Everglide Oreo vs. Gateron Type A
An in-depth look at the Everglide Oreo and the Gateron Type A switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Oreo and Gateron Type A stand out as popular options, each offering unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Everglide Oreo is known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump at the top of each keystroke followed by a cushioned feel when bottoming out. With a medium light tactility and a subtle, mellow sound profile, these switches strike a perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A, known for its linear design, offers a different typing experience with a focus on smooth keypresses and a sound signature leaning towards the deeper end of the spectrum. Positioned as a medium-weight switch, the Type A is a versatile option for those seeking a more neutral and subdued typing experience. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Oreo and the Gateron Type A, it is clear that they both use different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Oreo features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile ideal for users looking for a more resonant typing experience. In contrast, the Type A utilizes a nylon top housing that offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, perfect for those seeking a quieter typing experience with a softer touch. While both materials have their unique characteristics, users can expect to get similar results in terms of sound quality from both switches due to their high-quality construction.
Moving on to the bottom housings of the switches, the Oreo's polycarbonate bottom housing offers the same clear, resonant sound profile as its top housing, providing a consistent typing experience throughout. On the other hand, the Type A's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound profile that is ideal for users looking for a quieter typing experience. Despite the differences in materials used for the bottom housings, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning users.
Overall, the choice between the Everglide Oreo and the Gateron Type A ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. While the Oreo's polycarbonate housing offers a sharper, more resonant sound, the Type A's nylon housing provides a quieter and fuller sound profile. Both switches are well-constructed and offer a premium typing experience, making them excellent choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you prefer the crisp sound of polycarbonate or the softer touch of nylon, both switches are sure to impress with their high-quality construction and top-notch performance.
Weight
The Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch both have a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a similar typing experience in terms of bottoming out. However, the Everglide Oreo has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Type A's 50 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes on the Oreo switch. The lighter actuation force of the Oreo switch may appeal to those looking for a smoother and more effortless typing experience, ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A's slightly heavier actuation force may be preferred by individuals who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, users will experience a consistent travel distance from the top to the bottom. In terms of comparing and contrasting, since both switches have identical travel distances, users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and overall typing experience. The consistent travel distance of 4 mm ensures that both switches offer a uniform tactile or linear feel, depending on user preference. Thus, whether choosing the Everglide Oreo tactile switch or the Gateron Type A linear switch, users can enjoy a consistent typing experience with either option.
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 Type A comes in at $4.70 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
Based on the information provided, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers a unique and pleasant typing experience with its medium light tactility and cushioned bottom-out sensation. The switch produces a subtle, mellow sound profile, giving users a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A linear switch from Sillyworks' "Project Rehash" is designed for those looking for a medium-weight switch with a deeper sound profile. The Type A switch is described as having a neutral sound with a subdued quality, making it suitable for various typing environments.
When it comes to sound, the Oreo switch has a chirpy characteristic, distinguishing it from other switches with its unique acoustic signature. In contrast, the Type A switch offers a more neutral sound profile with a subdued quality, contributing to a quieter typing experience overall.
In terms of feel, the Oreo switch is described as having an accented and stepped feel, providing a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. This allows for a comfortable typing experience without being too harsh on the fingers. Unfortunately, we do not have specific information regarding the feel of the Type A switch.
In conclusion, while the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch have their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with both switches. Whether you prefer a switch with a chirpy sound and medium tactility like the Oreo, or a switch with a deeper sound profile and medium-weight feel like the Type A, both options offer great performance for different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel during typing sessions.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Everglide Oreo tactile switches and the Gateron Type A linear switches, consider your preference for tactility and sound profile. If you enjoy a tactile switch with a medium-light actuation force and a satisfying keystroke, the Oreo switches with their delectable tactile bump may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-weight actuation force and a deeper sound profile, the Type A switches could be more suitable. Keep in mind that the Oreo switches offer a subtle, mellow sound profile, while the Type A switches can provide a sound signature that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences for typing experience.
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