Everglide Oreo vs. Gazzew U4

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Everglide Oreo and the Gazzew U4. The Everglide Oreo is a tactile switch that offers a delightful tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned bottom-out sensation. This switch strikes the perfect balance between satisfying keystrokes and a comfortable typing experience. Additionally, the Oreo has a subtle mellow sound profile, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 is also a tactile switch, but it offers a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, giving each keystroke a distinct feel. Furthermore, the U4 provides an unexpectedly plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, adding a touch of luxury to your typing experience. Additionally, the U4 has a whisper-quiet sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a muted, low-pitched typing sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for your specific needs.

By the numbers

Everglide Oreo Tactile

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.86

$4.19 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Everglide Oreo and the Gazzew U4 present distinct differences in terms of their sound profiles and physical properties. The Oreo utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, offering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, which promotes a clear and resonant sound. The Oreo's translucent polycarbonate top housing is particularly advantageous for users planning to incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows for the vibrant illumination to shine through. In comparison, the Gazzew U4 features a proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housing, sometimes called "boba plastic." This unique plastic blend delivers a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. The U4's top housing, being made of this blend, influences the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel upon pressing down.

Though the Everglide Oreo and Gazzew U4 differ in their housing materials, they share similarities in terms of their contribution to the switch's overall sound profile. Both polycarbonate and the Gazzew blend offer desirable acoustic attributes. The Oreo's polycarbonate provides a sharper and crisper sound, while the U4's Gazzew blend offers a rich and deep sound. However, the physical properties of these materials vary, with polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic and the Gazzew blend being soft. These differences influence the tactile feedback experienced when using the switches. Regardless, both switches allow for an enhanced and immersive typing or gaming experience due to their carefully chosen housing materials.

When it comes to pressing down on the switches, the housing materials play a crucial role in the sound and feel of the bottom-out action. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Oreo imparts its stiffness to create a clear and resonant sound upon keypress. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, being soft, contributes to a different tactile feedback during the bottom-out action. Furthermore, the top housing of each switch affects the sound when releasing a key. The Oreo's polycarbonate top housing produces a distinct sound profile, while the U4's Gazzew blend top housing modifies the release sound accordingly. These differences in sound and tactile feedback between the two switches highlight the importance of housing materials in influencing the overall typing or gaming experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Oreo features a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the U4 requires a force of 43 grams to trigger a keystroke. In terms of the bottom out force, the Oreo requires 55 grams of force, whereas the U4 is slightly heavier at 62 grams. Therefore, the Oreo can be considered slightly lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces when compared to the U4.

Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience or need to type for extended periods of time might find the Oreo more suitable. The lighter actuation force of the Oreo allows for easier keystrokes and reduced finger fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who appreciate a stronger push feel or desire a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the U4. Its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a tactile feedback that some typists may find satisfying.

It's worth noting that while there are differences in weight between the two switches, both fall within the medium-light to medium range, offering a balance between ease of typing and tactile feedback. Therefore, those seeking similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces could find satisfaction with either the Everglide Oreo or the Gazzew U4 tactile switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences and typing needs.

Travel distance

The Everglide Oreo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Gazzew U4 tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Oreo falls into the more traditional range of travel distances, while the U4 is on the shallower end. Gamers, in particular, tend to favor shorter travel distances for quicker response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the U4 may be the better choice for you. However, some individuals find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer a deeper keystroke. In this case, the Oreo with its longer travel distance would be a better option. Overall, the choice between the Everglide Oreo and the Gazzew U4 ultimately depends on personal preference and desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers a subtle and mellow sound profile. It doesn't have a distinctive click or clack like some other switches, but rather it produces a quiet and pleasing sound when typing. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is specifically designed to be whisper quiet. It is described as having a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Additionally, the U4 has a low-pitched tone, which adds a bass-heavy and mellow quality to the sound. It is important to mention that the sound produced by both switches can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch provides a medium light tactility with a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top. This gives a satisfying keystroke experience without feeling overwhelming or subtle. The Oreo can be described as an accented switch, meaning it offers a prominent amount of tactility without being scratchy. It also has a stepped feel, which means there is a noticeable pre-travel or post-travel to the keystroke. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offers a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump. It is known for its high feedback intensity, providing a strong and crisp tactile sensation with each key press.

In conclusion, the Everglide Oreo and Gazzew U4 tactile switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Oreo provides a mellow sound profile and a medium light tactility with a crisp tactile bump and a cushioned bottom-out sensation. On the other hand, the U4 offers a whisper quiet sound profile with a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump. Both switches have unique characteristics that appeal to different preferences. If you are looking for a more subdued sound and a balanced tactile experience, the Oreo would be a great choice. Alternatively, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a strong and distinct tactile sensation, the U4 would be a suitable option. It is important to consider personal preference and the overall keyboard setup when choosing between these switches.

Conclusion

To summarize, if you're looking for a medium-light switch with a balanced tactile experience and a subtle sound profile, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is the way to go. With its crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top and cushioned sensation when bottoming out, typing on the Oreos offers a satisfying keystroke and comfortable typing experience. The Oreo switch is also described as having a chirpy sound, which sets it apart from other switches.

On the other hand, if you prefer a medium switch with a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump and a plush bottom-out sensation, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is the better choice. These switches offer a whisper quiet typing experience and a sound profile that is softer and quieter compared to regular or clacky switches. The U4 switches are also described as having a low-pitched, bass-heavy, and mellow tone.

In terms of feel, the Oreo switch is described as accented and stepped, providing a medium tactile experience with a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The U4 switch, on the other hand, is described as having a sharp tactile bump that is strong, crisp, and distinct with each keystroke.

Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch depends on your personal preferences for weight, sound, and feel. Both switches offer unique advantages and deliver a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer a medium-light switch with a subtle sound and a balanced tactile experience or a medium switch with a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, you can't go wrong with either option.

Mentioned in this article

Everglide Oreo Tactile

$6.86

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more