Cherry MX Red vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Red and Everglide Oreo offer unique experiences for different preferences. The MX Red is a linear switch known for its heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo is a tactile switch that offers a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. This switch strikes a balance between satisfying keystrokes and a comfortable typing experience, with a subtle, mellow sound profile. While the MX Red is ideal for those who prefer a smooth typing experience with a deep sound, the Oreo is perfect for those who enjoy a tactile feel with a lighter touch. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Yes
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Red and the Everglide Oreo, one key difference lies in the materials used. The MX Red utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Oreo employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, which is a stiffer plastic leading to a sharper and crisper sound profile. While the MX Red's nylon housing creates a duller and rounder sound, the Oreo's polycarbonate housing produces a more clear and resonant sound.
Another point of comparison is in the aesthetics of the housing materials. The MX Red's nylon housing may not be translucent, but it still offers a classic and reliable switch housing option that provides a unique sound profile. On the other hand, the Oreo's polycarbonate housing is clear, making it suitable for RGB lighting setups and adding a visually appealing aspect to the switch. The use of polycarbonate in the Everglide Oreo not only enhances the lighting effects but also contributes to a more high-pitched and resonant sound experience.
Overall, while both the Cherry MX Red and Everglide Oreo utilize different housing materials, they each offer distinctive sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. If the goal is to achieve a deeper and fuller sound with a softer plastic, the MX Red's nylon housing is a solid choice. Conversely, for a sharper and crisper sound profile with the added benefit of translucent aesthetics for RGB lighting, the Oreo's polycarbonate housing is the way to go. Despite their differences, both housing materials play a significant role in the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
The Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equal in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, there is a difference between the two switches. The MX Red does not have a specified bottom out force, while the Oreo has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. This means that the Oreo switch will provide a slightly heavier feel when typing compared to the MX Red, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference, with lighter switches like the MX Red being favored for longer typing sessions, while heavier switches like the Oreo may be preferred for a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel before the key registers. This can result in a similar typing experience in terms of how the keys feel when pressed. Overall, while both switches offer a consistent travel distance, they differ in their linear and tactile characteristics, with the MX Red being a linear switch and the Oreo being a tactile switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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.
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 Red switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile with low-pitched tones, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each key press and release. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch introduces a unique chirpy sound that sets it apart from other switches, adding a bit of whimsy to the typing experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the MX Red providing a deeper thocky sound and the Oreo offering a playful chirpy sound.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Red switch is known for its textured feel, offering a slightly rougher typing experience that some users may find more satisfying. In contrast, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch provides an accented feel with medium light tactility, striking a balance between a satisfying keystroke and a comfortable typing experience. Additionally, the Oreo switch is described as stepped, providing a unique two-stage tactile experience that can be appealing to users looking for a tactile switch that is not overwhelming.
Overall, the Cherry MX Red and Everglide Oreo switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. While the MX Red provides a deeper sound and a textured feel, the Oreo switch introduces a chirpy sound and an accented tactile feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these switches to customize their typing experience to suit their needs. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, it's important to consider your typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a smoother, more linear typing experience with a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, the Cherry MX Red switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, and a cushioned sensation when bottoming out, the Everglide Oreo switch could be the perfect choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on how you want your typing experience to feel and sound.
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