Gateron Beer vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer and the Gateron Oil King stand out as distinctive options for different preferences. The Beer switch, with its sparkling translucent green appearance, offers a unique tactile experience with a stepped tactility that is easy to press. Known for its characteristic clacky sound signature, the Beer switch is perfect for those who enjoy a lighter touch and a subtler tactile feel. On the other hand, the Oil King switch is praised for its smoothness and dark chocolate-like sound profile. With a low-pitched, creamy, and buttery feel, the Oil King switch is ideal for those who prefer a polished and bassy typing experience. 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
38g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Gateron Oil King differ significantly. The Beer features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff plastic composition. This results in a higher-pitched sound that is ideal for RGB lighting setups. In contrast, the Oil King utilizes a nylon top housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This leads to a duller and rounder sound that is distinctly different from the Beer.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the differences continue between the Beer and the Oil King. The Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing mirrors the properties of its top housing, producing a sharper and crisper sound profile that complements the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Oil King's proprietary INK blend bottom housing offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. This unique blend creates a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound that sets it apart from the Beer.
While the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Beer and the Gateron Oil King bring distinct qualities to the typing experience, the impact of each housing material is split between the bottom and top of the switch. Pressing down on the switch allows you to feel the qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when you release a key. Despite their differences, both switches offer a unique and tailored typing experience based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Gateron Oil King linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Beer requires 50 grams while the Oil King needs 65 grams, making the Oil King the heavier option in both categories. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Beer make it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the heavier forces of the Oil King provide a more substantial and tactile typing experience, which some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and the desired weight of the keys.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Oil King linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Beer has a shorter travel distance compared to the Oil King. The Beer's 3.4 mm travel distance may appeal to those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Oil King's 4 mm travel distance provides a deeper key press feeling, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience one is looking for.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
The Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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 Gateron Beer tactile switch offers a clacky experience, producing a sharp and snappy sound with each press. In contrast, the Gateron Oil King linear switch provides a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences that can enhance the overall typing sound, depending on personal preferences and setup.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is easy-to-press and features a stepped tactility, offering a subtler feel compared to other tactile switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch provides a creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience, with buttery smoothness and effortless keystrokes. The Beer switch emphasizes light actuation force and a two-stage tactile sensation, while the Oil King switch focuses on smoothness and refined key travel. Both switches offer distinct tactile and linear feels that can cater to different typing preferences.
In summary, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Beer switch provides a clacky sound and easy-to-press, stepped tactile feel, whereas the Oil King switch offers a low-pitched, bassy sound and a creamy, silky, buttery, and polished linear feel. Depending on whether you prefer a sharper sound with light tactility or a smoother sound with refined linear feedback, you can choose between these two switches to achieve your desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and can deliver satisfying results based on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a lighter actuation force and stepped tactility with a characteristic clacky sound, then the Beer switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force and a smooth, buttery typing experience with a low-pitched, bassy sound profile, then the Oil King switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what type of typing feel and sound you prefer in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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