Everglide Oreo vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Everglide Oreo and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Everglide Oreo and the SP-Star Duck are both tactile switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Oreo is known for its crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. It strikes the perfect balance between a satisfying keystroke and a comfortable typing experience. Additionally, the Oreo offers a subtle, mellow sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience, the Duck switches are perfect for you. They provide a gentle tactility and a clean and crispy sound profile. Both switches have their own distinct qualities that make them appealing options for different typing preferences. 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
58g
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 the SP-Star Duck both feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings. This choice of material creates a similar effect in both switches, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those seeking a precise and distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings makes it well-suited for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind.
However, while the housing materials may be the same for the Oreo and the Duck, the qualities they bring to the switches will be split between the top and bottom. When it comes to the sound and feel when pressing down on the switches, the bottom housing plays a more significant role. The bottom-out sound and feel of the switches will be influenced by the qualities of the bottom housing material. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key.
In summary, the Everglide Oreo and the SP-Star Duck offer similar results due to their polycarbonate top and bottom housings. Both switches provide a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to the stiffness and clarity of polycarbonate. Whether you are pressing down on the switch or releasing a key, the housing materials contribute to the overall sound and feel. So, if you're in search of a switch with a distinct and precise typing experience, both the Oreo and the Duck would be excellent choices.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, 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 to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Duck is unavailable, meaning the specific force required to activate the switch is unknown. However, the Duck does have a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Oreo's bottom out force of 55 grams. This indicates that the Duck provides a medium typing experience, while the Oreo allows for a slightly lighter actuation force. For those who prefer a lighter touch to type for longer periods of time, the Oreo would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial and pronounced typing experience may opt for the Duck, with its heavier bottom out force. Overall, while the actuation force of the Duck remains unknown, both switches offer different levels of resistance that cater to varying preferences.
Travel distance
The Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance.
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 Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, the Oreo switches have a subtle, mellow sound profile. This means that they produce a low-key noise when typing, without any pronounced or disruptive sounds. On the other hand, the Duck switches have a clean and crispy sound profile, which implies a pleasant and clear typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Oreo switches are described as having a medium light tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. This provides a satisfying keystroke and a comfortable typing experience. Additionally, these switches are accented and stepped, meaning they have a moderate amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. This gives typists a noticeable tactile feedback without being too aggressive.
As for the Duck switches, they offer a more subtle tactile typing experience. They are classified as mild switches, meaning they provide a gentle typing experience that is approachable for most users. Additionally, the Duck switches are described as buttery and polished, indicating that they offer a smooth and refined typing experience. They have reduced friction and smooth key travel, incorporating a sleek finish and potentially factory lubing.
In conclusion, while the Everglide Oreo and SP-Star Duck switches have different sound and feel qualities, they both offer subjective advantages. The Oreo switches have a subtle and mellow sound profile with a medium light tactility, providing a satisfying keystroke and comfortable typing experience. The Duck switches, on the other hand, offer a clean and crispy sound profile with a more gentle and approachable typing experience. Both switches offer a refined typing experience with smooth key travel, although the Oreo switches have a stepped and accented feel compared to the Duck switches. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who craves a satisfying keystroke with a comfortable typing experience, the Everglide Oreo tactile switches would be an excellent choice for you. With a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches strike the perfect balance between tactility and typing comfort. The Oreo switches provide a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a delightfully cushioned sensation when bottoming out. Additionally, they offer a subtle and mellow sound profile, making them a great option for those who prefer quieter switches.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience, the SP-Star Duck tactile switches would be the perfect fit for you. With a medium bottom out force of 58 grams, these switches offer a gentle tactility that is neither overwhelming nor too subtle. The Duck switches have a clean and crispy sound profile, making them suitable for various environments and purposes. Whether you are a beginner or advanced user, whether you use these switches at home or work, the neutral and moderate sound profile of the Duck switches will cater to your needs.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Oreo and SP-Star Duck tactile switches comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize a medium-light tactile experience with a subtle sound profile, the Oreo switches would be the way to go. However, if you prefer a more gentle tactile feel with a clean and crispy sound, the Duck switches would be the better option for you. Consider your typing style, noise considerations, and desired level of tactility when making your decision. In the end, both switches offer their own unique characteristics and will provide a satisfying typing experience.
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