How are these clamps different from other F-style clamps?

They're track clamps. The head of the MATCHFIT Dovetail Clamps are forged into a dovetail shape, compatible with any standard _"-14? dovetail router bit. It moves through the track created by a router bit instead of an expensive metal t-track.

Can't I just do the same thing with dog holes?

Not really. Dog holes only allow clamps to go through the material with the head sticking out of the bottom. Dog holes confine clamps to fixed locations, which aren't always where you need them. Dovetail Clamps can be positioned anywhere in a dovetail track, inside the material and out of the way.

Do I need the MATCHFIT Dovetail Router Bit in order to use Dovetail Clamps and Dovetail Hardware?

Only if you value your time. Standard dovetail router bits cut to a sharp point at the top of the groove, which requires a decent amount of sanding after the track is routed. Our router bit incorporates a 1/16" roundover to automatically smooth out the top of the track in a single pass. Less time sanding means more time building.

Why dovetail tracks as opposed to T-slot?

When tightening anything inside of a t-slot, the pressure is applied perpendicular to the material surface, which may weaken the integrity of the track. If a t-slot is cut into plywood, all of the force is concentrated on the small flange at the bottom, causing the plywood to delaminate. With a dovetail profile, the clamping force is distributed evenly along the entire wall of the track for an overall stronger hold.

Will MATCHFIT Dovetail Clamps and Dovetail Hardware fit into my Festool track?

The clamps will not, the hardware will, but that's kind of missing the point. The MATCHFIT system was designed to be compatible with a standard router bit profile, so that users wouldn't actually need metal tracks. However, some users have been known to file or grind about .005" off of the wide part of the clamp's elbow and use them in their Festool track. Our advice is to use Festool clamps with Festool tracks, and use Dovetail Clamps for everything else.