Everglide Oreo vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Everglide Oreo and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Oreo and the KTT Phalaenopsis are two popular choices for those seeking a tactile typing experience. The Everglide Oreo is known for its crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. With a medium light tactility, it strikes the perfect balance between a satisfying keystroke and comfortable typing experience. Additionally, the Oreo produces a subtle, mellow sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis features beautiful translucent switches with a light actuation force of 37g, making typing effortless and minimizing finger fatigue. The 50g tactile force provides a satisfying and discernible tactile bump for a delightful typing experience. Categorized as 'Bassy', 'Stepped', and 'Thocky', the Phalaenopsis offers a unique 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
37g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Oreo and the KTT Phalaenopsis share similarities when it comes to their housing materials. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and lighting effects from both the Oreo and the Phalaenopsis switches due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.
However, where the Oreo and the Phalaenopsis differ is in their bottom housing material. While the Oreo utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, the Phalaenopsis may employ a different material. Depending on the switch, the bottom housing material can impact the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. This means that the Oreo may have a unique bottom-out experience compared to the Phalaenopsis, depending on the material used in their bottom housing. Consequently, there might be variations in feedback and tactile response between the two switches.
Ultimately, the choice of housing materials for the Everglide Oreo and the KTT Phalaenopsis allows for customization and fine-tuning of the overall sound and feel of the switches. The polycarbonate top housing guarantees a crisp and resonant sound, enhanced by RGB lighting effects. While their bottom housings may differ, the Oreo and the Phalaenopsis offer unique bottom-out experiences, catering to individual preferences in terms of feedback and tactile response. Both switches provide the opportunity for users to achieve desired typing or gaming experiences by utilizing different housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Oreo has an actuation force of 45 grams, slightly heavier than the Phalaenopsis with its 37 grams, making the Oreo require a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, the Oreo has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Phalaenopsis measures at 50 grams. These differences indicate that the Oreo provides a medium-light typing experience, while the Phalaenopsis offers a lighter touch.
Weight becomes an important factor to consider, as it can greatly influence the typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter switch may find the Phalaenopsis more suitable, as it allows for longer typing periods without strain. This makes it ideal for work scenarios or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial push feel may opt for the Oreo, as its slightly heavier actuation force provides a stronger tactile feedback. This can enhance the typing experience and offer a greater sense of control.
Overall, while both switches differ in their actuation and bottom out forces, each can cater to specific preferences. The Oreo is slightly heavier in both aspects, offering a more substantial typing experience, while the Phalaenopsis provides a lighter touch for those who prefer extended periods of typing without strain. Ultimately, selecting either switch will result in a satisfying typing experience, albeit with slight variations in the force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches provide a similar experience in terms of the distance they travel from top to bottom, allowing users to feel the tactile feedback when pressing down on a key. Therefore, the travel distance for both switches is equal, ensuring consistent results for users when typing or gaming.
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 Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
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 Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers a unique typing experience with a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a soft and cushioned sensation when bottoming out. It is described as having a medium light tactility, striking a perfect balance between satisfying keystrokes and comfortable typing. When it comes to sound, the Oreo has a subtle and mellow sound profile, which sets it apart from other switches. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch is best known for its beautiful translucent appearance and light actuation force of 37g. Typing with these switches is effortless, and finger fatigue is minimized even during prolonged typing sessions. With a tactile force of 50g, the Phalaenopsis provides a satisfying and discernible tactile bump, ensuring each keystroke is a delightful experience. In terms of sound, the Phalaenopsis offers a bassy sound profile with a deeper and richer tone during key presses. It can be described as having a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, it is also characterized as thocky, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed.
In conclusion, the Everglide Oreo and KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switches offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel. The Oreo provides a subtle and mellow sound profile, while the Phalaenopsis offers a bassy and thocky sound experience. Both switches have a stepped feel, providing a two-stage tactile sensation with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel. It is important to consider personal preferences and the desired typing experience when choosing between these switches. However, it is worth mentioning that if you prefer a medium light tactility with a stepped feel, both switches can offer similar results in terms of feel, but with different sound profiles.
Conclusion
To sum up, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is a great choice if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams and a satisfying keystroke with a comfortable typing experience. These switches offer a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. They provide a subtle and mellow sound profile, which can be described as chirpy.
On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch is ideal for those who prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. These switches offer effortless and comfortable typing, minimizing finger fatigue even during prolonged typing sessions. The 50g tactile force provides a satisfying and discernible tactile bump, ensuring each keystroke is a delightful experience. The sound profile of the Phalaenopsis switches is described as bassy and thocky, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses.
In terms of feel, both switches feature a stepped design. However, the Oreo switches are also described as accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switches feel more mild in comparison, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
Ultimately, the decision between the Everglide Oreo and KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a subtle, mellow sound profile, the Oreo switches would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a deeper, richer sound profile, the Phalaenopsis switches would be more suitable. Consider your typing style, desired tactility, and preferred sound profile to make an informed decision.
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