Gateron Melodic vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Melodic and Everglide Oreo present themselves as top contenders in their respective categories. The Melodic, a clicky switch from Gateron, boasts a combination of smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, resulting in a buttery and resonant typing experience that is both invigorating and crunchy. On the other hand, the Oreo tactile switch from Everglide offers a crisp tactile bump at the top followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out, providing a satisfying keystroke and comfortable typing experience with an accented and chirpy feel. Each switch has its own unique characteristics and strengths, making them suitable for different typing preferences. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the Everglide Oreo, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. However, while both switches share this commonality in their top housing material, they differ in their bottom housing. The Melodic utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deep and full sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the Oreo features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, aligning with the characteristics of its top housing material.
When considering the impact of the different housing materials on typing experience, the qualities of the bottom housing material are more noticeable during key presses, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. With the Melodic's nylon bottom housing, typists can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Oreo's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper typing experience. On the other hand, the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key, influencing the overall sound profile of the switch. Despite their differences in bottom housing material, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance the typing experience for users based on their preference for sound characteristics.
In summary, the Gateron Melodic and the Everglide Oreo both feature polycarbonate top housings, creating a sharp and clear sound profile, particularly suitable for switches designed with RGB lighting. However, they diverge in their bottom housing materials, with the Melodic using nylon for a deeper and fuller sound, while the Oreo opts for polycarbonate for a sharper and crisper sound. Depending on individual preferences for typing sound and feel, users can choose between these switches based on the unique qualities offered by their respective housing materials. Overall, while the housing materials of the switches play a significant role in sound production, they ultimately contribute to a personalized typing experience based on the user's desired sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, we can see that the Melodic has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Oreo has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 55 grams. Both switches have medium actuation forces, with the Melodic having None grams and the Oreo having 45 grams. The weight of a switch can greatly impact the typing experience, with lighter switches being preferred for longer typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more substantial feel. In this case, the Oreo would be considered the lighter option, making it more suitable for extended use, while the Melodic would provide a slightly heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will get a similar tactile feedback and typing experience. The Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch both offer a consistent travel distance, making them equally suitable for typing and gaming purposes. Whether you choose the Melodic or the Oreo, you can expect to have a satisfying key press with a 4 mm travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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.
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 Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy sound profile, providing a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience with clean and sharp tones. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch presents a chirpy sound with a unique squeak, offering a distinctive acoustic signature. While both switches offer a different sound experience, users can achieve satisfying results with either switch depending on their preference, keyboard setup, and keycap selection.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Gateron Melodic switch is described as buttery and invigorating, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy feel. In comparison, the Everglide Oreo switch is characterized as accented and stepped, offering a medium tactile sensation without being overly tactile or scratchy. The stepped feel of the Oreo switch provides a two-stage tactile feedback that is comfortable and noticeable during typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offer unique and desirable qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Melodic switch boasts a resonant and crunchy sound profile along with a buttery and invigorating feel, while the Oreo switch presents a chirpy sound and accented, stepped feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound, feel, and typing experience, ensuring users can find a switch that suits their individual preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a resonant and crunchy sound profile with a buttery and invigorating feel, the Melodic switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a chirpy sound profile with accented and stepped tactile feedback, the Oreo switch could be more to your liking. Consider factors such as bottom out force and the type of typing experience you are looking for when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences.
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