KTT Cream Yellow vs. Everglide Oreo

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are a multitude of options available, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. Two popular switches that offer distinct typing experiences are the KTT Cream Yellow and the Everglide Oreo. The Cream Yellow is a linear switch that is best known for its 'bouncy' and 'clacky' attributes. With its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, this switch provides resonant audio feedback, creating a distinctively clacky sound. Additionally, its lengthened spring contributes to a uniquely bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo is a tactile switch that offers a delightful treat for your fingertips. With a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out, these switches strike the perfect balance between satisfying keystrokes and a comfortable typing experience. They are categorized as 'Accented', 'Chirpy', and 'Stepped'. To truly determine the best switch for you, however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities and explore the intricacies of each switch.

By the numbers

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

Everglide Oreo Tactile

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

$6.86

$4.19 per 10

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Housing materials

The KTT Cream Yellow and the Everglide Oreo both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This choice allows for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing on these switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a distinct auditory experience. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing is advantageous for those who plan on using RGB lighting to enhance the visual appeal of their keyboard. In terms of sound and lighting, users can expect similar results from both the Cream Yellow and the Oreo due to their shared polycarbonate top housing material.

While the top housings of the Cream Yellow and the Oreo are similar, their bottom housings differ. The Cream Yellow features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Oreo utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. Like its top counterpart, the polycarbonate material leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While the polycarbonate bottom housing may not provide the same level of sound absorption as nylon, it contributes to a clear and resonant sound experience. Therefore, the Cream Yellow and the Oreo offer distinct sound profiles due to their contrasting bottom housing materials.

When considering the overall typing experience, it is important to note that the choice of top and bottom housing materials plays a significant role. While the Cream Yellow and the Oreo share a polycarbonate top housing, the bottom housing materials provide unique characteristics. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as impact and bottom-out sound and feel, will be felt when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users can expect a nuanced typing experience with subtle variations between the Cream Yellow and the Oreo, as their housing materials distribute different qualities throughout the switch.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Cream Yellow has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, while the Oreo has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams. However, both switches fall into the medium range, providing a good balance for typing and gaming purposes.

In terms of bottom out force, the Cream Yellow requires 58 grams of force, making it slightly heavier than the Oreo, which requires 55 grams. This means that when pressing the Cream Yellow all the way down, there is a slightly more substantial feel compared to the Oreo. However, both switches still fall within the medium-light to medium range.

Considering weight, some users may prefer a lighter switch to allow for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods without causing fatigue. In this case, the Oreo with its lighter actuation and bottom out force would be a suitable choice.

On the other hand, those looking for a more substantial typing experience may prefer a heavier switch that requires a stronger push. In this case, the Cream Yellow with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force would be a better option.

Overall, while there are slight differences in the actuation force and bottom out force between the Cream Yellow and Oreo switches, they both provide a satisfactory typing and gaming experience. It ultimately comes down to personal preference, as some individuals may find the Cream Yellow's slightly heavier feel more appealing, while others may prefer the lighter touch of the Oreo.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is 3.5 mm, whereas the Everglide Oreo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Oreo is longer than the Cream Yellow. The Oreo's 4.0mm travel distance is more traditional, providing a slightly deeper key press experience compared to the Cream Yellow's 3.5 mm. However, the trend towards shorter travel distances is becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you are looking for a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the Cream Yellow's shorter travel distance could be a preferable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial and deep feel when pressing down on a key, the Oreo's longer travel distance may be better suited to your preferences. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired tactile experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Cream Yellow switch is best described as clacky. It produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Oreo switch has a unique chirpy sound with a little squeak to them, setting them apart from other switches. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to feel, the Cream Yellow switch offers a bouncy sensation. With its shortened bottom-out distance, long-pole stem, and lengthened spring, it provides a uniquely elastic feedback. This means that the keys have a lively feel, giving you a rebound effect when pressed. In contrast, the Oreo switch is described as an accented tactile switch. This means that it provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or scratchy. It strikes a balance between a satisfying keystroke and a comfortable typing experience. Additionally, the Oreo switch is also considered a stepped switch, which means it has two stages of tactile feedback. You can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, adding to the overall typing experience.

Overall, the Cream Yellow switch is known for its clacky sound and bouncy feel, while the Oreo switch offers a chirpy sound and an accented, stepped tactile experience. Both switches provide distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. However, if you are looking for a similar typing experience, you can expect to achieve a lively and satisfying feel with either switch. It is crucial to consider the compatibility of these switches with your keyboard and keycaps to fully enjoy their subjective qualities.

Conclusion

In summary, if you prioritize a distinctively clacky sound and a uniquely bouncy typing feel, the Cream Yellow linear switch is the one for you. It offers a medium bottom out force of 58 grams and delivers a crisp and bright sound when pressed. The shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem of the Cream Yellow contribute to its resonant audio feedback, providing a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the lengthened spring gives a bouncy and spring-like sensation when typing.

On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile bump at the top of each keystroke and a delightfully cushioned sensation when bottoming out, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is your best choice. It has a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams and provides a palatable medium light tactility. The Oreo switches strike the perfect balance between satisfying keystrokes and a comfortable typing experience. When using the Oreo switches, you can expect a subtle, mellow sound profile. These switches offer an accented tactility, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, the Oreo switches have a stepped feel, giving you a mild pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation.

Ultimately, the choice between the Cream Yellow linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch depends on your preferences for sound and feel. If you value a clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel, go for the Cream Yellow. However, if you prefer a tactile bump with a cushioned sensation and an accented, stepped feel, the Oreo switches will be more to your liking. Consider your typing style, preferences, and desired typing experience when making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Oreo Tactile

$6.86

$4.19 per 10

Learn more