KTT Laurel vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer unique experiences are the KTT Laurel and the Everglide Oreo. The Laurel is a linear switch, known for its medium-light actuation force and short travel distance. Its full POM housing and long pole design provide a comfortable and responsive typing experience. Additionally, the Laurel has a subtly low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Oreo is a tactile switch that offers a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top of each keystroke. This is followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. The Oreo provides a satisfying keystroke with a comfortable typing experience. It is also accompanied by a subtle, mellow sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The KTT Laurel and the Everglide Oreo have distinct differences in their housing materials. The Laurel features a POM top and bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper, more muted sound profile. The Oreo, on the other hand, utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that promotes a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting purposes. Therefore, if you prioritize a deeper and more subdued sound, the Laurel's POM housing would be a suitable choice, while the Oreo's polycarbonate housing would be preferable for those seeking a brighter and more distinguishable sound.
Although their top and bottom housings differ, both the Laurel and the Oreo offer their own unique characteristics. The POM housing of the Laurel creates a distinct sound that is pleasing and somewhat muted. This creates a more subdued auditory experience when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the polycarbonate housing used in the Oreo produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. This higher-pitched sound adds clarity and precision to each keystroke, which can be particularly beneficial for those who prefer a more pronounced and responsive typing experience. While the two housing materials result in different sound profiles, both switches prioritize delivering an enjoyable and distinct auditory feedback to the user.
When it comes to the specific impact of the housing materials on the switch, the bottom and top housings play different roles. The bottom housing significantly influences the sound and feel when the key is pressed down, as it creates the bottom-out sound. In the case of the Laurel, the POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper, more muted sound when the key is bottomed out. Conversely, the Oreo's polycarbonate bottom housing creates a sharper and crisper bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the top housing primarily affects the sound produced when releasing the key. The POM top housing of the Laurel generates a relatively muted and deeper sound when the key is released, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Oreo produces a brighter and more distinct sound upon key release. Therefore, depending on the specific sound experience desired, the housing materials in each switch can be tailored to the user's preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Laurel switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, while the Oreo switch requires a slightly heavier 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Laurel switch is lighter at 50 grams, while the Oreo switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. These differences indicate that the Oreo switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience with its slightly heavier forces compared to the Laurel switch. However, it is worth mentioning that the variances in force required for both actuation and bottoming out are relatively small, resulting in similar outcomes in terms of typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between lighter or slightly heavier forces depends on the individual's preference for typing feel and duration of use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, there is a notable difference. The Laurel has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Oreo has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of what is considered traditional, with the Oreo being slightly longer. Those who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Laurel with its shorter travel distance. Gamers, in particular, often opt for switches with shorter travel distances for quick key presses. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a deeper and more substantial key press may find the Oreo more satisfying due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to personal preference for either a snappy and responsive feel or a more pronounced keystroke depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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 comparing the subjective qualities of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, we can observe some differences in terms of sound and feel. The Laurel is known for its subtly low-pitched sound profile, which is typically more bass-heavy and mellow in tone. On the other hand, the Oreo has a unique acoustic signature described as "chirpy," giving these switches a little squeak that sets them apart. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Laurel is described as "snappy," indicating that these switches are super responsive. This responsiveness can be attributed to the switch's design elements such as the full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design. On the other hand, the Oreo is described as "accented," which suggests that these switches provide a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still prominent. Additionally, the Oreo switches have a stepped design, meaning that they have a more mild tactile feedback with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation. This combination of features aims to strike a balance between a satisfying keystroke and a comfortable typing experience.
Considering all the available information, we can conclude that the Laurel linear switch and the Oreo tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Laurel provides a subtly low-pitched sound profile and a snappy feel, while the Oreo delivers a unique chirpy sound profile and an accented, stepped feel. However, it is important to note that the subjective experience can vary depending on personal preferences, the keyboard configuration, and other factors. If you are looking for a linear switch with a mellow sound and snappy feel, the Laurel may be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a chirpy sound and an accented, stepped feel, the Oreo could be a great option. Ultimately, both switches aim to provide a pleasing typing experience with their respective qualities.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you prioritize a lighter bottom out force and a smooth linear switch, the KTT Laurel would be the ideal choice for you. With its medium-light bottom out force of 50 grams, the Laurel offers a comfortable typing experience without feeling too heavy. The full POM housing and long pole design contribute to its responsiveness, while the subtly low-pitched sound profile adds to the overall satisfaction of typing on this switch.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile typing experience with a slightly higher bottom out force, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, the Oreo strikes a balance between satisfying tactility and comfortable typing. You can expect a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top of each keystroke, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. The subtle, mellow sound profile of the Oreo adds to the overall enjoyment of typing on this switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch boils down to your personal preferences. Whether you prioritize a smoother linear switch or a more tactile typing experience, both switches offer their unique advantages. Consider your desired bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel to determine which switch aligns better with your preferences. By carefully considering these factors, you can select the mechanical keyboard switch that will enhance your typing experience to the fullest.
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