Everglide Oreo vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Everglide Oreo and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Oreo tactile switch to the HMX Swift linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Oreo provides a tactile typing experience with a crisp bump at the top and a cushioned sensation when bottoming out, making it a satisfying and comfortable choice for those who enjoy a medium light tactility. On the other hand, the Swift offers a smoother typing experience with a deeper sound profile and a delicate 42g actuation force, resulting in a silky smooth feel. While the Oreo is categorized as accented, chirpy, and stepped, the Swift is described as clacky, easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Oreo and HMX Swift differ in their housing materials, with the Oreo featuring polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, while the Swift utilizes nylon for both. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for achieving a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite the difference in materials, both the Oreo and Swift offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Oreo allows for translucency, making it perfect for showcasing RGB lighting effects. This feature not only enhances the visual appeal of the switch but also distinguishes it from switches with opaque housings. In contrast, the Swift's nylon top housing may not offer the same level of transparency, but it provides a classic look that is favored by many enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a more modern and sleek design or a timeless and traditional appearance, both switches have something to offer in terms of aesthetics.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the top and bottom housings of the switches contributes to different tactile and auditory feedback. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. By understanding the unique qualities of each housing material, users can choose a switch that aligns with their preferences for sound profile, aesthetic design, and typing experience. Whether you opt for the Everglide Oreo with its polycarbonate housing or the HMX Swift with its nylon housing, you can expect a distinct typing experience tailored to your individual tastes.
Weight
In comparing the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is clear that the Swift is the lighter option between the two. The Oreo has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Swift's 42 grams, making it slightly heavier in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, the Oreo also has a higher bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the Swift's 50 grams, indicating that it requires more force to fully press the keys. While both switches fall into the light to medium-light category, the Oreo offers a slightly heavier typing experience overall. These differences in actuation and bottom out forces cater to different preferences, with some users preferring the lighter feel of the Swift for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may appreciate the more substantial typing experience provided by the Oreo. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Oreo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, whereas the HMX Swift linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances, with the Oreo being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the Swift switch for its slightly faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more traditional key press experience may opt for the Oreo switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar feel when typing or gaming, with the difference in travel distance being minimal.
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 HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is often described as having a subtle, mellow sound profile with a unique chirpy characteristic. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch is known for producing a deeper sound profile with a smoothness that complements its 42g actuation force. The Oreo offers a distinctive touch with its chirpy sound, while the Swift provides a clacky and percussive sound when pressed.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers a medium light tactility with a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. The switch is often referred to as accented and stepped, providing a balanced tactile experience that is not overwhelming. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch is known for being easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance and a spring-like feedback sensation.
In conclusion, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Oreo provides a subtle and mellow sound profile with a medium light tactility, while the Swift produces a deeper sound profile with a silky smoothness and a light actuation force. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Oreo focusing on a balanced tactile experience and a chirpy sound, while the Swift prioritizes a smooth and low-impact typing feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can achieve satisfying results with either switch option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Everglide Oreo tactile switch or the HMX Swift linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-light tactility with a subtle sound profile and a balanced keystroke, the Oreo switches would be a delectable choice for you. However, if you prefer a lighter actuation force, silky smoothness, and a deeper sound profile, then the Swift switches would be a perfect fit. Both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, so it's important to consider what type of typing experience you prefer before making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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