Kailh Box White vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box White and the Everglide Oreo. The Box White is a clicky switch that offers maximum audio feedback, providing a satisfying "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and an accented tactility while typing. On the other hand, the Oreo is a tactile switch that offers a crisp and responsive bump at the top, followed by a delightfully cushioned sensation when bottoming out. It strikes the perfect balance between satisfying keystrokes and a comfortable typing experience. Additionally, the Oreo offers a subtle, mellow sound profile compared to the distinct clicks of the Box White. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White and the Everglide Oreo both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects to be showcased effectively. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch that offers excellent sound and the option for RGB lighting, both the Box White and the Oreo would deliver similar results.
However, the bottom housings of these switches differ. The Box White has a nylon bottom housing, while the Oreo utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is a traditional material for switch housings and provides a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Its softer nature allows for greater sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Oreo contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, similar to its top housing. This material's stiffness ensures a more clear and resonant sound, albeit with a slightly higher pitch. These differences in the bottom housings result in distinct sound experiences when bottoming out the keys.
In summary, the Kailh Box White and the Everglide Oreo share similar qualities in their polycarbonate top housings, offering sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profiles. However, the Box White's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the Oreo's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharpness and resonance of its top housing. Choosing between these switches depends on your preference for sound characteristics during both pressing down and releasing the keys.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Box White switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Oreo switch requires slightly less force at 45 grams for activation. In terms of bottom out force, the Box White is slightly heavier at 60 grams compared to the Oreo's 55 grams.
These variances in force can affect the typing experience for users with different preferences. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Everglide Oreo switch may be more suitable as it requires a lower actuation force. This lighter actuation force can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions where fatigue can be a factor. On the other hand, users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Kailh Box White switch with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. The higher forces can provide a stronger push feel which some individuals find more satisfying.
It is worth noting that while the forces for these switches are different, they are both categorized as medium or medium-light. This means that even though there are variances, users can expect similar results in terms of overall force required for keystrokes. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch and Everglide Oreo tactile switch have different travel distances. The Box White has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Oreo has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Box White falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, which is favored by gamers who desire faster response times. On the other hand, the Oreo offers a slightly deeper and more pronounced keypress, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile feedback, but if you are seeking a shorter travel distance and quicker response, the Kailh Box White would be the suitable choice. Conversely, if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth and a longer travel distance, the Everglide Oreo would be more suitable for your preferences.
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 Kailh Box White comes in at $2.76 per 10 switches.
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 Kailh Box White switch offers a resonant and high-pitched sound profile. Typing on these switches produces a clean and sharp sound, similar to the sound of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo switch has a more subtle and mellow sound profile. It is described as chirpy, with a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other elements such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White switch provides a polished typing experience. This means that it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo switch is described as accented, indicating a medium tactile switch that offers a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, the Oreo switch is also considered a stepped switch, which means it has two stages of tactile feedback, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations.
Overall, both the Kailh Box White clicky switch and Everglide Oreo tactile switch offer unique qualities. The Box White excels in maximum audio feedback, providing a resonant and high-pitched sound profile, while also having a polished feel with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Oreo switch offers a palatable medium light tactility, with a delightfully cushioned sensation when bottoming out, and a subtle, mellow sound profile. If you enjoy the characteristics of the Box White, you can expect similar results with the Oreo switch, as they both offer satisfying keystrokes and comfortable typing experiences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the individual's preferences in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you desire maximum audio feedback and enjoy the sensation of typing on a switch that produces a crisp sound like stepping on autumn leaves, then the Kailh Box White clicky switch is the ideal choice for you. The Box White offers a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and is known for its resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy sound profile. In terms of feel, it provides a polished and smooth typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a delectable treat for your fingertips, featuring a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top followed by a delightfully cushioned sensation when bottoming out, then the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is the perfect fit. With a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, the Oreo offers an accented and stepped tactile experience. It is neither overwhelming nor subtle, striking a balance between satisfying tactility and comfortable typing. Additionally, it produces a subtle and mellow sound profile, described as chirpy.
Ultimately, your choice between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize audio feedback and a satisfying clicky experience, the Box White is the way to go. If a delightful tactile bump and comfortable typing are more important to you, the Oreo offers a palatable solution. Consider the sound and feel characteristics described above to help you make an informed decision based on your typing preferences.
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