Outemu Crystal vs. Everglide Oreo

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Crystal and the Everglide Oreo. The Crystal switches provide a unique, linear typing experience with a medium-light weight and a fairly elastic feel. They offer a neutral sound profile when typing, making them ideal for those who prefer a quieter keyboard. On the other hand, the Oreo switches offer a delightful tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. With a medium-light tactility, they strike a perfect balance between a satisfying keystroke and comfortable typing experience. The Oreos also have a subtle and mellow sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your keyboard needs.

By the numbers

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Outemu Crystal and the Everglide Oreo, namely polycarbonate, are very similar and share several qualities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, leading to a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a suitable choice for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of both the Crystal and the Oreo. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile when the keys are released. These shared characteristics suggest that users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics from both the Crystal and the Oreo when it comes to their top housing.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the materials of the Crystal and the Oreo differ slightly. The Crystal features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Oreo also utilizes polycarbonate but does not provide specific information about its bottom housing. The bottom housing of a switch primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel, and since both switches incorporate polycarbonate, users can expect a similar level of stiffness and impact in this aspect. Although the specific qualities of the Oreo's polycarbonate bottom housing are not specified, it is likely to contribute to a clear and resonant sound profile, just like the Crystal's bottom housing. Therefore, while the top and bottom housings may differ between the Crystal and the Oreo, the qualities each housing material brings to the switches will be split accordingly, resulting in comparable experiences.

In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal and the Everglide Oreo both utilize polycarbonate as their primary housing material, particularly in the top housing. This choice enhances the switches' sound profiles, creating a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound when keys are pressed and released. The translucency of polycarbonate additionally makes both switches suitable for users who plan to incorporate RGB lighting in their setup. While the specific qualities of the bottom housing are not fully described for the Oreo, the use of polycarbonate suggests that it will offer similar impacts on the bottom-out sound and feel as the Crystal. Overall, both switches provide comparable results, showcasing the benefits of polycarbonate as a housing material.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, we find that both switches have the same actuation force and bottom out force of 45 grams and 55 grams respectively. This means that in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke and pressing all the way down, both switches provide a medium-light experience. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of typing and gaming experiences with these switches. Considering weight, some users may prefer the lighter feel provided by these forces, as it allows for longer periods of typing or gaming without fatigue, making them ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. However, for those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, both switches offer a moderate weight that can still provide satisfaction.

Travel distance

Both the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results. Neither one is shorter or longer than the other; they offer the same typing experience in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch share the descriptor of being "chirpy," meaning they both have a slight squeak to them that sets them apart from other switches. The Crystal also has a "high-pitched" sound profile, which produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Oreo's sound profile is described as subtle and mellow. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. In terms of sound, while the Crystal and Oreo switches have their own unique characteristics, both can provide an enjoyable typing experience.

When it comes to feel, the Outemu Crystal switch is described as having a "polished" feel. This means that it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel provided by the Crystal switch contribute to its overall feel. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo switch is described as "accented" and "stepped." This means that it falls in the medium tactile range, providing a noticeable level of tactility without being overwhelming. The stepped feeling of the Oreo switch adds a mild pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation. In terms of feel, the Crystal switch offers a polished and smooth experience, while the Oreo switch provides a satisfying and comfortably tactile typing experience.

Overall, the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Crystal switch provides a unique linear typing experience with its elastic feel and medium-light weight, while the Oreo switch offers a delectable treat for the fingertips with its crisp and responsive tactile bump and cushioned bottom-out sensation. In terms of sound, the Crystal switch has a neutral sound profile with chirpy characteristics and a high-pitched sound, while the Oreo switch has a subtle and mellow sound profile with chirpy characteristics. In terms of feel, the Crystal switch has a polished and smooth finish, while the Oreo switch falls into the medium tactile range and has a stepped feeling. Whether you prefer a linear switch or a tactile switch, both the Crystal and Oreo switches provide enjoyable typing experiences with their unique qualities.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a unique, linear typing experience with a medium-light weight, the Outemu Crystal linear switch is the way to go. These switches offer a neutral sound profile and a fairly elastic feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a crisp and responsive bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is the better choice. These switches provide a satisfying keystroke and a comfortable typing experience with a subtle, mellow sound profile. Ultimately, the decision between the Outemu Crystal and Everglide Oreo switches depends on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.

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