creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate plastic, which enhances clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect a comparable sound experience from both switches when it comes to the top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Oreo and the Silent Red differ in their material choices. The Oreo's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the same characteristics as its top housing, contributing to a sharper and crisper bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the Silent Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. It absorbs more sound than stiffer plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect distinct sound experiences when it comes to the bottom-out sound of these switches.
Considering the impact of each housing material, users can anticipate variations in the sound profile upon pressing and releasing keys. The bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning that the characteristics of the Oreo's polycarbonate material will be more pronounced during key presses. In contrast, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the polycarbonate top housing of both the Oreo and the Silent Red will contribute to similar sound profiles during key release, while the differences in the bottom housings will result in distinct bottom-out sounds.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there are differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The actuation force for both switches is the same at 45 grams, meaning that the amount of force required to trigger a keystroke is equal. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Oreo has a lighter force of 55 grams, while the Silent Red has a heavier force of 63.5 grams.
Considering the weight of the switches, the Oreo offers a medium-light experience with a lighter bottom out force. This makes it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing feel, allowing them to type for longer periods without experiencing fatigue. The Oreo would be a good choice for individuals looking for a keyboard to use at work or during extended gaming sessions.
On the other hand, the Silent Red switch provides a medium-heavy experience with a heavier bottom out force. This option is more suited for users who prefer a stronger push feel, which can result in a more substantial typing experience. The heavier bottom out force of the Silent Red switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a tactile response and a more pronounced sense of keypress.
Overall, both switches have the same actuation force, ensuring similar results in triggering keystrokes. However, their differing bottom out forces provide distinct typing experiences. The Everglide Oreo offers a lighter typing feel, while the TTC Silent Red delivers a heavier and more substantial keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing comfort and the desired level of key resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is clear that the Oreo has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Red has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Oreo's 4.0 mm travel distance falls within the traditional range, providing a more standard key feel. On the other hand, the Silent Red's 3.7 mm travel distance is slightly shallower, catering to those who prefer a shorter travel distance for faster response times, which is favored among gamers. Both switches offer their own advantages depending on individual preferences. If you prioritize a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Red may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial key press, the Everglide Oreo with its longer travel distance would be the suitable choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will be based on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 Everglide Oreo tactile switch has a subtle and mellow sound profile. It does not produce a loud or clacky sound and instead offers a more soothing and gentle typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is specifically designed to minimize noise. It is described as having a muted sound profile, making it ideal for office or shared living spaces. With both switches, the sound can also be affected by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is described as having an accented and stepped feel. The accented tactility provides a medium level of tactility that is satisfying without being overwhelming or too subtle. It offers a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. The stepped feel of the Oreo switch means that it has a more mild tactile experience compared to switches with a larger bump. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is described as having a buttery, mild, and polished feel. It provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The switch has a uniform feel from top to bottom, ensuring maximum comfort during typing.
Based on the available information, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Oreo switch provides a satisfying and comfortable typing experience with its medium light tactility and cushioned sensation. It produces a subtle and mellow sound profile. In contrast, the Silent Red switch prioritizes a smooth and seamless typing experience, minimizing noise with its muted sound profile. It offers a buttery, mild, and polished feel that ensures effortless and uniform keystrokes. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on personal preference for tactility, sound, and overall typing experience. However, if a quieter typing experience with a smooth feel is desired, the TTC Silent Red linear switch would be a suitable choice.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prioritize a satisfying keystroke and a comfortable typing experience, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is the way to go. These switches offer a medium-light tactility, striking the perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort. The subtle, mellow sound profile of the Oreos ensures a pleasant typing experience without being too distracting in a quiet environment. On the other hand, if you're looking for a smooth and seamless typing experience with minimal noise, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is the perfect choice. With a muted sound profile, these switches are ideal for use in office or shared living spaces. The Silent Reds provide a consistent and padded bottom-out feel, maximizing comfort during extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your specific preferences for tactility, sound, and typing experience.
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