TTC Bluish White vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are pleased to offer two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches: the TTC Bluish White, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Oil King, a linear switch. Each switch offers a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences. The Bluish White is best known for its satisfyingly poppy typing experience, accompanied by a snappy sound profile. It is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Stepped', 'Subtle', 'Polished', and 'Low-pitched'. On the other hand, the Oil King stands out with its buttery smoothness and a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. Categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Silky', 'Bassy', 'Buttery', and 'Polished', these switches provide a distinct sensation while typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the Gateron Oil King switches exhibit notable differences. The Bluish White features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Moreover, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Oil King utilizes a nylon top housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. While both materials offer distinct sound qualities, the polycarbonate top housing of the Bluish White emphasizes clarity and brightness, while the nylon top housing of the Oil King focuses on depth and richness.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Bluish White and the Oil King employ nylon, a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon's softness allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. The Oil King also introduces a proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which adds a unique element to its sound profile. The INK blend is known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, described as satisfyingly clacky. While both switches share the use of nylon for the bottom housings, the inclusion of the INK blend in the Oil King sets it apart by offering a distinct, sharp sound that distinguishes it from the Bluish White's duller and rounder tone.
In terms of overall performance, the impact of the housing materials in both switches can be felt differently. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. The softer nylon bottom housing of both the Bluish White and the Oil King creates a deeper and fuller sound when keys are pressed. Conversely, the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key. Here, the stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Bluish White produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound when keys are released, while the nylon top housing of the Oil King results in a rounder and duller tone. In this aspect, similarities can be observed between the two switches, as both the Bluish White and the Oil King emphasize the impact of their respective housing materials, albeit in different ways.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, there are notable differences. The Bluish White has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. In contrast, the Oil King requires a higher actuation force of 55 grams, providing a slightly more resistant typing experience. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Bluish White is 50 grams, while the Oil King requires a heavier 65 grams. This indicates that the Oil King switch offers a more substantial and forceful typing experience overall. For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Bluish White would be the ideal choice, enabling longer typing sessions and effortless keystrokes. However, individuals seeking a stronger push feel and a more robust typing experience might gravitate towards the heavier actuation and bottom out forces provided by the Oil King switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it is clear that they have different distances. The Bluish White has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Oil King has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, the Oil King falls within the standard range of 4.0 mm, while the Bluish White is slightly shorter. This shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers who value faster response times. On the other hand, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance of the Bluish White to feel too abrupt, and may prefer the more substantial depth provided by the Oil King's longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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
In terms of sound, both the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch have a low-pitched sound profile. However, the Oil King switch also has a bassy characteristic, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, while the two switches may have similar low-pitched sound profiles, the Oil King may provide a slightly different and more resonant experience due to its bassy nature.
When it comes to feel, the Bluish White tactile switch is described as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished. This implies that it offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The tactile feedback provided by the stepped nature of the switch adds a mild and gentle resistance to the typing experience. Additionally, the polished finish ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished. These descriptors indicate that this switch offers an exceptionally smooth and buttery typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The switch's silky nature enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel. The creamy characteristic suggests that lubricant has been applied at the factory, further contributing to the effortless glide of the keys. Similarly to the Bluish White, the polished finish of the Oil King switch ensures reduced friction and a sleek typing experience.
In conclusion, both the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch offer enjoyable typing experiences with different qualities. Although they both have a low-pitched sound profile, the Oil King also provides a bassy characteristic. In terms of feel, the Bluish White offers a buttery and polished typing experience with mild and stepped tactile feedback, while the Oil King switch is exceptionally smooth and creamy, with a silky glide and polished finish. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. If you prefer a low-pitched sound and a smooth typing feel, you can expect similar results from both switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you desire a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a light bottom out force, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch is the way to go. These switches offer a snappy sound profile and a range of feel descriptors, including a buttery and mild typing experience, a stepped feel, a subtle resistance, and a polished finish for smooth key travel. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth linear switch, the Gateron Oil King is the perfect choice. These switches provide a buttery and silky typing experience, a creamy sensation, and a polished finish for reduced friction and enhanced smoothness. Both switches have a low-pitched sound profile, with the Oil King also offering a bassy tone. Ultimately, your decision would depend on your desired typing experience and bottom out force preference.
Mentioned in this article
