We review the Kato, Kato X, and Encoder to break down all the differences!
The Oakley Kato line is one of the latest sport performance frames to hit the market. Alongside the Kato, you’ll find the Kato X and Encoder Sunglasses as well. But what’s the difference?
Keep reading as we review each frame and compare the Oakley Kato, Kato X, and Encoder sunglasses to show you exactly the differences!
Oakley Kato
The Oakley Kato’s revolutionary design instantly put it on the map. First appearing on the faces of celebrities and athletes like Patrick Mahomes.
The Kato features a single visor lens design that wraps entirely around the nose, basically taking the M Frame to a whole new level.
Be sure to check out our full Oakley Kato Review here for more information.
Kato Highlights
- Large Visor lens with a unique design that wraps around your nose
- Chrome/Metal accents and earstems give this frame an upscale sports look
- Unobtainium nosepad and low-profile Unobtainium earstems for enhanced grip even when sweaty
Oakley Kato X
The Kato X takes the same Kato design but removes the nose lens pop-up.
Instead, you’ll find a more traditional opening for your nose. But don’t worry these sunglasses still keep their large size and infamous shield lens.
For more check out our complete Oakley Kato and Kato X Review here.
Kato X Highlights
- Large frame design with shield lens that’s open around your nose for greater airflow
- Chrome/Metal accents and earstems give this frame an upscale sports look
- Unobtainium Nosepad and low-profile Unobtainium Earstems for added grip
Oakley Encoder
The Encoder is the sporty frame in the Kato line. These sunglasses feature Unobtainium earsocks and temples that are similar to the Oakley Half Jacket.
The frame also has a similar subdued nose as the Kato X while still maintaining the large lens. That means you won’t have the lens wrap around the nose like the Kato.
Be sure to check out our complete guide to the Oakley Encoder sunglasses here.
Encoder Highlights
- Large shield visor lens for enhanced coverage with an open nose similar to the Kato X
- Sport-based design similar to the Radar EV Path with an O Matter frame
- Unobtainium nosepad and full Unobtainium earsocks for added grip
Oakley Kato vs. Kato X vs. Encoder
Now that we’ve talked about each of the sunglasses, let’s compare the pairs to understand what’s the same and different.
At a high level, the Kato and Kato X feature a performance lifestyle design. This means they can easily be worn on and off the field.
The metal accents and polished frame elements definitely stand out on this frame. Especially compared to the Encoder’s sporty cycling design, with a classic O Matter frame and large Unobtainium piece.
The other big difference between these sunglasses is the nose. The Kato lens wraps in front of the nose, providing complete coverage and a unique look.
But the Kato X and Encoder have a modern traditional cut-out for the nose, similar to what’d you find on an M Frame. Either way, you can’t go wrong with any of these frames.
Overall, here’s how we’d summarize each pair in this lineup:
- Oakley Kato: Sports/lifestyle design with maximum coverage and a future-forward design
- Oakley Kato X: A crossover between the Radar and Kato lines
- Oakley Encoder: A true sports pair with maximum grip and coverage
Check out the table below for our quick reference comparison:
| Oakley Kato | Oakley Kato X | Oakley Encoder | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lens Design / Nose Coverage | Visor with Full Nose Coverage | Visor with Open Nose | Visor with Open/Semi - Nose |
| Frame Design | Lifestyle / Sport | Lifestyle / Sport | Sport |
| Earsocks | Hidden Inside Earstem Unobtainium | Hidden Inside Earstem Unobtainium | Full Earsocks |
| Nosepads | Unobtainium | Unobtainium | Unobtainium |
Looking for More?
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! Yours does have more iridium- that is noticeable in the nose beak, yours is more yellow and mine is more red. I’m not complaining though I purposely bought these for mid-light conditions!
! Yours does have more iridium- that is noticeable in the nose beak, yours is more yellow and mine is more red. I’m not complaining though I purposely bought these for mid-light conditions! 
The Katos are absolutely a technical marvel. Finally, a sunglass that wraps all the way around.
