Everglide Oreo vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Everglide Oreo and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Oreo and the Gazzew U4Tx are two standout options to consider. The Oreo is best known for its crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. It strikes the perfect balance between a satisfying keystroke and a comfortable typing experience. Additionally, the Oreo offers a subtle and mellow sound profile. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switches offer a cleaner and refined sound profile, combining the deep and resonant "thock" when bottoming out with the whisper-quiet stealth when topping out. These switches provide a sharp and satisfying tactile bump, ensuring a luxurious typing experience that is both acoustically pleasing and tactile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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 Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Oreo and the Gazzew U4Tx differ in terms of their composition and the resulting sound profiles. The Oreo features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting. In contrast, the U4Tx utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic." This unique plastic blend provides a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness.
Moving onto the bottom housings, the Oreo again utilizes polycarbonate, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound when bottoming out a key. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, complementing the qualities of the top housing. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx employs a proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing. This soft boba plastic blend creates a distinct sound when bottoming out a key, delivering a deep and rich sound profile that pairs well with the unique characteristics of the Gazzew blend top housing.
When comparing these two switches, it is evident that the choice of housing material greatly impacts the resulting sound profiles. The polycarbonate used in the Everglide Oreo offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the proprietary Gazzew blend in the U4Tx delivers a rich and deep sound. However, if both the top and bottom housings of a switch are made of the same material, such as polycarbonate in the Oreo or the Gazzew blend in the U4Tx, similar results can be expected throughout the keystrokes. In these cases, the cohesive housing materials contribute to a consistent sound profile for both bottoming out and releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Oreo switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is relatively light, while its bottom out force is 55 grams, slightly heavier. On the other hand, the U4Tx switch's actuation force is unknown, but its bottom out force is 65 grams, making it medium-heavy. Those seeking a lighter typing experience might prefer the Oreo switch, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. In contrast, users looking for a more substantial and forceful typing feel may opt for the U4Tx switch due to its heavier bottom out force. Although the actuation forces are not provided for the U4Tx switch, it is safe to assume that its actuation force is likely higher than the Oreo switch due to its higher bottom out force. Overall, the Everglide Oreo switch offers a lighter typing experience, while the Gazzew U4Tx switch provides a heavier and more substantial keystroke feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, one can observe that the Oreo has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the U4Tx has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Oreo's travel distance of 4.0 mm falls in line with the more traditional range, offering a sense of familiar depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the U4Tx's shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm caters to those who prioritize faster response times, particularly favored by gamers. This shorter travel distance allows for quicker keystrokes and potentially improved performance in competitive gaming scenarios. However, it is essential to note that while a shorter travel distance facilitates rapid inputs, some individuals may find it too abrupt or lacking in depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences, with the Oreo offering a more traditional and deeper experience, while the U4Tx provides a shorter travel distance for enhanced responsiveness.
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 U4Tx 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
The Everglide Oreo tactile switch is best 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, providing a satisfying keystroke and comfortable typing experience. When typing on the Oreo, the sound profile is described as subtle and mellow.
On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch combines the best of both worlds. It offers a clean and refined sound profile, with a deep resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet topping out sound. Each press provides a sharp and satisfying tactile bump, ensuring a luxurious typing experience that is as acoustically pleasing as it is tactile.
Comparing the sound qualities, the Oreo is described as having a chirpy sound with a little squeak, setting it apart from other switches. The U4Tx, on the other hand, offers a bassy sound with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the U4Tx is also described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches.
In terms of feel, the Oreo is considered accented and stepped. It provides a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The U4Tx, on the other hand, is described as having a sharp tactile bump, offering a high feedback intensity that can be felt distinctly with each keypress.
In conclusion, the Everglide Oreo and Gazzew U4Tx switches have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Oreo provides a subtle and mellow sound profile, along with a medium light tactility that strikes a balance between satisfying keystrokes and comfortable typing. On the other hand, the U4Tx offers a refined sound profile with a deep resonant "thock" and a whisper-quiet topping out sound. Its tactile bump is sharp and intense. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize comfort and a medium-light typing experience, the Everglide Oreo tactile switches are the way to go. These switches offer a satisfying tactile bump at the top and a cushioned sensation when bottoming out, striking the perfect balance between a satisfying keystroke and a comfortable typing experience. The Oreo switches also have a subtle, mellow sound profile, adding to the overall pleasant typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a cleaner, refined sound profile and a medium-heavy typing feel, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switches are an excellent choice. These switches provide a deep, resonant "thock" sound when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet topping out sound, creating an acoustically pleasing typing experience. With a sharp and satisfying tactile bump, the U4Tx switches ensure a luxurious typing feel.
Ultimately, your choice between the Everglide Oreo and Gazzew U4Tx switches depends on your personal preferences. If you value comfort and a medium-light feel, accompanied by a subtle sound profile, the Oreo switches are the way to go. However, if you prefer a cleaner sound profile, a medium-heavy typing feel, and a strong and crisp tactile bump, the U4Tx switches would be a better fit for you. Consider your desired comfort, sound, and typing experience to make an informed decision between these two high-quality tactile switches. In the end, both switches offer their own unique benefits, catering to different preferences and delivering an enjoyable typing experience.
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