Everglide Oreo vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Everglide Oreo and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Everglide Oreo and the Jwick Taro are both tactile switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Oreo is best known for its medium light tactility, providing a satisfying keystroke and comfortable typing experience. With a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a delightfully cushioned sensation when bottoming out, the Oreo switches truly indulge your fingertips. Additionally, these switches emit a subtle, mellow sound profile while typing. On the other hand, the Taro switches offer a snappy, medium-level of tactility, accompanied by acute and crisp clacks. Their cozy typing experience matches their comfortable and subdued color scheme. Both switches have their own distinct features and advantages. 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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Oreo and the Jwick Taro both use polycarbonate for their top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in switches. It is a relatively stiffer plastic, which contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate is translucent, making it perfect for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Oreo and the Taro will provide similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics due to their polycarbonate top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Oreo and the Taro use different materials. The Oreo features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which will also contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. Just like the top housing, the polycarbonate material in the bottom housing will create a sharper and crisper sound when the keys bottom out. This consistency in materials between the top and bottom housings will result in a cohesive sound experience.
On the other hand, the Taro utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, the Taro will provide a duller and rounder sound when the keys bottom out. This difference in material between the top and bottom housings will lead to a noticeable distinction in sound between pressing down the keys and releasing them.
In summary, the Everglide Oreo and the Jwick Taro share the benefit of polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper and crisper sound profile. However, they differ in the material used for the bottom housing, with the Oreo using polycarbonate and the Taro featuring nylon. The polycarbonate bottom housing in the Oreo will contribute to a consistent sound experience, while the nylon bottom housing in the Taro will result in a deeper and fuller sound when the keys bottom out.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, we can see some similarities and differences. The Oreo has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it relatively light and easy to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Taro is unavailable, so it is difficult to determine if it is lighter or heavier than the Oreo. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Oreo requires 55 grams of force, while the Taro requires 67 grams, making it heavier in comparison.
Considering weight as an important factor in keyboard usage, those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods may find the Oreo more suitable. This lighter actuation force allows for comfortable typing during work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience might prefer the Taro due to its heavier bottom out force. This force allows for a more substantial and satisfying key press.
In conclusion, while both the Everglide Oreo and the Jwick Taro offer tactile feedback, the Oreo has a lighter actuation force and a comparatively lighter bottom out force. Alternatively, the Taro has an undisclosed actuation force and a heavier bottom out force, providing a different typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it is clear that they have slightly different distances. The Oreo has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Taro has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Although the difference is minimal, it is worth mentioning.
Traditionally, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered standard, while 3.7 mm is slightly shorter. For those seeking a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the shorter travel distance of the Taro may be preferred as it allows for faster response times. On the other hand, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel abrupt or lacking in depth. In such cases, the Everglide Oreo with its longer travel distance may be more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing or gaming 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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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, mellow sound profile. This means that while typing on these switches, you can expect a quiet and smooth experience without any loud or jarring noises. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch provides acute and crisp clacks, giving a snappy and more pronounced sound. Both switches have their unique sound characteristics, so the choice between them will depend on your personal preference.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Oreo switches are described as having an accented and stepped tactile feel. Accented switches provide a medium level of tactility, offering a prominent amount of tactile feedback without being overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, the stepped nature of these switches means that you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, giving a more mild tactile sensation overall. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switches are described as buttery and stepped. The buttery feel implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, resulting in a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Similar to the Oreo switches, the Taro switches also have a stepped tactile feel, providing a more mild tactile feedback compared to hypertactile switches.
Taking into consideration the available information, the Everglide Oreo and Jwick Taro tactile switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The Oreo switches provide a subtle, mellow sound profile and an accented and stepped tactile feel. On the other hand, the Taro switches offer acute and crisp clacks in terms of sound, along with a buttery and stepped tactile feel. Both switches strike a balance between satisfying keystrokes and comfortable typing experiences, but with slightly different sound and feel characteristics. Ultimately, your decision between them will depend on your preference for sound and tactile feedback. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. By considering these factors, you can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel with either switch.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a medium-light tactile switch with a satisfying keystroke and comfortable typing experience, the Everglide Oreo switches are perfect for you. These switches offer a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a delightfully cushioned sensation when bottoming out. The Oreo switches also have a subtle and mellow sound profile, making them a pleasant choice for both work and home environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch with a snappy typing experience and acute clacks, the Jwick Taro switches are your best bet. These switches provide a cozy typing experience and have a moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced users alike. The Taro switches also have a neutral sound profile, making them versatile for various purposes. Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Oreo and Jwick Taro switches boils down to your preference for bottom out force, sound, and feel.
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