Cherry Nixie vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Cherry Nixie and Everglide Oreo are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Nixie, a linear switch, is known for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, thanks to Cherry's updated materials and springs. On the other hand, the Oreo, a tactile switch, provides a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. While the Nixie is categorized as 'Textured', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', the Oreo is categorized as 'Accented', 'Chirpy', 'Stepped'. If you're looking for a switch with a satisfying keystroke and comfortable typing experience, the Oreo may be the right choice for you. 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
63.5g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry Nixie and the Everglide Oreo, it is clear that they differ significantly in terms of material composition and resulting sound profiles. The Nixie utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. This creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches. In contrast, the Oreo uses polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound when typing on the switches.
However, despite their differences, both the Nixie and Oreo housing materials offer unique benefits and characteristics. While the Nixie's nylon housing provides a softer and more absorbing sound profile, the Oreo's polycarbonate housing offers a sharper and more resonant sound experience. The translucent nature of polycarbonate in the Oreo also makes it ideal for RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the switches. In terms of typing experience, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key.
Ultimately, the choice between the Cherry Nixie and the Everglide Oreo housing materials comes down to personal preference and desired typing experience. The Nixie's nylon housing will appeal to those looking for a deeper and fuller sound profile with a duller tone, while the Oreo's polycarbonate housing is ideal for those seeking a sharper and crisper sound with enhanced clarity. Both options offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, making them suitable for a variety of typing styles and preferences.
Weight
The Cherry Nixie linear switch has a higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Everglide Oreo tactile switch. The Nixie requires 63.5 grams of force to actuate and 80 grams to bottom out, making it heavier and providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Oreo switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it more suitable for those looking for a lighter typing experience. The difference in force between the two switches can result in a noticeable variance in typing feel and feedback. Those who prefer a heavier switch may opt for the Nixie, while those who prefer a lighter switch may choose the Oreo. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, which means that users will experience a consistent key press feel when using either switch. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer a standard distance for typing and gaming purposes. While the Cherry Nixie linear switch is known for its smooth keystrokes, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch provides a satisfying tactile feedback. Overall, both switches offer a similar travel distance, making them suitable options for those looking for a standard keyboard experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 Nixie linear switches are known for their low-pitched thocky sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switches offer a unique chirpy sound, adding a playful element to the typing process. Depending on personal preference and the setup of the keyboard, both switches can deliver a pleasant sound experience, with the Nixie offering a more mellow tone and the Oreo providing a distinctive squeaky note.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry Nixie linear switches are praised for their textured typing experience, offering a noticeable friction when pressed that some users find appealing. In contrast, the Everglide Oreo tactile switches provide an accented tactile sensation, offering a medium level of tactility that strikes a balance between a satisfying keystroke and a comfortable typing experience. Additionally, the Oreo switches have a stepped feel, allowing users to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, enhancing the typing feedback without being overwhelming. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Nixie focusing on texture while the Oreo provides a balanced and accentuated tactile feel.
In conclusion, while the Cherry Nixie linear switches and the Everglide Oreo tactile switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities, both switches excel in providing a satisfying typing experience for users. Whether you prefer the low-pitched thocky sound of the Nixie or the chirpy sound of the Oreo, and whether you enjoy the textured feel of the Nixie or the accented and stepped tactile sensation of the Oreo, you can expect a high-quality typing experience from either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, ensuring that you can find the perfect mechanical keyboard switch to suit your typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a heavier switch with a deep, low-pitched sound and a textured typing experience, the Cherry Nixie may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a chirpy sound and an accented, stepped tactile feel, the Everglide Oreo could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire.
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