Everglide Oreo vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Everglide Oreo and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Oreo and Gazzew U4T are two options worth considering. The Oreo is best known for its crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, providing a satisfying keystroke and a comfortable typing experience. It offers a medium light tactility and a subtle, mellow sound profile. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Ts combine thockiness with sharp tactility, resulting in a bassy 'thock' sound profile and an assertive tactile feedback. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Oreo and the Gazzew U4T differ in their housing materials. The Oreo features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, while the U4T utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend for both its top and bottom housing. The polycarbonate used in the Oreo's housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. It is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound output. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for those planning to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the U4T's Gazzew blend top and bottom housing, also known as "boba plastic," provides a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. This blend of plastic material enhances the overall auditory experience of the switch.
When it comes to pressing down on the switches, the qualities of the bottom housing become more prominent. The material used in the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. With the Oreo's polycarbonate bottom housing, users can expect a sharper and crisper bottom-out sound, while the Gazzew blend in the U4T's bottom housing creates a softer and more cushioned bottom-out experience. On the other hand, the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. The polycarbonate top housing of the Oreo is likely to produce a clearer and more distinct sound upon key release, while the Gazzew blend top housing on the U4T may contribute to a deeper and richer sound effect when letting go of a key.
Overall, while the Everglide Oreo and the Gazzew U4T differ in their housing materials, both switches aim to provide an enhanced auditory experience. The polycarbonate used in the Oreo and the proprietary Gazzew blend in the U4T may have different sound profiles, but they both strive to deliver optimal sound qualities. Whether one prefers the sharper and resonant sound of the polycarbonate or the deeper and softer sound of the Gazzew blend, both switches ensure a unique and satisfying typing experience depending on individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Everglide Oreo has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is relatively light, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T does not have an available value for its actuation force. However, the Oreo's bottom out force is 55 grams, while the U4T's bottom out force is 62 grams, making the U4T slightly heavier in terms of bottoming out.
Considering the weight of the switches, individuals may have different preferences based on their usage. For those who value lighter switches, the Everglide Oreo is a suitable choice as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing excessive fatigue. This feature makes it ideal for situations such as bringing a keyboard to work or engaging in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, some users may prefer a stronger push and a more substantial typing experience. For these individuals, the heavier bottom out force of the Gazzew U4T would satisfy their preference for a greater actuation force.
Although the actuation force for the Gazzew U4T is not specified, it is safe to assume that it may vary. However, as the Everglide Oreo provides a medium-light actuation force, those seeking a similar result with the U4T may need to experiment or consult additional sources for specific values. Nonetheless, both switches offer their own advantages and may appeal to different users depending on their desired typing experience and level of actuation force preference.
Travel distance
The Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch both have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance from the top to the bottom. Therefore, using either switch will yield similar results in terms of travel distance.
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 Gazzew U4T comes in at $6.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers a subtle and mellow sound profile. This means that when typing on these switches, you can expect a quieter and more relaxed auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is described as having a bassy 'thock' sound profile. This means that the U4T will produce a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling a satisfying "thud" or "knock". However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is characterized as being accented and stepped. Accented switches provide a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. This means that the Oreo offers a prominent amount of tactility, striking a balance between a satisfying keystroke and a comfortable typing experience. Additionally, the stepped feel of the Oreo means that you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, giving it a mild and nuanced sensation.
On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is described as being sharp. A sharp tactile switch is known for its high feedback intensity, providing a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. This means that the U4T will deliver a more pronounced and distinct tactile feedback compared to the Oreo.
In conclusion, the Everglide Oreo and Gazzew U4T tactile switches offer different subjective qualities. The Oreo provides a subtler sound profile, a medium level of tactility, and a stepped feel. On the other hand, the U4T offers a bassy 'thock' sound profile, a sharp tactile feedback, and a more intense tactile experience. Based on the available information, it is safe to say that these switches will provide distinct experiences in terms of both sound and feel. However, if you prefer a medium light tactility with a subtle sound profile, the Oreo could be a good choice, while if you prefer a more assertive tactile feedback and a deeper sound profile, the U4T would be a suitable option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a medium-light bottom out force and a balanced, comfortable typing experience, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is a great choice. With its responsive tactile bump and cushioned sensation when bottoming out, typing on the Oreos provides a satisfying keystroke. In terms of sound, the Oreo switches have a subtle and mellow sound profile, which can be described as chirpy - a unique acoustic signature that sets them apart. When it comes to feel, the Oreo switches are accented and stepped, providing a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a more assertive tactile feedback and a bassy 'thock' sound profile, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch would be a suitable option for you. With a medium bottom out force, the U4Ts offer a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility. The switches provide both auditory and tactile satisfaction with each keystroke. The U4Ts have a deep and rich sound profile characterized by lower frequencies, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. In terms of the feel, the U4T switches are described as sharp, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Oreo and Gazzew U4T switches depends on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and tactile feedback intensity. Consider the desired bottom out force, sound characteristics, and the level of tactility you prefer. Both switches offer unique features and can enhance your mechanical keyboard setup according to your specific requirements. In the end, choosing between the Everglide Oreo and Gazzew U4T switches will ensure a delightful and personalized typing experience.
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