Everglide Oreo vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the Everglide Oreo and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Oreo tactile switch to the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, both offer a satisfying typing experience with tactile feedback. The Oreo is best known for its crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. With a medium light tactility and a subtle, mellow sound profile, typing on the Oreo switches is a delightful experience. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf switch doesn't have specific characteristics that stand out as its defining feature. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to better understand the unique qualities of each switch and determine which one would be the best choice for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Everglide Oreo and the Outemu Maple Leaf feature different housing materials for the top and bottom parts of the switch. The Oreo utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on the switch. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf uses a nylon top and bottom housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
While both the Oreo and the Maple Leaf switches have different housing materials, they each bring unique qualities to the overall typing experience. The Oreo's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for users looking for a switch that offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. In contrast, the Maple Leaf's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, appealing to those who prefer a more mellow typing experience. Despite the differences in sound profiles between the two switches, both housing materials are designed to enhance the overall typing feel based on their unique compositions.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Oreo and the Outemu Maple Leaf will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. The Oreo's polycarbonate housing delivers a clear and resonant sound profile, while the Maple Leaf's nylon housing offers a deeper and rounder sound. Whether you prefer the sharpness of polycarbonate or the mellowness of nylon, both switches provide distinct typing experiences that cater to a variety of preferences. While the housing materials may differ, the end result in terms of sound and feel will ultimately depend on the user's individual preference and typing style.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, it is evident that the Oreo is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Maple Leaf is the heavier choice with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The Oreo provides a medium-light typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf offers a medium-heavy feel, ideal for users who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, providing users with the opportunity to choose based on their personal preferences for typing feel and keypress resistance. Ultimately, the decision between the Oreo and the Maple Leaf will come down to whether one prefers a lighter or heavier actuation force for their typing needs.
Travel distance
The Everglide Oreo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Oreo has a longer travel distance compared to the Maple Leaf. The Oreo's 4 mm travel distance offers a deeper key press experience, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf's 3.3 mm travel distance provides a slightly shallower key press, which could be favored by those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. Both switches offer a tactile experience, but the difference in travel distance caters to different preferences in typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for either a deeper or shallower typing experience.
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 Outemu Maple Leaf comes in at $3.10 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 the sound produced by the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, users can expect a chirpy and unique acoustic signature with a subtle, mellow profile. This distinct sound adds character to the typing experience without being too disruptive. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch is unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Everglide Oreo is considered accented and stepped, providing a medium tactile feedback that is satisfying without being overwhelming. Users can feel a notable bump at the top of the keystroke, followed by a cushioned bottom out, creating a comfortable typing experience overall. Unfortunately, the specific feel of the Outemu Maple Leaf switch is not described, making it challenging to directly compare to the Oreo. However, if the Maple Leaf switch falls into a similar category of medium tactile feedback, users can expect a similar level of satisfaction in typing.
In conclusion, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers a delightful typing experience with a unique chirpy sound and medium tactile feedback that strikes a balance between comfort and responsiveness. While specific information on the Outemu Maple Leaf switch is lacking, if it provides a similar level of tactility and sound profile, users can expect a comparable experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the overall typing experience desired.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a medium-light tactile switch with a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top followed by a cushioned bottom-out sensation, the Everglide Oreo switch would be a delicious choice for your typing needs. The subtle and mellow sound profile of the Oreo adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch without any distinct sound or feel characteristics, the Outemu Maple Leaf switch might be the better fit for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for key feel and sound.