Cherry MX Black vs. Everglide Oreo

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up are the Cherry MX Black and the Everglide Oreo. The MX Black, known for its linear design, has further perfected its iconic switches with Cherry's new Hyperglide tooling. Typing on these switches offers a classic textured smoothness, accompanied by a familiar deep sound profile. Categorized as low-pitched, textured, and stiff, the MX Black provides a satisfyingly solid typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo is a tactile switch that promises a delightful treat for your fingertips. It features a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. With a palpable medium light tactility, these switches strike a perfect balance between a satisfying keystroke and a comfortable typing experience. Furthermore, the Oreo emits a subtle, mellow sound while typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Cherry MX Black Linear

Everglide Oreo Tactile

$4.00 per 10

$6.86

$4.19 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Cherry MX Black and the Everglide Oreo differ significantly in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The MX Black utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Oreo features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting.

While the housing materials of the MX Black and the Oreo yield different sound profiles, they do share similarities in their impact on typing experience. Both nylon and polycarbonate are classic switch housing materials that have their own distinct benefits. Typing on switches with either material will provide a satisfying tactile feedback and smooth keypress. However, the sound produced when pressing down on the switch will be influenced more by the bottom housing, while the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. In terms of aesthetics, clear housings are more likely to be made of polycarbonate, making it a preferred choice for those planning to incorporate RGB lighting.

In summary, the housing materials of the Cherry MX Black and the Everglide Oreo, namely nylon and polycarbonate respectively, result in contrasting sound profiles. While the nylon housing of the MX Black contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, the polycarbonate housing of the Oreo creates a sharper and crisper sound. However, both materials offer satisfying typing experiences with their respective tactile feedback and smooth keypress. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound profile and the desire for RGB lighting compatibility.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The MX Black has a heavier feel overall, with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. This means that it requires a significant amount of force to trigger a keystroke and fully press the keys down. On the other hand, the Oreo offers a lighter typing experience, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light in comparison. This lighter touch can be beneficial for those who type for extended periods, as it reduces fatigue and allows for smoother typing. However, for those who prefer a more substantial and pronounced feeling when typing, the heavier forces of the MX Black may be more preferable. Both switches have different weight options, catering to the preferences of different users. Overall, it is important to consider the weight of the switches based on individual preferences and needs for a comfortable and enjoyable typing or gaming experience.

Travel distance

The Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, which means that they travel the same distance from the top to the bottom when pressed. This ensures a consistent and familiar typing experience for users who prefer either of these switches. Whether you choose the Cherry MX Black or the Everglide Oreo, you can expect to have a similar tactile feedback and key press depth. Therefore, the travel distances of both switches are equal, providing a similar level of comfort and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Black switches have a low-pitched profile, which means they produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switches are described as chirpy, which adds a unique acoustic signature with a subtle squeak. It's important to note that the sound of the switches can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used. However, both switches offer distinct sound profiles, with the MX Black being low-pitched and the Oreo being chirpy.

Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Black switches are known for their textured feel, meaning they have noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother typing experience. Additionally, MX Black switches are considered stiff, requiring more force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switches provide an accented tactile bump, offering a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. They are also described as stepped switches, which means they have a mild two-stage feel with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel. Therefore, the MX Blacks have a textured and stiff feel, while the Oreos have an accented and stepped feel.

Considering all the available information, the Cherry MX Black and Everglide Oreo switches offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel. The MX Black switches provide a deep and low-pitched sound, along with a textured and stiff feel. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo switches produce a chirpy sound and offer an accented tactile bump with a stepped feel. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a low-pitched sound and a textured, stiff feel, the MX Blacks would be your best choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a chirpy sound and an accented, stepped feel, the Oreos would be more suitable for you. It's crucial to consider personal preferences and the overall typing experience desired when choosing between these two switches.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prefer a heavier switch with a deep sound profile and a textured, stiff feel, then the Cherry MX Black linear switch is the right choice for you. With its 80-gram bottom out force, you can expect a satisfying and precise typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a subtle, mellow sound profile and an accented, stepped feel, then the Everglide Oreo tactile switch would be more suitable. With its 55-gram bottom out force, it provides a comfortable and responsive typing experience with a delightful tactile bump at the top. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of weight, sound, and feel. So, consider your typing style and preferences to determine which switch will be the perfect fit for you.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Black Linear

$4.00 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Oreo Tactile

$6.86

$4.19 per 10

Learn more