Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. Everglide Oreo

Overview

The world of mechanical keyboards provides a plethora of options to suit every typing preference. Two such options are the Gateron Oil King, a linear switch, and the Everglide Oreo, a tactile switch. The Oil King is renowned for its smoothness, akin to the sensation of snapping into a dark chocolate bar, and its low-pitched, silky sound profile. On the other hand, the Oreo entices users with its delightful tactile bump and cushioned sensation when bottoming out. With an accented, chirpy sound profile, typing on the Oreo delivers a subtly mellow experience. These general pointers highlight the unique characteristics of each switch and make them appealing choices for different preferences. However, let's dive deeper into their specifics, so you can make the best decision based on your personal preferences.

By the numbers

Gateron Oil King (V2) Linear

Everglide Oreo Tactile

$6.50 per 10

$6.86

$4.19 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Oil King and the Everglide Oreo differ in their housing materials, with the Oil King featuring a nylon top housing and a proprietary INK blend bottom housing, while the Oreo utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. The use of nylon in the Oil King's top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate used in the Oreo's top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, thanks to its stiffer nature that allows for a more clear and resonant profile.

In terms of aesthetics, the clear polycarbonate housing of the Oreo is particularly advantageous for those planning to use RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting to shine through and create a visually appealing effect. However, both switches prioritize sound characteristics over visual elements, with the Oil King offering a slightly clacky sound due to its INK blend bottom housing, while the Oreo also benefits from the sharpness and higher pitch provided by its polycarbonate bottom housing. Despite their differences, both switches aim to provide a satisfying and unique typing experience.

When it comes to the impact on sound and feel, the bottom housing plays a significant role for both switches. Pressing down on either the Oil King or the Oreo will result in experiencing the qualities of the bottom housing, as it influences the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the top housing has a more noticeable impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice of housing material for each switch can greatly affect the overall typing experience, providing different levels of sound sharpness, pitch, and resonance. However, in terms of typing satisfaction, both switches offer similar results with their respective housing materials contributing to the unique characteristics of each.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, there are a few key differences to consider. The actuation force of the Oil King is slightly heavier, at 55 grams, compared to the Oreo's 45 grams, making the Oreo a lighter option. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Oil King is 65 grams, while the Oreo has a bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Oil King is also heavier in terms of bottoming out.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Oreo may be more suitable as its actuation and bottom out forces are both lighter. This can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions where less force is required. On the other hand, if a more substantial typing experience is desired, the Oil King's slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces may provide that satisfying push feel.

It is important to note that while the forces of these switches differ, they both fall within the medium range. This means that regardless of the preference, both switches would still provide a similar result in terms of actuation and bottom out forces when compared to switches with significantly lighter or heavier forces. Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch would depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, pressing down on either of these switches will result in a similar experience in terms of the distance traveled. It is interesting to note that both switches offer this identical travel distance, which may indicate that they are designed to provide a consistent typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Oil King linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy profile. These switches have a mellow and deep sound reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch has a chirpy sound, which sets it apart from other switches. The Oreo's sound profile is unique and adds a little squeak during key presses. However, it's worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to feel, the Oil King linear switch provides a creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience. These switches are known for their smooth and fluid keystrokes, offering a seamless and effortless sensation. They feel like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is described as accented and stepped. It offers a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The Oreo provides a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. It offers a comfortable typing experience while still delivering a satisfying keystroke.

In conclusion, the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Oil King provides a low-pitched and bassy sound, coupled with a creamy and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the Oreo offers a chirpy sound, along with a tactile and comfortable typing feel. Both switches offer their own unique characteristics, ensuring a pleasant and enjoyable typing experience. If you prefer a smoother linear switch with a low-pitched sound, the Oil King is a great choice. If you desire a tactile switch with a chirpy sound and medium tactility, the Oreo will deliver similar results.

Conclusion

In closing, if you prioritize a smooth and buttery typing experience with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, then the Gateron Oil King linear switch is the perfect choice for you. These switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force, providing a satisfying keystroke and a comfortable typing experience. However, if you prefer a tactile switch with a delightfully cushioned sensation when bottoming out and a subtle, mellow sound profile, then the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is the way to go. With a lower bottom out force compared to the Oil King, these switches strike a balance between a satisfying keystroke and a comfortable typing experience. Both switches have their unique qualities, so ultimately, it comes down to your personal preference and typing style. Whether you choose the smoothness of the Oil King or the tactile delight of the Oreo, you can't go wrong with either of these fantastic mechanical keyboard switches.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Oil King (V2) Linear

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Oreo Tactile

$6.86

$4.19 per 10

Learn more