KTT Matcha vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Matcha and Everglide Oreo are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique experiences for users. The Matcha is known for its comfortable and snappy tactility while typing, providing a satisfying feedback. Additionally, it boasts a distinctly clean bottom-out sound, thanks to its long pole stem. On the other hand, the Oreo switch offers a delightful tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. It provides a medium light tactility, striking a perfect balance between a satisfying keystroke and a comfortable typing experience. Furthermore, the Oreo switch emits a subtle and mellow sound profile when in use. These general pointers can help you determine which switch aligns more closely with your personal preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to ensure you can make the best decision when choosing the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Matcha and the Everglide Oreo, specifically their polycarbonate top and bottom housings, share several similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, a relatively stiff plastic, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffness also enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, adding an aesthetically pleasing element to the overall design.
However, despite these similarities, it is important to consider that the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switches. The bottom housing has a more pronounced impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Therefore, although both the Matcha and the Oreo feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings, the specific combination of these materials within each switch may result in slight variations in the sound profiles and tactile feedback experienced by the user.
In summary, the KTT Matcha and the Everglide Oreo share the common use of polycarbonate for their top and bottom housings, resulting in similar sound characteristics and compatibility with RGB lighting. However, the slightly different configuration of these materials within each switch may create nuanced differences in the sound profile and tactile experience during key presses and releases. Overall, both switches offer a high-quality sound experience, allowing users to tailor their mechanical keyboard setups to their individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, we can see some similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Matcha is the lighter option, as it has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. On the other hand, the Oreo is slightly heavier, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams.
The lighter weight of the Matcha makes it ideal for individuals who prefer a more effortless typing experience. This switch allows for longer typing periods without causing strain or fatigue. It is particularly suitable for those who use their keyboard for extended work or gaming sessions. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial push feel may find the Matcha too light for their liking.
The Oreo, with its slightly heavier forces, provides a middle ground between a light and heavy typing experience. Its actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 55 grams offer a more pronounced tactile feedback and a more substantial typing feel compared to the Matcha. This makes it a suitable choice for those who prefer a tactile switch with a bit more resistance but still want to avoid excessive force.
In summary, the KTT Matcha offers a lighter typing experience with its lower actuation and bottom out forces, while the Everglide Oreo provides a medium-light option with slightly higher forces. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference, with some favoring the lighter Matcha for longer typing sessions and others opting for the Oreo for a more substantial feel.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch are identical, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and overall typing experience provided by both switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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 Matcha switch is best described as clacky. It produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, resulting in a crisp, bright, and percussive sound profile. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo switch is described as chirpy, with a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches.
When it comes to feel, both switches share some common descriptors. They are both classified as accented switches, providing a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, both switches are described as stepped switches, meaning they have two stages of tactile feedback with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. This mild tactile experience offers a satisfying keystroke while maintaining a comfortable typing feel.
However, there are some differences in feel between the switches. The KTT Matcha switch is also described as snappy, indicating that it is super responsive and has a livelier typing experience. It features longer or dual-staged springs, contributing to its snappy feel. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo switch does not have any specific additional descriptors, so its precise feel characteristics beyond being accented and stepped are not mentioned.
Taking all the available information into account, we can conclude that the KTT Matcha switch offers a comfortable and snappy tactility with a clean bottom-out sound, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a tactile switch with a distinct feel and sound. Meanwhile, the Everglide Oreo switch provides a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. Its sound profile is described as subtle and mellow. While the exact feel characteristics of the Oreo switch are not explicitly mentioned, we can expect a similar experience to the Matcha in terms of being accented and stepped, but potentially without the snappiness. Overall, both switches offer satisfying typing experiences, but with slight differences in sound and potentially feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences and priorities. The Matcha offers a light bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a feathery and comfortable typing experience with reduced finger fatigue. It is also characterized by a snappy and stepped feel, allowing you to feel some pre-travel and post-travel during keystrokes. Additionally, the Matcha produces a clean and clacky sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp and percussive.
On the other hand, the Oreo offers a slightly higher bottom out force of 55 grams, falling within the medium-light range. It provides an accented and stepped feel, offering a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. The Oreo also produces a subtle and mellow sound profile with a unique chirpy characteristic, setting it apart from other switches.
In summary, if you prioritize a lighter typing feel with reduced fatigue and a snappy keystroke, the Matcha would be a great choice for you. However, if you prefer a medium-light tactile experience with an accented feel and a unique chirpy sound, the Oreo would be a delectable treat for your fingertips. Consider your preferences for bottom out force, feel, and sound to make the decision that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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