Gateron Ink Red vs. Everglide Oreo

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options to consider are the Gateron Ink Red and the Everglide Oreo. One notable difference between these switches is in their typing experience. The Ink Red, a linear switch, is renowned for its lower actuation force, making it an ideal choice for those with a lighter typing style. Its smooth and effortless keystrokes, complemented by a crispy and clacky sound profile, ensure a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Oreo, a tactile switch, provides a unique treat for your fingertips. It offers a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a delightfully cushioned sensation when bottoming out. Alongside its medium light tactility, the Oreo strikes the perfect balance between a satisfying keystroke and a comfortable typing experience. While the Ink Red and the Oreo sound distinct in terms of their sound profile, with the former being more pronounced and the latter boasting a subtle, mellow tone, they both have their merits. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities, so you can make an informed decision and choose the switch that best suits your typing preferences.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Red Linear

Everglide Oreo Tactile

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$6.86

$4.19 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the Everglide Oreo differ in terms of composition and resulting sound profiles. The Ink Red utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, while the Oreo features polycarbonate for both. However, despite using different materials, both switches provide a satisfying, clacky sound experience.

In terms of sound, the INK blend top housing of the Gateron Ink Red produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is not overly sharp. This creates a thin and higher-pitched sound profile that many find satisfying. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Everglide Oreo leads to a sharper, crisper, and higher-pitched sound profile. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic contributes to a clear and resonant sound.

When it comes to aesthetics and RGB lighting, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it more ideal for the top housing of a switch. The Everglide Oreo, with its polycarbonate top housing, is a suitable choice if you plan to showcase RGB lighting in your setup. The Gateron Ink Red, being a proprietary blend, does not offer the same level of translucency for enhanced RGB effects.

While the housing materials differ, it is worth noting that the qualities brought by each material are spread between the top and bottom housings of a switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, whereas the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, regardless of the housing material used, both switches will offer a unique tactile experience and clacky sound, with slight variations depending on the specific housing used.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, both switches require a force of 45 grams to trigger a keystroke, making them similar in this aspect. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Ink Red is heavier with a force of 60 grams, while the Oreo is slightly lighter with a force of 55 grams. This means that if you prefer a keyboard with a lighter typing experience, the Everglide Oreo would be a suitable choice for you, as it requires a lighter force to bottom out. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push, the Gateron Ink Red would be a better fit due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on your personal preference for typing experience and the level of force you prefer while typing.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. These switches travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom, providing a consistent experience when pressing down on a key. Whether using the Gateron Ink Red or the Everglide Oreo, users can expect similar results in terms of travel distance. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their identical travel distances.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is known for its satisfyingly smooth and crispy sound profile. It has a clacky sound, which sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch has a more subtle and mellow sound profile. It is described as chirpy, meaning it may have a little squeak to it. Both switches offer unique acoustic signatures, but the Ink Red has a more pronounced sound while the Oreo has a more relaxed sound. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be affected by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is all about providing a silky and smooth typing experience. The switch is described as silky, which means it offers exceptional smoothness and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It is also considered a mild switch, providing a gentle typing experience that most people will find approachable. The Ink Red is polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is described as accented, offering a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It is not hypertactile or scratchy, providing a pleasant balance between feedback and comfort. Additionally, the Oreo is stepped, which means it feels more mild compared to switches with a single large tactile bump. This switch allows you to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, adding to the overall typing experience.

Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is perfect for those with a lighter typing style who prefer a smooth and clacky sound profile. It offers a satisfying keystroke and comfortable typing experience due to its silky and polished feel. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is suitable for those who enjoy a medium light tactility with a delightful cushioned sensation when bottoming out. It has a subtle, mellow sound profile and provides a balance between a satisfying keystroke and comfortable typing experience. While the Ink Red and Oreo have different characteristics, they both excel in their respective areas and deliver an enjoyable typing experience. Depending on your preferences and typing style, you can achieve similar results with either switch.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you have a lighter typing style and prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, it falls into the medium category, providing a comfortable actuation force. These switches have a crispy and clacky sound profile and are known for their satisfyingly smooth feel. They are also described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feedback and a cushioned sensation when typing, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch would be more suitable. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, it falls into the medium-light category, offering a lighter actuation force. These switches have a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, providing a satisfying keystroke. They also have an accented tactile feel and produce a subtle, mellow sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preferred typing style and the level of tactile feedback you desire.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Oreo Tactile

$6.86

$4.19 per 10

Learn more