Everglide Oreo vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Everglide Oreo and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Oreo and the Gateron Silent Ink Black. The Everglide Oreo is a tactile switch that provides a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. It offers a satisfying keystroke and a comfortable typing experience, with a subtle and mellow sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is a linear switch that is perfect for environments where quieter typing is essential. It offers a plush and pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. Both switches have their unique characteristics and benefits, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Oreo and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches differ in terms of the specific materials used. The Oreo features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which is characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, without being overly sharp. This results in a satisfying thin and clacky sound when typing on the switch.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Oreo and the Silent Ink Black switches also differ in their respective housing materials. The Oreo uses a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to the overall sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile of the switch. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate adds to the clarity and resonance of the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Conversely, the Silent Ink Black incorporates Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing. This material choice is responsible for the pointed and high-pitched sound profile that has been described as clacky. The INK blend adds a unique touch to the switch's sound and tactile experience.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Everglide Oreo and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches differ, they both aim to deliver a satisfying and distinct auditory experience. Both switches prioritize a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, albeit achieved through different materials. However, they achieve this in their own unique ways. The Oreo relies on the stiffness and translucency of polycarbonate, while the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's INK blend for a more pointed and clacky sound. Therefore, depending on personal preference, users can expect similar results when it comes to the overall sound of the switches, although they will have different qualities in terms of the bottom-out and release sound.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, a noticeable difference can be found in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Everglide Oreo tactile switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light in terms of weight. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy.
The discrepancy in actuation force means that the Gateron Silent Ink Black requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke compared to the Everglide Oreo. This can result in a more substantial typing experience for individuals who prefer a higher resistance. However, if one desires a lighter typing experience that allows for longer periods of typing or gaming, the Everglide Oreo would be a better choice due to its lower actuation force.
Similarly, when considering the bottom out force, the Gateron Silent Ink Black requires a heavier force to fully press the key down compared to the Everglide Oreo. This can provide a more satisfying and tactile feedback for those who prefer a stronger push feel. However, if someone prefers a lighter touch when bottoming out keys, the Everglide Oreo would be more suitable.
In conclusion, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch. However, individual preferences will vary, and those who seek a more substantial and tactile typing experience may prefer the heavier Gateron Silent Ink Black with its medium-heavy actuation and bottom out forces. It is important to choose a switch that aligns with personal preferences and usage requirements to enhance overall typing or gaming performance.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance from the top to the bottom. Whether you prefer the tactile feedback of the Oreo or the smooth linear action of the Silent Ink Black, you can be assured that the travel distance will be consistent for both switches. So, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both options.
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers a subtle and mellow sound profile. It doesn't have the typical clacky or loud sound associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is specifically designed to provide a quieter typing experience. It is described as producing a muted sound, which means it is softer and quieter compared to a regular switch. Both switches aim to minimize noise, but the Oreo provides a more gentle and restrained sound while the Silent Ink Black focuses on maximum noise reduction.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers a medium level of tactility. It has a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, providing a satisfying keystroke. It is described as accented, meaning it provides a noticeable amount of tactility without being overwhelming or scratchy. Additionally, it is also described as stepped, which means it has a two-stage feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience. It is described as silky, indicating that it enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel. It is also described as polished, meaning it has a refined finish that reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, but the Oreo provides a more tactile feel while the Silent Ink Black focuses on a silky smoothness.
Based on the available information, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch provides a delectable treat for your fingertips with a satisfying keypress and comfortable typing experience. It offers a medium light tactility, a subtle and mellow sound profile, and a stepped feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch ensures a quiet typing experience with its muted sound and cushion-like bottom-out feel. It offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, with a silky feel and polished finish. Depending on your preferences, both switches provide distinct qualities for different typing experiences. However, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with smoother key travel, the Silent Ink Black can provide similar results to the Oreo's tactile feel but with maximum noise reduction.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-light tactile switch that offers a satisfying keystroke and comfortable typing experience, the Everglide Oreo is your best bet. These switches provide a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. They strike the perfect balance between tactility and comfort. Additionally, the Oreo switches have a subtle and mellow sound profile, creating a pleasant auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet typing environment, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is the way to go. These switches offer a pillow-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, making them perfect for situations that require reduced noise. The Silent Ink Black switches also provide a silky and polished typing experience, with their exceptionally smooth feel and reduced friction.
Ultimately, your choice between the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch depends on your preferences. If you value tactility and a balanced typing experience, go for the Oreo. If you prioritize a silence and smoothness, the Silent Ink Black is your best option.
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