Everglide Oreo vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Everglide Oreo and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Everglide Oreo mechanical keyboard switch is a popular choice for those seeking a tactile experience while typing. With its crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out, typing on the Oreo switch is akin to indulging in a delectable treat for your fingertips. The medium light tactility of these switches strikes a perfect balance between a satisfying keystroke and a comfortable typing experience. Additionally, the Oreo switch offers a subtle and mellow sound profile. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch is known for providing a bouncy typing experience. The sound profile of these switches is clean and clacky, adding a satisfying auditory element to typing. Categorized as low-pitched, neutral, mild, thocky, and polished, the Polaris Gray switch offers a unique typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Everglide Oreo and SP-Star Polaris Gray share similarities in their housing materials. Both switches feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound output. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it advantageous for switches that incorporate RGB lighting.
However, while they have the same housing material, the Oreo and Polaris Gray may differ in terms of their design and aesthetics. The Oreo's polycarbonate top and bottom housings may have distinct characteristics that enhance its overall look and feel. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate top and bottom housings may offer a different visual appeal. It would depend on the specific design choices made by each manufacturer.
The impact of the housing materials on the overall switch experience is also worth considering. When pressing the Oreo switch, the qualities of its polycarbonate bottom housing will be more prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the housing materials may be the same, the distribution of these materials in the switches will affect their functionality and sound characteristics.
In conclusion, the everglide Oreo and SP-Star Polaris Gray utilize polycarbonate for both their top and bottom housings, resulting in a similar sharp and crisp sound profile. However, differences may exist in terms of their aesthetic designs. The allocation of the housing materials in the switches will affect how they sound and react when keys are pressed or released. Understanding these variations enables keyboard enthusiasts to make informed decisions based on their individual preferences and sound requirements.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Oreo tactile switch with the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, it becomes apparent that there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Oreo has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a medium-light touch required to initiate a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Polaris Gray switch is unknown, making it difficult to assess this particular aspect. Moving on to bottom out force, the Oreo requires 55 grams of pressure to fully depress the key, indicating a medium-light resistance. Conversely, the Polaris Gray boasts a bottom out force of 67 grams, demonstrating a medium-heavy resistance when fully pressed. This discrepancy in force indicates that the Oreo switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Polaris Gray. Consequently, those who prefer a lightweight typing experience or enjoy extended typing sessions may lean towards the Oreo switch, while those seeking a more substantial and forceful feel may opt for the Polaris Gray.
Travel distance
The Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the key travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a similar tactile experience and provide a satisfying feeling when typing. With their equal travel distance, you can expect to get similar results in terms of key responsiveness and overall 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 SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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 its 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 balance between a satisfying keystroke and comfortable typing experience. When typing on the Oreo, users can expect a subtle and mellow sound profile. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch provides a bouncy typing experience and a clean and clacky sound profile. The sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.
Comparing the sound qualities, the Oreo switch is described as having a chirpy sound, which is characterized by a little squeak. This unique acoustic signature sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switch is known for its low-pitched sound, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Additionally, the Polaris Gray switch is also described as thocky, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. Both switches offer different sound profiles, providing users with options depending on their preference.
When it comes to feel, the Oreo switch is categorized as an accented switch, providing a medium tactile experience that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It offers a prominent amount of tactility, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a medium tactile switch. The Oreo switch is also described as a stepped switch, meaning it feels like it has two stages with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switch offers a mild typing experience, providing a gentle tactile response compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Polaris Gray switch is also noted as being polished, which means it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Oreo switch provides a mellow sound profile and a medium-light tactility with a subtle and cushioned typing experience. Meanwhile, the Polaris Gray switch offers a clean and clacky sound profile with a bouncy typing experience, a mild tactile response, and a polished finish for smooth key travel. Depending on preferences, users can choose between these switches to achieve different tactile and auditory experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a satisfying and comfortable typing experience with a medium-light tactility, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is the perfect choice for you. These switches offer a crisp tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. The Oreo switches are also known for their subtle and mellow sound profile, providing a pleasant auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience and clean clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is the way to go. With a medium-heavy bottom out force, these switches offer a more pronounced typing sensation. The Polaris Gray switches are low-pitched, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone. They also have a neutral actuation force requirement, making them suitable for various environments and skill levels.
Ultimately, your choice between the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch will depend on your personal preference in terms of tactility, sound, and feel. Whether you prefer a medium-light tactile switch with a mellow sound or a bouncy linear switch with a clean clacky sound, both options have their own unique qualities to enhance your typing experience.
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