Everglide Oreo vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Everglide Oreo and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Everglide Oreo and TKC Tangerine switches offer unique and distinct typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Oreo is a tactile switch that boasts a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, providing a satisfying keystroke. Additionally, it offers a comfortable typing experience with its cushioned sensation when bottoming out. The Oreo switches have a subtle and mellow sound profile, adding to the overall pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, the Tangerine switches are linear and prioritize smoothness. With each keystroke, users will enjoy an incredibly smooth feel, making typing a true pleasure. The Tangerine switches are made with UHWMPE housings, a rarity in the mechanical switch world, further enhancing the smoothness. However, they do produce a fairly high-pitched clack sound when typing. These general comparisons provide an initial understanding of the switches, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide which switch suits your needs.
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
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Oreo and the TKC Tangerine switches differ in terms of the materials used. The Oreo features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Tangerine utilizes a UHWMPE top housing. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which results in a clearer and more resonant sound profile. This makes the Oreo ideal for users looking for a sharper and crisper typing experience. On the other hand, the UHWMPE top housing of the Tangerine provides a bright sound signature and offers resonant clacks while typing. This material is relatively new for switch housings, providing a unique sound experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Oreo again incorporates a polycarbonate material, whereas the Tangerine utilizes UHWMPE. As with the top housing, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Oreo contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. It enhances the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. In comparison, the UHWMPE bottom housing of the Tangerine delivers a distinctive typing experience with resonant clacks. This material, being newer for switch housings, adds a certain brightness to the sound when typing on the Tangerine switches.
Despite the differences in housing materials, they both offer unique sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate in the Everglide Oreo's housing, whether it's the top or bottom, results in a sharp and crisp sound experience. Similarly, the UHWMPE material used in the TKC Tangerine's housing, whether for the top or bottom, delivers a bright and resonant sound signature. Both materials offer an enhanced typing experience that is distinctive in its own way. So, if you are looking for a switch with a particular sound profile, you can achieve similar results with either the Oreo or the Tangerine, depending on your preference.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, there are some distinct differences. The Everglide Oreo has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Tangerine's actuation force is unknown. Both switches have a medium level of bottom out force, with the Oreo measuring at 55 grams and the Tangerine at 62 grams.
Weight is an important consideration in switch selection, as it impacts the typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Everglide Oreo would be a suitable choice. Its actuation force of 45 grams allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, some users prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. In this case, the Tangerine switch would be a good option, as its bottom out force of 62 grams offers a more robust and satisfying keystroke.
While the actuation force of the Tangerine switch is unavailable, if it is similar to that of the Everglide Oreo (around 45 grams), both switches would provide a similar experience in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, the Tangerine switch would still offer a heavier bottom out force, providing that extra level of tactility preferred by some users.
In summary, the Everglide Oreo offers a medium-light actuation and bottom out force, while the TKC Tangerine provides a medium bottom out force, with its actuation force remaining unknown. The choice between the two switches ultimately depends on individual preference regarding typing experience and desired force levels.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the switch travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance with both switches.
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 TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30 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 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 perfect balance between a satisfying keystroke and comfortable typing experience. When typing on the Oreo, we detect a subtle, mellow sound profile. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch provides an incredibly smooth feel with each keystroke being a pleasure to type. This smoothness is partly due to the UHWMPE housings, which are rare in the world of bespoke mechanical switches. However, when typing on the Tangerine, we experience a fairly high-pitched clack sound.
In terms of sound, the Oreo is described as having a chirpy sound, which means it has a unique acoustic signature with a slight squeak. This sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Tangerine produces a high-pitched, sharp, and crisp sound when pressed. If you prefer a richer and bassier sound profile, the Tangerine may not be the ideal choice.
In terms of feel, the Oreo is described as accented, meaning it has a medium tactile feel that is not overwhelming or subtle. It provides a prominent amount of tactility without being scratchy. Additionally, the Oreo is described as stepped, indicating that it has two stages of tactility, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the Tangerine is described as frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. It is also described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Lastly, the Tangerine is described as polished, indicating that 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 TKC Tangerine linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Oreo has a mellow and chirpy sound with an accented and stepped feel, the Tangerine produces a high-pitched clack sound with a frictionless, buttery, and polished feel. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, ensuring that you achieve the desired level of satisfaction and comfort while using your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a satisfying keystroke and comfortable typing experience, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. With a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches strike the perfect balance between tactile feedback and ease of typing. The crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out, creates a delightful typing experience. Additionally, the subtle and mellow sound profile of the Oreo adds to its overall appeal.
On the other hand, if you prefer an incredibly smooth feel and a next-level typing experience, the TKC Tangerine linear switch would be a great fit. With a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, these linear switches provide a pleasure to type with each keystroke. The use of UHWMPE housings further enhances the smoothness and reduces any sense of friction or resistance. However, it is worth noting that the Tangerine switches produce a fairly high-pitched clack when typing on them, which may or may not be to your liking.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch comes down to personal preference. If you value a moderate tactile feeling and a comfortable typing experience, the Oreo is the way to go. On the other hand, if smoothness, ease of typing, and a high-pitched sound profile are what you seek, the Tangerine is the ideal choice. Consider your typing preferences and prioritize accordingly when making your decision.
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