KTT Mallo vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Mallo and the Everglide Oreo mechanical keyboard switches, the Mallo stands out for its gentle tactility and medium-light typing feel, making it a balanced choice for typists who appreciate subtlety and finesse in switch design. On the other hand, the Oreo offers a delectable tactile bump at the top followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out, providing a crisp and responsive typing experience. While the Mallo boasts a neutral sound signature, the Oreo emits a subtle, mellow sound profile. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
55g
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
No
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
The housing materials of the KTT Mallo and Everglide Oreo switches both utilize polycarbonate in the top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting for aesthetic purposes. However, the Mallo's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Oreo's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches.
The differences in housing materials between the KTT Mallo and Everglide Oreo switches extend to the impact on the typing experience. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing of the Mallo provides a different typing experience compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Oreo. On the other hand, the top housing material will have a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. Both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate in the top housing for a sharp and clear sound profile, particularly when paired with RGB lighting.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the KTT Mallo and Everglide Oreo switches share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharp and clear sound profile ideal for RGB lighting. However, the switches differ in their choice of bottom housing materials, with the Mallo utilizing nylon for a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Oreo's polycarbonate bottom housing. These differences in housing materials contribute to varying typing experiences, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound upon key release. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel during typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, it is evident that they both have a bottom out force of 55 grams, making them have a similar typing experience in terms of force needed to fully press the key. However, the Mallo has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it is very light to trigger a keystroke, while the Oreo has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is slightly heavier. The lighter actuation force of the Mallo may be preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, while the slightly heavier actuation force of the Oreo may be favored by those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or slightly heavier actuation force.
Travel distance
The KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on either switch, you will experience the same amount of key travel. This consistent travel distance allows for a similar typing experience with both switches. Overall, both the Mallo and the Oreo offer a satisfying key press with a travel distance that provides a good balance between tactile feedback and key responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Mallo switch offers a neutral and subdued sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of environments and preferences. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo switch provides a chirpy sound that is unique and stands out from other switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Mallo switch provides a feathery, mild, stepped, and subtle typing experience. The light actuation force reduces finger fatigue and makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Everglide Oreo switch offers an accented and stepped tactile feel, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. Both switches strike a balance between satisfying keystrokes and comfortable typing experiences, catering to different preferences in tactile feedback.
Overall, both the KTT Mallo and Everglide Oreo switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. Depending on your personal preferences and typing style, you can achieve a versatile and enjoyable typing experience with either switch. Whether you prefer a neutral and subtle sound with a feathery typing feel or a chirpy sound with a more accented tactile feedback, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience for newcomers looking to explore the world of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. Opt for the Mallo if you prioritize a subtle and versatile typing experience, with a neutral sound profile and feathery or mild tactile feel that's comfortable for extended use. The Mallo strikes a balanced chord for typists who seek a gentle tactility without being overpowering. On the other hand, choose the Oreo if you prefer a more pronounced tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned bottom out sensation. The Oreo offers a palatable medium light tactility with a subtle, mellow sound profile, making it a satisfying choice for those who enjoy a bit more tactile feedback. Ultimately, both switches have their unique characteristics, so consider your preferences in typing experience when making your decision.
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