I think Brendan is handsome, spelled that way. It's lighthearted and friendly. I do not like the spelling Brendon, that o really freezes it up. Like, I really dislike Brandon, which is so similar, but just changing the shapes of the letters does it for me. Bren I like!
I also don't care much for Brandon, it feels macho and harsh.I thought on it and I agree that Brendon looks and feels a bit cold. I like Brendan because it is a masculine name with a soft creative side. ------------