Everglide Oreo vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Everglide Oreo and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Everglide Oreo and the KTT Pine are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and characteristics. The Oreo switches, known for their tactile nature, provide a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. With a medium light tactility, these switches strike the perfect balance between satisfying keystrokes and a comfortable typing experience. In terms of sound, the Oreos emit a subtle and mellow profile. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switches, classified as linear switches, offer a medium-heavy weight and a buttery smooth feel, ensuring an effortless typing experience. These switches are designed to minimize friction with a polished and factory-lubed finish, resulting in smooth key travel. The Pine switches are known for their bassy, low-pitched sound profile. Both switches have their unique advantages, providing distinct tactile and typing experiences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Oreo and the KTT Pine, specifically the polycarbonate top and bottom housings, offer similar benefits in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. Both the Oreo and Pine switches feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to other housing materials. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows for effective illumination.
However, it is important to note that the qualities brought by the housing materials are distributed differently between the top and bottom housings of a switch. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing's qualities have a more noticeable impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing's characteristics primarily influence the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Oreo and Pine switches share similar housing materials, the way these materials contribute to the overall typing experience may differ.
In conclusion, the Everglide Oreo and the KTT Pine switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top and bottom housings, resulting in a comparable sound profile and aesthetic appeal. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the switch's sound, creating a sharper and crisper typing experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is advantageous for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, the specific impact of the housing materials may vary between the top and bottom housings, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both. This ensures that users will achieve similar results when typing or gaming. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, we see a slight variation. The Oreo has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Pine, which has a bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that the Oreo switch provides a slightly softer landing when pressed all the way down compared to the Pine. For those who prefer a lighter switch that allows for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons, the Oreo may be the better choice. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel might lean towards the Pine. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to personal preference and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch have an equal travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and overall typing experience with both these switches.
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 Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine 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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers a subtle and mellow sound profile. This means that the switch produces a gentle and pleasing sound when typing. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch is described as having a bassy and low-pitched sound. This indicates that the switch produces a deeper and richer sound with lower frequencies, providing a sense of depth and richness associated with bass tones. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you prefer a softer and more mellow sound, the Oreo switch would be a good choice, while the Pine switch is best suited for those who enjoy a deeper and bass-heavy sound.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is described as having an accented and stepped feel. This means that the switch provides a medium level of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. It has a noticeable tactile bump and offers a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch is described as being buttery and creamy. This indicates that the switch provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The Pine switch is designed to offer a uniform and pleasant typing experience, allowing your fingers to glide across the keys with ease. If you prefer a switch with a more defined tactile bump, the Oreo switch would be a better choice. However, if you prioritize a smoother and more effortless typing experience, the Pine switch would be a great option.
Taking all the available information into account, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Oreo switch provides a subtle and mellow sound profile, paired with an accented and stepped feel, striking a balance between a satisfying keystroke and comfort. On the other hand, the Pine switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound, accompanied by a buttery and creamy feel, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to individual preferences. If you are looking for a switch that emphasizes a softer and mellow sound with a medium tactile feel, the Oreo switch would be an excellent choice. If you prefer a switch with a deeper and richer sound and a smooth, buttery typing experience, the Pine switch would be a great option. It's important to consider your personal preferences and typing style when choosing between these two switches.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you prioritize a satisfying keystroke and a comfortable typing experience, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. With its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches strike a perfect balance between tactile feedback and ease of typing. The crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out, provides a delightful experience for your fingertips. Additionally, the subtle and mellow sound profile of the Oreo adds to the overall typing enjoyment.
On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth and effortless typing experience, the KTT Pine linear switch would be ideal. These switches have a medium bottom out force of 58 grams, offering a comfortable typing feel. With a polished, factory-lubed finish, the Pine switches minimize friction and ensure smooth key travel. The unique feature of the Pine switches is their low-pitched and bassy sound profile, which adds depth and richness to your typing experience.
In summary, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is perfect for those seeking a balanced tactile experience with medium-light force and a subtle sound profile. On the contrary, the KTT Pine linear switch is an excellent choice for individuals prioritizing buttery smoothness, effortless typing, and a low-pitched, bassy sound profile. Ultimately, it depends on your personal preferences and typing style when deciding between these two switches. Whichever you choose, both switches offer their own unique features to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
