Cherry MX Brown vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Cherry MX Brown and the Everglide Oreo. The MX Brown switches are best known for their subtle characteristics, offering a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and a subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, the Oreo switches are a delectable treat for your fingertips, providing a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a delightfully cushioned sensation when bottoming out. Their medium light tactility strikes the perfect balance between a satisfying keystroke and a comfortable typing experience. While the MX Browns have a more textured, bassy, and low-pitched sound profile, the Oreos offer a subtler, mellow sound. 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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 Cherry MX Brown and Everglide Oreo differ in their choice of housing materials. The MX Brown utilizes a nylon top housing, while the Oreo features a polycarbonate top housing. These materials have distinct characteristics that result in different sound profiles. The nylon top housing of the MX Brown creates a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Oreo produces a sharper and crisper sound due to its relatively stiffer nature. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing option compared to the opaque nylon housing of the MX Brown.
Similar comparisons can be made between the bottom housings of the MX Brown and the Oreo. The MX Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Oreo employs a polycarbonate bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the MX Brown contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its effect on the top housing. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Oreo results in a sharper and crisper sound, consistent with the characteristics of its top housing. Both materials have their advantages, with nylon offering a duller and rounder sound, while polycarbonate provides a more clear and resonant sound.
When considering how these housing materials affect the overall typing experience, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are divided between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing largely influences the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, users can expect a combination of the specific sound profiles associated with the chosen housing materials in both the Cherry MX Brown and Everglide Oreo switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, both switches have the same actuation force and bottom out force. With an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, both switches fall into the medium-light category. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience when using either switch in terms of the amount of force required to trigger a keystroke and the depth at which the key can be pressed. The choice between the two switches may come down to other factors such as key feel or overall build quality. However, for those who prioritize weight in their typing experience, both switches offer a lighter force that allows for extended periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, for those seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, both switches also provide a slightly heavier force that can enhance the tactile feedback while typing. Ultimately, the decision between the Cherry MX Brown and the Everglide Oreo switches will depend on personal preference and specific typing needs.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance being traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, the results of the travel distance for both switches will be similar. Neither switch is shorter or longer than the other since they have an equal travel distance.
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 Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Brown switches are known for their subtlety. They offer a mellow and gentle sound profile that is not too loud or obtrusive. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo switches have a unique acoustic signature described as "chirpy". This means that they have a slight squeak to them, setting them apart from other switches. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Brown switches provide a relatively light and textured typing experience. Some users prefer switches with noticeable friction when pressed, as it gives them a sense of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo switches are described as accented and stepped. This means that they offer a medium level of tactility without being overwhelming, and they have a two-stage feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. This combination provides a satisfying and cushioned sensation when bottoming out.
Based on the available information, the Cherry MX Brown switches are known for their subtlety in both sound and feel. They offer a gentle tactile feedback and a mellow sound profile. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo switches provide a crisp and responsive tactile bump, accompanied by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. They have a unique chirpy sound. While they have different characteristics, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with a medium level of tactility. It ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between these two switches.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, the choice between the Cherry MX Brown and the Everglide Oreo tactile switches ultimately depends on your preferences and priorities. If you value subtlety and a lighter typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the MX Brown switches are a great choice. They offer a comfortable typing experience, have a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, and provide a textured feel that some users prefer. On the other hand, if you enjoy a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out, the Oreo switches are a delectable treat for your fingertips. They strike a balance between a satisfying keystroke and a comfortable typing experience, with a subtle and mellow sound profile. The Oreo switches are accented and stepped, giving them a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. Ultimately, consider your desired typing experience and sound profile when choosing between these two switches, and enjoy the delightful journey of mechanical keyboard switches.
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