Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing style, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and Cherry MX Orange offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Moyu Black is celebrated for its sharp tactile feedback, featuring a strong downstroke and an even more pronounced upstroke bump that results in a hypertactile sensation. This unique design, crafted from a PBT blend for a premium feel, is perfect for typists who relish a snappy response and an impactful sound during their keystrokes. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange, a linear switch, provides a smooth and unbroken feel, ideal for those who prefer a quieter experience without tactile interruptions. While the Moyu Blacks shine in delivering a noticeable tactile response that can enhance typing accuracy, the MX Orange appeals to users who value the fluid motion of linear switches for both gaming and typing. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PBT
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Cherry MX Orange switches, one of the primary distinctions lies in the materials used for their top housings. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) features a PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) top housing, known for offering a neutral sound profile that strikes a balance between being neither too crisp nor too dull. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange utilizes a nylon top housing, which is traditionally regarded as delivering a deeper and fuller sound. This variance in sound characterization can lead to noticeably different auditory experiences while typing, with the Moyu Black providing a clearer sound based on its neutral profile, while the MX Orange presents a softer, more rounded noise due to the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon.
The difference in the bottom housings of these switches enhances the contrast further. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) once again utilizes PBT for its bottom housing, maintaining its consistent neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange's bottom housing, made from nylon, contributes to a deeper, fuller sound that resonates differently when bottoming out. Consequently, when a user presses down on these switches, the characteristics of the respective bottom housings will influence the feel and sound feedback. This divergence means that while both the Moyu Black and MX Orange may provide satisfactory performance, the experience will vary notably based on the chosen keyboard configuration and user preferences.
Despite these differences in materials, it is important to note that both switch designs can yield satisfying results in terms of typing experience and sound when used within their intended configurations. If a person prefers a more neutral auditory feedback, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) would be favorable due to its PBT construction, while those who enjoy a softer, rounder profile might lean towards the Cherry MX Orange. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique attributes yet can coexist competitively within the mechanical switch market, appealing to a wide range of user preferences based on the nuanced effects of their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch with the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, we can observe notable differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force for the MX Orange remains unspecified. The Moyu Black has an actuation force of 50 grams, which makes it slightly lighter than the Cherry MX Orange's actuation force of 55 grams. This lighter actuation force of the Moyu switch might appeal to those who favor longer typing sessions or gaming due to reduced fatigue. In contrast, the heavier force of the Cherry MX Orange may provide a more substantial feel, appealing to users who appreciate a stronger push-back while typing. As for the bottom out forces, the Moyu Black's bottom out force is 67 grams, giving it a defined end-point sensation. Since the Cherry MX Orange's bottom out force is unknown, we cannot directly compare these metrics. Nonetheless, if one prefers a heavier typing experience, the Moyu Black offers that with its higher bottom out force, while the Cherry MX Orange's characteristics would need further detail for a complete comparison.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch have identical travel distances of 4 mm. This similarity in travel distance means that users can expect comparable tactile feedback and key response when pressing down on either switch. As a result, both switches can provide a similar typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a standard key press depth without significant variances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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
When comparing the sound profiles of the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Cherry MX Orange switches, the Moyu Black offers a resonant, higher-pitched sound that is clean and sharp, providing an immersive auditory experience. This results in a satisfyingly punchy sound during typing, characterized by its snappy feedback on each keystroke. In contrast, the sound profile of the MX Orange is unspecified in the provided information, thus leaving its auditory experience a mystery. However, it’s important to note that the overall sound a switch produces can depend heavily on factors such as the keyboard construction and keycap choice, which would apply to both switches.
In terms of tactile feel, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is known for its medium-heavy actuation force and prominent tactile feedback, marked by a sharp, defined tactile bump that enhances the typing experience. The switch features a stronger tactile sensation upon both downstroke and upstroke, categorized as hypertactile, which suggests an intense feedback that is distinct with every keypress. On the other hand, the tactile feel of the Cherry MX Orange switch is not detailed here, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. However, considering the Moyu Black’s accentuated and crisp feedback, it stands out as particularly engaging for those who favor tactile responsiveness in their mechanical keyboards.
In summary, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) delivers a resonant and sharp auditory experience along with a distinctively strong tactile feedback, which can contribute to an exciting typing experience. Although the Cherry MX Orange switch's sound and feel are not explicitly defined in the information provided, the characteristics of the Moyu Black suggest it is likely to offer a more engaging experience for users who prioritize audio and tactile sensation. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, and your choice might hinge on whether you prefer the sharper tactile feedback of the Moyu Black or the potentially unknown qualities of the MX Orange.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you appreciate a pronounced tactile feedback that enhances your typing experience, the Moyu Black switches will serve you well. Their medium-heavy force of 67 grams provides a satisfying resistance, along with a sharp tactile bump that can make each keystroke feel impactful and engaging. This makes them an excellent choice for those who enjoy an involved and tactile typing experience, particularly during long sessions of writing or coding, where the feedback can help maintain rhythm and accuracy. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more consistent keypress without tactile resistance, the Cherry MX Orange switches would be a better fit. They offer a linear feel, allowing for quick and effortless actuation without the tactile bump, which is ideal for gaming or fast-paced typing tasks where speed and fluidity are paramount. In summary, consider the Moyu Blacks for a tactile, engaging experience and the Cherry MX Oranges for a streamlined, fluid typing performance.
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