Everglide Oreo vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Everglide Oreo and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Oreo tactile switch to the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is clear that each offers a unique typing experience catered to different preferences. The Oreo provides a satisfying tactile bump at the top and a cushioned bottoming out sensation, resulting in a medium light tactility that balances keystroke satisfaction with comfort. On the other hand, the Xinhai boasts a softer acoustics profile due to its PA12 top housing and a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance from its POM stem. While the Oreo is categorized as 'Accented', 'Chirpy', 'Stepped', the Xinhai falls under 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy'. If you value a more tactile typing experience, the Oreo may be the way to go, whereas if you prefer a smoother, linear feel, the Xinhai could be the better choice. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Oreo and the HMX Xinhai both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This results in a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Xinhai's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Oreo's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound that can impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
While both the Oreo and the Xinhai share polycarbonate top housings, their differences lie in the bottom housings. The Oreo's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharper and crisper sound profile associated with polycarbonate, while the Xinhai's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. This means that the qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch, impacting the sound and feel when pressing down or releasing a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for the type of sound and typing experience desired.
In terms of performance, both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials. The Everglide Oreo's polycarbonate top and bottom housings provide a consistent and clear sound profile with a focus on sharpness and crispness. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai's combination of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings creates a more varied sound experience, with a deeper and fuller sound that may appeal to those looking for a different typing feel. Despite these differences, both switches deliver quality sound profiles that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is clear that the Oreo is the heavier option with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. On the other hand, the Xinhai is the lighter option with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. The Oreo offers a more medium-light feel, providing a balance between ease of typing and a substantial typing experience, while the Xinhai offers a light touch for those who prefer a softer feel. In terms of weight, those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Xinhai for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a stronger push may prefer the Oreo for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Everglide Oreo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the HMX Xinhai linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. While both switches offer a decent amount of travel distance for typing or gaming, the Oreo provides a bit more depth compared to the Xinhai. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Xinhai for quicker response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Oreo. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience you're looking for.
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 HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $2.99.
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 chirpy and mellow sound profile, adding a unique touch to your typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch produces a clacky and sharp sound, giving a more crisp and percussive auditory feedback while typing. Both switches provide distinct sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, but the choice between a chirpy or clacky sound ultimately comes down to personal preference and the overall build of your keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch stands out with its accented and stepped tactile feel, providing a medium level of tactility that is both satisfying and comfortable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch offers a bouncy and creamy typing experience, with a spring-like feedback and smooth buttery sensation that makes each keystroke effortless and enjoyable. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences, ensuring a comfortable and responsive typing experience for users.
In conclusion, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch each offer distinctive sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. Whether you prefer a chirpy and accented tactile feel or a clacky and bouncy linear experience, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience that can elevate your overall keyboarding experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference, typing style, and the overall aesthetic and functionality of your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider the key factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a tactile typing experience with a subtle sound profile, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and value a unique acoustics profile with a crisp, bright sound when typing, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is the perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences in terms of typing feel and sound profile. Both switches offer their own delightful features, so choose the one that best suits your typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
