KTT Mint vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the KTT Mint and the Everglide Oreo. The Mint is a linear switch that boasts a satisfyingly smooth typing experience. With its long pole stem, it offers a unique poppy thockiness that is sure to please. Additionally, the Mint provides a light and fleeting feel while typing. On the other hand, the Oreo is a tactile switch that provides a delectable treat for your fingertips. It offers a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a delightfully cushioned sensation when bottoming out. The Oreo strikes the perfect balance between a satisfying keystroke and a comfortable typing experience. While the Mint provides a smooth and satisfying typing experience, the Oreo offers a more pronounced tactile feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these 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
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The KTT Mint and the Everglide Oreo both utilize polycarbonate in their top housing materials. This choice of material creates a similar result for both switches, as polycarbonate is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its relatively stiff nature allows for a clearer and more resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate enables the use of RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Mint and the Oreo differ in their material choice. The Mint features a nylon bottom housing, while the Oreo's bottom housing is also made of polycarbonate. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer composition of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Oreo aligns with its top housing, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile consistent with the overall characteristics of the switch.
In terms of user experience, the material of the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Therefore, the Mint with its nylon bottom housing will provide a different typing experience compared to the Oreo, which has a polycarbonate bottom housing. On the other hand, the top housing material plays a more significant role in the sound produced when a key is released. Both the Mint and the Oreo benefit from using polycarbonate in their top housing, allowing for a clear and resonant sound upon key release, enhancing the overall satisfaction of the user.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, we find that they both have the same actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the force required to trigger a keystroke on both switches is identical, ensuring a similar responsiveness during typing. However, there is a slight difference in their bottom out forces. The Mint has a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Oreo has a bottom out force of 55 grams. Despite this variation, both switches are considered medium-light in terms of bottom out force.
Considering weight, those who prefer a lighter feel may find the Mint more suitable for their needs, as its bottom out force is slightly lighter. This lighter weight can be advantageous for individuals who engage in prolonged typing sessions or indulge in extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Oreo. Although the Oreo has a slightly heavier bottom out force, it still falls within the medium-light category, providing a balanced yet satisfying typing experience. In conclusion, while there may be a subtle difference in bottom out force between the Mint and the Oreo, both switches offer similar actuation forces and can cater to the preferences of different users.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Mint linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, both switches will travel the same distance from the top position to the bottom position, giving you a similar tactile experience. Both switches offer a comfortable travel distance, allowing for precise and efficient typing or gaming performance. Whether you choose the KTT Mint or the Everglide Oreo, you can expect a consistent and satisfying key press with a travel distance that is neither too short nor too long for comfortable usage.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Mint comes in at $2.91 per 10 switches.
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
The KTT Mint linear switch is best known for its satisfyingly smooth typing experience, accompanied by a low-pitched sound profile. The switch offers a light and fleeting type feel, thanks to its long pole stem. This results in a poppy thockiness that many users enjoy. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch provides a different typing experience. With a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a delightfully cushioned sensation when bottoming out, the Oreo offers a palatable medium light tactility. While the sound profile of the Oreo is described as subtle and mellow, the specific sound of a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to sound, the Mint and Oreo switches offer distinct characteristics. The Mint has a low-pitched sound, which tends to be more bass-heavy and mellow. This can contribute to an enjoyable typing experience, particularly for those who prefer a deeper sound profile. Conversely, the Oreo switch is described as chirpy, featuring a unique acoustic signature with a slight squeak. This distinct sound sets the Oreo apart from other switches. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors beyond the switch itself, such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Mint switch provides a mild typing experience with a polished finish. Being a mild switch, it offers a gentle typing sensation that is approachable to most users. The polished finish adds to the smoothness of the typing experience, reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Oreo switch is described as accented, offering a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming. It falls into the category of stepped switches, which means it provides a relatively mild tactile feedback compared to switches with a more pronounced bump. This can be attributed to the presence of pre-travel and/or post-travel in the keystroke.
Considering the available information, the KTT Mint linear switch and Everglide Oreo tactile switch offer contrasting experiences in terms of both sound and feel. The Mint switch provides a satisfyingly smooth linear experience with a low-pitched sound profile, while the Oreo switch offers a delectable treat for your fingertips with a crisp and responsive tactile feel accompanied by a subtle, mellow sound profile. Depending on personal preferences, one can choose between the smooth linearity of the Mint or the tactile delight of the Oreo. However, it's important to note that individual results may vary depending on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a smooth and lightweight typing experience with a pleasing low-pitched sound, the KTT Mint linear switch would be a great choice for you. Its poppy thockiness and fleeting type feel offer a satisfying and comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile bump at the top followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out, along with a subtle and mellow sound profile, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is the way to go. These switches strike a perfect balance between a satisfying keystroke and a comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Mint linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch depends on your personal preference for switch feel, sound, and typing experience.
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