When I went from non-O-ring to O-ring chains I was amazed at how much force it took to compress the master link enough to get the clip properly into its grooves. Is there any chance you're not doing this successfully?
Are you using a magnifier of some sort to get a good look at the installed clip?
Are you putting the clip on with its sharp edge outward?
Also, I use a friend's method of keeping the link in place:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlTMKMk2CIo