Gateron Luciola vs. Everglide Oreo

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Luciola and the Everglide Oreo are two popular options to consider. The Luciola switch is best known for its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, along with its medium heft and smooth, bouncy typing feel. It produces a distinct "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. On the other hand, the Oreo switch offers a delectable treat for your fingertips, with a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top and a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. It strikes a perfect balance between satisfying keystrokes and a comfortable typing experience. The typing sound of the Oreo switch is more subtle and mellow compared to the Luciola. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Luciola Linear

Everglide Oreo Tactile

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

$6.86

$4.19 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Everglide Oreo switches differ in terms of their sound profiles and aesthetic features. The Luciola utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housing. This blend creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. On the other hand, the Oreo features polycarbonate housing for both its top and bottom components. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the Oreo's clear polycarbonate housing allows for RGB lighting to be utilized, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

Despite their differences in housing materials, both switches offer similar results in terms of providing a satisfying and clacky sound profile. The Luciola's INK blend and the Oreo's polycarbonate share the characteristic of producing a higher-pitched sound without being overly sharp. This makes both switches suitable for those seeking a thin and satisfying sound when typing.

When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall sound and feel of the switch, the Luciola and Oreo follow the same general principles. The bottom housing, which is responsible for the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, plays a significant role in the overall typing experience. The properties of the INK blend and polycarbonate contribute to this aspect, with the Oreo's stiffer polycarbonate potentially providing a more clear and resonant bottom-out sound. Conversely, the top housing, which affects the sound when releasing a key, is more influenced by the properties of the Luciola's INK blend or the Oreo's polycarbonate, with both materials having the potential to enhance this aspect of the switch's sound profile.

Overall, while the Gateron Luciola and the Everglide Oreo differ in their housing materials, they offer similar results in terms of their clacky sound profile. The Luciola's proprietary INK blend and the Oreo's polycarbonate create their own unique qualities in terms of sound and aesthetic appeal. However, both switches adhere to the general principle of the bottom housing significantly impacting bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, it is clear that the Oreo is the lighter option. The Luciola has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. On the other hand, the Oreo has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Oreo switch would be the ideal choice. With a lower actuation force, it requires less force to trigger a keystroke, allowing for smoother typing and potentially reducing fatigue during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Additionally, the lighter bottom out force of the Oreo provides a gentler sensation when pressing the switch all the way down.

In contrast, the Luciola switch offers a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Oreo. This may appeal to individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. The slightly higher force required for both actuation and bottom out can provide a sense of tactile feedback and may be favored by those who desire a more responsive and deliberate keystroke.

Overall, the choice between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience. For a lighter and smoother typing experience, the Oreo switch is the lighter option with its lower actuation and bottom out forces. However, if a stronger and more substantial feel is desired, the Luciola switch with its slightly heavier forces would be a suitable choice.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, it is evident that the Luciola has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Oreo has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. 4.0mm is the most traditional travel distance, while 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, in recent years, shorter travel distances have become popular, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. In this case, the Luciola would be the preferred choice. On the other hand, those who enjoy a deeper keystroke may find the longer travel distance of the Oreo more satisfying. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth. Both switches offer distinct experiences, catering to different user preferences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Luciola linear switch is known for its unique sound profile. When pressing these switches, they produce a sound that can be described as a hollow "can of spray paint being shaken." This sound is crisp, bright, and percussive, giving it a clacky characteristic. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch has a more subtle and mellow sound profile, with a little squeak that sets it apart from other switches.

When it comes to feel, the Luciola linear switch offers a smooth and bouncy typing experience. It has a medium heft and provides a snappy and responsive feel, thanks to its longer or dual-staged springs. This makes the typing experience feel more alive and dynamic. Additionally, the Luciola switch can be described as buttery due to its smooth and fluid keystroke, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The Oreo tactile switch, on the other hand, offers a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, giving a satisfying keystroke. It is accented, meaning it provides a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the Oreo switch can also be described as stepped, allowing for some pre-travel and/or post-travel, enhancing the typing experience.

In summary, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is best known for its clacky and snappy sound profile, as well as its smooth and bouncy typing feel. It offers a medium heft and a buttery keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch has a more mellow sound profile with a subtle squeak. It provides a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top and a delightfully cushioned sensation when bottoming out. Although they have their unique qualities, both switches offer a pleasing typing experience. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, you can expect satisfying results with either switch.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a visually appealing switch that provides a smooth and bouncy typing feel, along with a medium bottom-out force, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is a great choice. These switches have an eye-catching glow in the dark feature and produce a satisfying "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch that offers a crisp and responsive bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is the way to go. With a slightly lighter bottom-out force and a mellow sound profile, these switches strike the perfect balance between a satisfying keystroke and a comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Luciola and the Everglide Oreo will depend on your preference for linear or tactile switches, as well as the desired sound and feel.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Oreo Tactile

$6.86

$4.19 per 10

Learn more