Cherry MX Orange vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Orange and Everglide Sunset Yellow both present compelling options, each with distinct characteristics that appeal to different typing preferences. The Cherry MX Orange, a reissue of the beloved original MX Orange switches, boasts enhancements that cater to high demand while providing a reliable and smooth linear experience. It is favored for its balanced actuation and satisfying feel, making it a solid choice for typists and gamers alike who value consistency and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow offers a more unique and captivating typing experience, characterized by its rich sound profile that resembles the delightful clatter of mahjong tiles. With a medium weight and a distinct gliding feel due to its innovative Ly stem and factory lube, this switch excels in providing a highly responsive and enjoyable typing experience, especially for those who appreciate added auditory feedback. Ultimately, while both switches have their merits, your choice will depend on what aspects of typing you prioritize; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Cherry MX Orange Linear

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

$3.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Cherry MX Orange and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches utilize different materials for their housings, which greatly influence their sound profiles during operation. The Cherry MX Orange features a nylon top and bottom housing, a material known for its softer properties that help absorb sound. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that many users find satisfying. The sound is described as rounder and duller, contributing to a pleasant typing experience. Conversely, the Everglide Sunset Yellow employs a POM (polyoxymethylene) material for both its top and bottom housing. Although POM is a harder plastic compared to nylon, it still produces a unique sound that leans towards a muted yet deep auditory experience. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the choice of nylon in the MX Orange creates a noticeably softer sound and feel compared to the relatively more resonant perception of the Sunset Yellow.

Despite the difference in materials, both switches elicit some similarities in their sound characteristics. The POM construction of the Sunset Yellow offers a pleasing, muted sound that can be likened to the rounded sound produced by the nylon in the MX Orange, even if the specific auditory qualities differ. Users of either switch will likely experience a deepened sound when typing, with each housing material contributing to the overall acoustic experience. This comparative robustness between switches emphasizes that while they may use different materials, the goal of delivering an enjoyable typing experience remains consistent.

In practical terms, the impact of the housing materials extends beyond mere sound and affect how individual users perceive keyboard feedback. The bottom housings, being more significant in contributing to the bottom-out sound and feel during typing, will have a heightened effect based on the inherent qualities of nylon versus POM. The MX Orange's nylon will evoke a softer response, while the POM of the Sunset Yellow provides a firmer feel. Ultimately, users who gravitate towards either switch will find that the differences in materials—while distinct—serve a shared purpose of enhancing the overall typing experience, allowing for similar satisfactory results even within a comparative framework.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, distinct differences emerge. The Cherry MX Orange requires a relatively heavier actuation force of 55 grams, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow is lighter at 43 grams. This makes the Sunset Yellow a more favorable option for those who prioritize prolonged typing sessions and lighter keystrokes. However, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Orange is unknown, while the Sunset Yellow has a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorized as medium-light. This means that while the Sunset Yellow offers a clear feel of feedback when bottoming out, the MX Orange may provide a different typing experience since its bottom out characteristics are not defined. Therefore, for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel, the Cherry MX Orange would be the choice, but for lighter, more comfortable typing, the Everglide Sunset Yellow stands out. Overall, if you desire a lighter switch, Sunset Yellow is the clear option, while those seeking a heavier feel may lean towards the Cherry MX Orange.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, the MX Orange has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sunset Yellow measures at 3.2 mm. This means that the Cherry MX Orange provides a longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced keypress experience. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow's shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm caters to gamers and users seeking quicker responsiveness, which can lead to faster keystrokes. While both switches serve specific preferences, the Cherry MX Orange is ideal for users who appreciate depth in their key presses, whereas the Everglide Sunset Yellow is better suited for those who prioritize speed and a more abrupt feel. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will hinge on whether you value traditional depth or modern responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Orange switches have not been definitively characterized in the information provided; however, users generally find Cherry switches to produce a consistent and pleasant sound profile that balances satisfying acoustic feedback with subdued noise. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches deliver a thocky sound signature, characterized by a deep and rich resonance that is reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. This intriguing sound enhances the typing experience, providing auditory satisfaction with each keystroke.

In terms of feel, while the specifics of the MX Orange's tactile feedback are not elaborated upon, it is commonly understood that Cherry's linear switches offer a smooth, uninterrupted travel, ideal for those seeking a straightforward typing experience. Contrastingly, the Sunset Yellow switches shine with an array of descriptors like creamy, frictionless, and polished, contributing to an exceptionally smooth and buttery feel. This luxurious typing experience allows fingers to glide effortlessly over the keys, making each keystroke feel effortless and fluid.

In summary, while both the Cherry MX Orange and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches cater to enthusiasts seeking linear switch experiences, they have distinct sound and feel profiles. The MX Orange provides a reliable and understated sound characteristic typical of Cherry switches, while the Sunset Yellow stands out with its thocky auditory feedback along with an extraordinarily smooth and refined tactile experience. Users looking for a satisfying blend of sound and feel may find themselves drawn to either of these options, but the specific preferences will ultimately guide their choice.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a richer auditory experience and a unique sound profile, the Sunset Yellow's thocky quality will likely enhance your typing pleasure, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that feels indulgent. Additionally, the medium-light actuation force of the Sunset Yellow makes it suitable for a wide range of users, ensuring that you can type with ease while enjoying a smooth and creamy typing experience. On the other hand, if you're seeking a switch that is perhaps more traditional and robust, the MX Orange can be a great option. While the bottom-out force of the MX Orange is less clearly defined, it offers characteristics that appeal to those who prioritize a classic feel and potentially greater durability, especially with its historical connection to the sought-after original MX Orange design. Ultimately, if you're leaning towards an exciting and distinctive typing experience with a focus on sound and smooth action, the Everglide Sunset Yellow is the way to go. However, if you prefer a more classic linear experience, the Cherry MX Orange will serve you well. Your choice should resonate with your typing habits, aesthetic preferences, and the sensory experiences you seek from your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$3.09 per 10

Learn more