KTT Darling vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Darling and the Everglide Oreo offer distinct typing experiences for enthusiasts to consider. The KTT Darling is a linear switch that boasts a chewy and substantial typing sensation, accompanied by a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. In contrast, the Everglide Oreo is a tactile switch that provides a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. The Oreo switches strike a balance between satisfying tactility and comfortable typing, unlike the Darling's high-pitched and resonant sound profile. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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 KTT Darling and the Everglide Oreo, we can see that both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting effects in both keyboards. However, the Darling diverges with its nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Oreo's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, offering a different typing experience.
While both the KTT Darling and the Everglide Oreo feature polycarbonate top housings, their bottom housings differ significantly. The Darling's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, with its softer nature absorbing sound, creating a rounder typing experience. In contrast, the Oreo's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, with its stiffer nature leading to a more resonant sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials can greatly impact the overall typing experience and sound output of each keyboard.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the KTT Darling and the Everglide Oreo plays a crucial role in determining their sound profiles and typing experiences. While both keyboards share the benefits of polycarbonate top housings, their bottom housings offer distinct differences in sound quality and typing feel. The Darling's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Oreo's polycarbonate bottom housing delivers a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, the decision between the two keyboards will depend on the individual's preference for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch are both lighter compared to the Everglide Oreo tactile switch. The Darling has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Oreo has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. Both switches fall into the category of medium-light in terms of force required. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Darling, while individuals who enjoy a slightly heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Oreo. In this case, users can expect similar results in actuation and bottom out forces when using either switch. It is essential to consider the weight of the switches when selecting the ideal option for one's typing needs, as this factor can significantly impact typing comfort and performance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, it is clear that the Darling has a shorter travel distance at 3.5 mm compared to the Oreo's 4 mm. The Darling's 3.5 mm travel distance is slightly more responsive and quicker, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Oreo's 4 mm travel distance provides a deeper and more satisfying key press for those who prefer a bit more depth in their typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding travel distance and the level of responsiveness desired. Both switches offer their own unique advantages, so users can expect to achieve similar results in terms of performance regardless of the slight difference in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Darling linear switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant tones, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience that is both engaging and satisfying. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers a more subtle and mellow sound profile, with a unique chirpy characteristic that sets it apart. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound, with the Darling delivering a more pronounced and lively acoustic feedback, while the Oreo opts for a softer and gentler typing experience.
In terms of feel, the KTT Darling linear switch is praised for its bouncy and springy feedback, providing users with a lively sensation that adds a level of responsiveness to each keystroke. In contrast, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers an accented tactility that strikes a balance between satisfying keystrokes and comfortable typing. Additionally, the Oreo switch is described as stepped, providing a mild tactile feel with distinct stages during the keystroke. Both switches offer a unique typing experience in terms of feel, with the Darling emphasizing bounce and springiness, while the Oreo focuses on a medium tactile feedback with a cushioned bottom out.
Overall, the KTT Darling linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch present distinctive qualities in both sound and feel. The Darling excels in providing a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness, coupled with a high-pitched and resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the Oreo offers a crisp tactile bump at the top followed by a cushioned bottom out, along with a subtle and mellow sound profile. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer a satisfying and immersive typing experience that caters to a variety of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering the KTT Darling linear switch, you should opt for it if you enjoy a typing experience that is both chewy and substantial, with a pronounced bounciness and a resonant, high-pitched sound when bottoming out. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is the way to go, offering a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top and a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. The Oreo switches also provide a palatable medium light tactility and a subtle, mellow sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the Darling linear switch and the Oreo tactile switch comes down to your personal preference for linear versus tactile switches, as well as your preferences for bounciness and sound profile.
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