Everglide Oreo vs. Outemu Phoenix
An in-depth look at the Everglide Oreo and the Outemu Phoenix switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Oreo and the Outemu Phoenix. The Oreo is well-known for its tactile nature, providing users with a crisp and responsive bump at the top of each keystroke. This switch offers a medium light tactility, striking a balance between satisfying keystrokes and a comfortable typing experience. Additionally, the Oreo produces a subtle and mellow sound profile. On the other hand, the Phoenix stands out with its unique under-skirt click mechanism. This clicky switch offers a crystalline and sparkling type feel and sound profile. Categorized as "Crunchy" and "Polished," the Phoenix delivers a satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Oreo and the Outemu Phoenix both utilize polycarbonate for their top and bottom housings, resulting in similar qualities for both switches. The use of polycarbonate in the housings creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's relatively stiffer plastic composition, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly advantageous for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, regardless of whether it is the Oreo or the Phoenix, users can expect to experience similar sound and aesthetic benefits from the polycarbonate top and bottom housings.
The key difference between the Everglide Oreo and the Outemu Phoenix lies in the specific feel and sound they offer when pressing down on a key versus when releasing it. While both switches share the same polycarbonate housing material for both the top and bottom, the qualities they bring are split between the two. When typing with the Oreo, users will experience the impact and sound of the bottom housing, which has a more pronounced effect on the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the Phoenix's top housing has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. These subtle differences provide users with the ability to fine-tune the keyboard experience based on their preferences.
Overall, the Everglide Oreo and the Outemu Phoenix offer similar results due to their shared use of polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings. As a result, both switches exhibit the characteristic sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile associated with polycarbonate. They also provide the aesthetic advantage of translucency for those who desire RGB lighting effects. However, the nuances come into play when considering the impact of the bottom housing on bottom-out sound and feel versus the influence of the top housing on the sound during key release. These distinctions allow users to choose between the switches based on their preferred typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Oreo switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, whereas the Phoenix switch's actuation force is not known. In terms of bottom out force, the Oreo requires 55 grams of force, while the Phoenix switch demands 62 grams. These variations make the Oreo switch lighter in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Phoenix switch.
Considering the weight aspect, those seeking a lighter typing experience for extended periods might prefer the Oreo switch. This quality makes it suitable for individuals using keyboards for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial and forceful keystroke experience may lean towards the Phoenix switch with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
While we lack information on the actuation force of the Phoenix switch, if it falls within a similar range as the Oreo's 45 grams, users can expect comparable results in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, the heavier bottom out force of 62 grams in the Phoenix switch distinguishes it as a slightly firmer option. Ultimately, personal preferences and typing styles will dictate the preferred switch for individual users.
Travel distance
The Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch have different travel distances. The Oreo has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is the more traditional and deeper option. On the other hand, the Phoenix has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Phoenix ideal for those who prefer a shorter travel distance for faster response times, especially in gaming. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance of the Phoenix to be too abrupt, and in those cases, the Oreo with its longer travel distance would be a better choice for a more tactile and hearty typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences, with the Oreo offering a deeper travel distance and the Phoenix providing a shorter and more responsive option.
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 Phoenix comes in at $4.15 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
The Everglide Oreo tactile switch is best known for providing a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. This switch offers a medium light tactility, striking a perfect balance between satisfying keystrokes and a comfortable typing experience. When typing on the Oreo, users can expect a subtle and mellow sound profile.
On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch stands out with its unique under-skirt click mechanism, making it one of the most distinctive clicky switches available. It offers a crystalline and sparkling feel and sound profile, which adds to the overall typing experience.
In terms of sound, the Oreo switch can be described as chirpy, with a subtle squeak that sets it apart from other switches. Meanwhile, the Phoenix switch produces a crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Oreo switch is characterized as accented, providing a medium tactile experience that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It offers a prominent amount of tactility, making keystrokes satisfying without being too pronounced. Additionally, the Oreo switch can be described as stepped, meaning it has two stages of tactile feedback, with a mild pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation.
In comparison, the Phoenix switch is polished, offering a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This can be attributed to either the materials used or factory lubing, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and Outemu Phoenix clicky switch deliver unique subjective qualities in terms of both sound and feel. While the Oreo switch offers a mellow sound profile, the Phoenix switch provides a crunchy sound experience. In terms of feel, the Oreo switch strikes a balance between medium tactility and a comfortable typing experience, while the Phoenix switch offers a polished and smooth key travel. Both switches have their distinct characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their preferences and desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a satisfying tactile bump, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is the way to go. These switches provide a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out, striking the perfect balance between a satisfying keystroke and comfortable typing experience. The Oreo switches also offer a subtle, mellow sound profile, giving you a pleasant auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, if you value a unique clicky switch with a medium bottom out force, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch is the ideal choice. These switches feature an under-skirt click mechanism, providing a crystal-like and sparkling typing feel and sound profile. Additionally, the Phoenix switches have a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch depends on your preference for tactility, sound, and feel.
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