Outemu Lime vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lime and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Outemu Lime and the Everglide Oreo, both of which fall under the tactile switch category. The Lime switches are distinguished by their lightweight nature, approachable tactility, and silent operation. Ideal for tactile enthusiasts, these switches offer a feathery light typing experience and a touch of tactility. On the other hand, the Oreo switches deliver a delectable treat for your fingertips with a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a delightfully cushioned sensation when bottoming out. With a palatable medium light tactility, these switches strike the perfect balance between a satisfying keystroke and a comfortable typing experience. While the generalities may give you an idea of which switch aligns more with your preferences, let's dive in a bit deeper to help you make the best decision for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Lime and Everglide Oreo switches, although different, both play a significant role in shaping their sound profiles. The Lime features a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Oreo utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. Nylon is known for its softer properties, absorbing more sound and creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Therefore, when comparing the sound produced by these switches, the Lime's nylon housing will result in a duller and rounder sound, while the Oreo's polycarbonate housing will provide a clearer and more resonant sound.
Aesthetically, the choice of housing material also influences the appearance of the switches. The Lime's nylon housing does not offer the translucency that polycarbonate provides. This characteristic makes the Oreo more suitable for those planning to utilize RGB lighting, as the clear housing allows the lighting effects to shine through. On the other hand, the Lime's nylon housing creates a more solid appearance. So, if RGB lighting is not a priority, the Lime can offer a visually appealing and classic switch design.
When it comes to the functionality of these switches, the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials will have varying effects. The bottom housing material has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. When pressing down on the switch, the characteristics of the bottom housing will be more noticeable. Conversely, the top housing will influence the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice between the Lime and Oreo will depend on whether you prioritize the initial keypress or the sound upon key release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have different levels of force required for actuation and bottoming out. The Lime switch has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. In contrast, the Oreo switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. Therefore, those seeking a lighter typing experience may find the Lime switch more suitable, as it allows for prolonged typing sessions without excessive fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Oreo switch. The Oreo switch provides a slightly higher resistance which can give a more satisfying tactile feedback. However, both switches fall within the range of medium to medium-light forces, so users can still achieve similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces with either option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on individual preferences and typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, it is clear that they have different distances. The Lime has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Oreo has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Oreo has a longer travel distance compared to the Lime. For those who prefer a more traditional travel distance, the Oreo would be the better option as it falls within the 4.0 mm range. However, for those who prefer a shorter travel distance, which is popular among gamers for faster response times, the Lime would be the preferred choice. It is important to note that the shorter travel distance of the Lime may feel more abrupt for some individuals, so if a deeper key press is preferred, the Oreo would be the better option.
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 Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Lime switches are described as having a neutral and muted sound profile. This means that they produce a moderate sound, suitable for most purposes, and they are quieter compared to regular mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo switches are described as chirpy, with a unique acoustic signature that sets them apart from other switches. The sound produced by the Oreos is subtle and mellow. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Lime switches offer a mild and feathery typing experience. These switches have a gentle resistance and provide a safe middle-ground feel that is approachable to most users. The feathery nature of the Lime switches makes them exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue and making them comfortable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Lime switches are described as subtle and polished, meaning they have a gentle resistance and a smooth, refined finish for a sleek typing experience.
On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo switches are accented, providing a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. They offer a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top of the keystroke, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. Additionally, the Oreo switches are described as stepped, meaning they have a mild feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. This gives users a tactile feedback without a strong, continuous bump.
Overall, the Outemu Lime switches are lightweight, feature an approachable tactility, and offer a silenced typing experience. They provide a feathery light typing experience with a touch of tactility, making them ideal for tactile fans. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo switches provide a palatable medium light tactility, striking a balance between satisfying keystrokes and comfortable typing. They have a unique, chirpy sound profile and offer a crisp and responsive tactile bump. Depending on personal preferences, both switches can deliver satisfying results, with the Lime switches providing a softer, muted sound and the Oreo switches offering a more accented typing feel.
Conclusion
In summary, the Outemu Lime tactile switch is the ideal choice for those who prefer a lightweight and quiet typing experience. Its feather-light actuation force of 45 grams reduces finger fatigue and makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Lime switch also features a subtle and polished feel, with a gentle resistance and smooth key travel. Additionally, the muted sound profile ensures that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers a medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, striking a perfect balance between a satisfying keystroke and comfortable typing experience. It has an accented tactility, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. The Oreo switch also has a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. While it produces a subtle, mellow sound profile, it has a unique chirpy acoustic signature that sets it apart. Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Lime and Everglide Oreo switches depends on your preference for the level of tactility, typing experience, and sound profile that best suits your needs.
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