Everglide Oreo vs. SP-Star Yanyu

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Oreo and the SP-Star Yanyu offer distinct experiences for users. The Everglide Oreo is a tactile switch known for its delectable treat for fingertips, providing a crisp and responsive tactile bump followed by a delightfully cushioned sensation when bottoming out. This switch strikes a perfect balance between satisfying keystrokes and comfortable typing, with a subtle, mellow sound profile. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu is a linear switch that caters to those seeking a delicate typing experience or those who spend long periods typing. With its material blend, the Yanyu produces a crisp sound profile. Its characteristics include a neutral feel, mild actuation, thocky sound, feathery touch, subtle response, and a polished overall experience. However, let's dive deeper beyond generalities to help you decide on the best switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Everglide Oreo and the SP-Star Yanyu differ significantly. The Oreo utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Yanyu combines polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its blend top and bottom housing. This unique blend offers a pleasant sound profile that is bright but not sharp. Its distinct composition provides a different tactile experience compared to the Oreo.

Although the Oreo and Yanyu feature different housing materials, they both aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience. The Oreo's polycarbonate top and bottom housing lead to a consistent sound profile throughout the switch, imparting a sense of cohesion between pressing down on a key and releasing it. Similarly, the Yanyu's blend top and bottom housing work together to create a harmonious sound that may not be as sharp but still delivers a brighter tone. While the materials may differ, both switches strive to offer a satisfying typing sound.

The distinction between the top and bottom housing materials in a switch is essential, as each contributes uniquely to the overall typing experience. When using the Oreo, pressing down on the switch allows the qualities of the polycarbonate bottom housing to shine, resulting in a noticeable bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the sound produced upon releasing a key is more influenced by the polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the Yanyu's blend top housing imparts a particular sound profile when releasing a key, while the bottom housing affects the overall bottom-out sound and feel. This differentiation enhances the typing experience by allowing users to perceive the distinct qualities of each housing material.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, there are some notable differences to consider. The Oreo switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is slightly heavier compared to the Yanyu switch for which the exact actuation force is unknown. The Oreo switch also has a bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating a medium-light pressure needed to press the keys all the way down. In contrast, the Yanyu switch has a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it lighter in comparison.

The weight of a switch is a crucial factor to consider. Some users prefer a lighter actuation force as it allows them to type for longer periods without experiencing fatigue. This is especially desirable for those who bring their keyboards to work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, some individuals favor a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. They would benefit from switches with heavier forces, as it provides a satisfying tactile feedback.

Though the specific actuation force of the Yanyu switch is not provided, we can still make a comparison based on the available information. The Oreo switch requires a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams, whereas the Yanyu switch presumably has a lighter actuation force. While the exact force is unknown, it is safe to assume that the Yanyu switch would result in a lighter keystroke compared to the Oreo switch, given its lower bottom out force of 43 grams.

In summary, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch. The Oreo provides a medium-light typing experience with 45 grams required to trigger a keystroke and 55 grams to bottom out the keys. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch is lighter, with an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 43 grams. Both switches offer different levels of resistance, catering to users' preferences for either lighter or heavier keystrokes.

Travel distance

Both the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, which means that pressing down on either key will result in a similar tactile experience. The travel distance of a switch is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom, and in this case, both switches have the same distance. However, it is important to note that while the travel distance is the same for both switches, their tactile characteristics may differ due to the type of switch. The Oreo switch is tactile, meaning it provides a slight bump or feedback when pressed, while the Yanyu switch is linear, offering a smooth and consistent press without any tactile feedback. Thus, although the travel distance is the same, users may experience a different typing experience depending on their preference for tactile or linear switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers a subtle and mellow sound profile. These switches have a unique acoustic signature that sets them apart from others, with a slight chirpy sound. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch has a crisp sound profile, thanks to its material blend. It provides a neutral sound overall, suitable for various purposes and skill levels. However, it also offers a thocky option for those who prefer a deep and satisfying sound when typing.

Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Everglide Oreo is described as having an accented feel. It falls in the middle ground between a hypersensitive switch and a scratchy one, providing a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming. It also features a stepped design, which means you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, giving it a mild sensation. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu offers a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. It has a feathery feel, meaning it is exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue and strain. Additionally, it has a subtle resistance but still maintains a light typing feel. Furthermore, the Yanyu switch has a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction.

Overall, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch provide different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Oreo has a subtle and mellow sound profile, while the Yanyu offers a neutral sound with the option of a thocky style. As for feel, the Oreo has an accented and stepped design, providing a medium tactile experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu offers a mild and feathery feel, with a polished finish for smooth typing. Based on this information, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with both switches, but with distinct differences in sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a satisfying keystroke and comfortable typing experience, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is the way to go. With a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches strike the perfect balance between tactility and ease of use. The Oreo switches offer a subtle, mellow sound profile, making them suitable for shared spaces or those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Additionally, the Oreo switches are described as accented or stepped, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or scratchy.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more delicate typing experience or plan to use your keyboard for extended periods of time, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch would be a great choice. With a light bottom out force of 43 grams, these switches reduce finger fatigue and offer a feathery and gentle typing feel. The Yanyu switches have a crisp sound profile, described as either thocky or neutral, making them suitable for various purposes and environments.

Ultimately, your choice between the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch depends on your preferences for tactility, noise level, and typing experience. Consider the characteristics and benefits of each switch described above to make an informed decision based on your individual needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize a satisfying keystroke or a more delicate typing experience, both of these switches offer unique features that can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article