Gateron Melodic vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference for feedback and sound. The Gateron Melodic stands out as a prime example of the clicky switch genre, skillfully combining innovations like smooth factory lubing and dual-railing technology to deliver a tactile sensation that's both buttery and resonant, reminiscent of classic typing experiences. Its satisfying clicky sound makes it an excellent choice for users who relish auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange switch offers a different appeal with its linear design, emphasizing a quieter operation without the added click. Originally crafted by Hirose and recently reissued by Cherry, the MX2A generation enhancements ensure a smooth keystroke experience, making it ideal for those who prefer understated typing without sacrificing performance. Both switches cater to distinct typing preferences—whether you enjoy the nostalgic click of the Melodic or the subtle smoothness of the MX Orange. 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
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Melodic and Cherry MX Orange switches utilize distinct materials for their top housings, leading to unique sound profiles and overall tactile experiences. The Melodic features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiffer nature. This characteristic enables the keys to resonate more effectively, contributing to a more pronounced and crisp feedback when typing. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal of keyboards equipped with RGB lighting, allowing vibrant colors to shine through and adding a dynamic aesthetic element to the overall typing experience.
In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switch employs a nylon top housing, which is regarded as a classic material in keyboard construction. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and rounder audio profile compared to polycarbonate. This difference in material properties leads to a tactile experience characterized by a softer sound when keys are released, making the typing feel more muted and less intrusive. For users who prefer a quieter environment, the MX Orange's nylon top housing fulfills this need more effectively than the sharper and more resonant Melodic.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both the Gateron Melodic and Cherry MX Orange switches feature nylon for their bottom housings. This commonality ensures that both switches will elicit a deep and fuller sound profile when bottoming out due to nylon's sound absorption qualities. The combined effects of the individual top and bottom housing materials dictate the overall sound and tactile feedback experienced when using either switch. In essence, while the Gateron Melodic offers a crisper sound with its polycarbonate top, the MX Orange provides a deeper, more muted acoustic experience, yet both can induce satisfying typing experiences owing to their nylon bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, we note a significant difference in their actuation forces. The Melodic switch has an unknown actuation force, while the Cherry MX Orange requires 55 grams of force to actuate a keystroke. This difference suggests that the Cherry MX Orange may provide a more defined and heavier push feel, which could appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In terms of bottom out forces, the Gateron Melodic switch bottoms out at 60 grams, indicating that it has a medium resistance when pressed all the way down. The bottom out force for the Cherry MX Orange remains unknown. Given that the Melodic has a heavier bottom out force than the known actuation force of the Cherry MX Orange, the Melodic is overall heavier, making it potentially less ideal for extended typing sessions. In summary, users seeking a lighter switch may prefer the Cherry MX Orange, while those looking for a heavier, more tactile experience might lean toward the Gateron Melodic.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, making them identical in this regard. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can expect similar tactile feedback and key press sensations when typing or gaming. This uniformity indicates that, regardless of the clicky or linear characteristics of the switches, the initial travel distance remains equivalent, allowing for a comparable experience in terms of how far each switch travels from the top to the bottom.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
The Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch is celebrated for its distinct sound profile, which can be characterized as resonant and crunchy. Users can expect a higher-pitched auditory experience reminiscent of crisp, crunchy leaves, providing a clean and sharp sound with each keystroke. This combination of sounds creates an immersive typing atmosphere that many enthusiasts appreciate. On the other hand, while the Cherry MX Orange is also a well-regarded switch, specific details about its sound are not provided, leaving potential users without a clear acoustic expectation when comparing it directly to the Melodic.
When considering the feel of each switch, the Gateron Melodic stands out for its buttery smooth keystroke experience. This means that users will enjoy a seamless and effortless typing sensation, allowing for fluid transitions between keys. The switch has been designed with characteristics that minimize friction, enhancing the overall tactile feedback. Conversely, the Cherry MX Orange lacks a detailed description of its tactile feel, which leaves a gap in understanding how it compares to the Melodic in terms of user experience and comfort during extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a distinctive auditory and tactile experience, characterized by its resonant and crunchy sound along with a buttery feel that promotes ease of use. The Cherry MX Orange switch, while also well-known, does not provide enough information about its sound and tactile response to allow for a thorough comparison. By choosing the Melodic, users can expect a carefully crafted blend of sound and feel that enhances their typing experience, while those interested in the MX Orange will have to explore its qualities further to determine if it meets their preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences in sound and feel when typing. If you appreciate a resonant and crunchy auditory experience while benefiting from a smooth keystroke thanks to the switch’s advanced lubing and design, the Melodic is an excellent option for you. It's particularly suited for those who enjoy the classic clicky feedback that provides a satisfying tactile response, making it perfect for typists who thrive on sound and interactivity. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued typing experience without the clicky noise and are looking for a switch that offers enhanced smoothness with a lesser-known bottom-out force, the Cherry MX Orange might be your ideal choice. This switch caters to users who want to focus on a quiet environment or need a more discreet solution for shared workspaces. Ultimately, consider your environment, typing habits, and whether sound and tactile feedback enhance your productivity or comfort.
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