Kailh Box White vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Kailh Box White, a clicky switch, and the Gateron Oil King, a linear switch. The Box White switch is perfect for those who crave maximum audio feedback. With its distinctive "stepping on autumn leaves" type of crunch and accented tactility, typing on these switches becomes an auditory experience. On the other hand, the Oil King linear switch offers a buttery smoothness that is simply delightful. With a sound profile akin to a dark chocolate bar snapping, these switches provide a satisfying typing experience. The Box White switch is best known for its resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy attributes, while the Oil King switch is characterized by its low-pitched, creamy, silky, bassy, buttery, and polished features. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision and choose the switch that best suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the Gateron Oil King switches are quite different. The Box White features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Oil King utilizes a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the two switches will have distinct sound characteristics when typing.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Box White and the Oil King switches use nylon. Nylon provides that classic switch housing material, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its ability to absorb sound makes the typing experience on both switches noticeably different from ones that use harder plastics. However, the Oil King sets itself apart with its proprietary INK blend bottom housing. This unique blend results in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, commonly described as clacky. Therefore, while both switches use nylon bottom housing, the Oil King offers a distinct sound experience due to its proprietary blend.
When it comes to the impact on sound and feel during usage, the qualities of the bottom and top housing materials are split between the two switches. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. The properties of the Box White's nylon bottom housing and the Oil King's proprietary INK blend bottom housing both contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when releasing a key. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box White produces a sharper and crisper sound when compared to the Oil King's nylon top housing, which creates a duller and rounder sound. So, while there may be similarities in the bottom-out sound, the release sound will vary between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. The Box White has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Oil King's 55 grams, indicating that the Box White requires slightly less force to trigger a keystroke. However, the difference is not significant. In terms of bottom out force, the Box White again requires less force with 60 grams compared to the Oil King's 65 grams. This suggests that the Box White provides a slightly lighter typing experience overall. Both switches fall within the medium range for actuation force, but the Oil King leans towards the medium-heavy side for bottom out force. It is worth considering that those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Box White, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial and heavier push feel may be inclined to choose the Oil King for a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the differences in force between the two switches are not drastic, so users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out when using either switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Box White has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Oil King has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The traditional travel distance for switches tends to be around 4.0mm, with 3.0mm being the shallowest. However, there is an increasing trend towards shorter travel distances, especially among gamers who value faster response times. For those seeking a more responsive typing experience, the shorter travel distance of the Box White would be the preferred option. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a deeper and more substantial feeling when pressing down a key might lean towards the Oil King with its longer travel distance. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and whether one prefers a shallower or deeper travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box White comes in at $2.76, whereas the Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50.
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, the Kailh Box White switch offers a resonant and high-pitched profile. When typing on these switches, users can expect a clean and sharp sound with an immersive auditory experience. The sound is often comparable to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King switch provides a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. This switch offers a deeper and richer sound with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The sound profile is often described as reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. It should be noted that the sound of the switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. These switches have a sleek finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Users can expect a typing sensation that is both crisp and tactile. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King switch is often characterized as creamy, silky, and buttery. These switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, where pressing and releasing keys feel effortless and seamless. The typing sensation can be compared to gliding fingers across the keys with ease.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box White provides a resonant and high-pitched sound profile, with a crunchy and tactile typing experience. Meanwhile, the Oil King offers a low-pitched and bassy sound, accompanied by a creamy, silky, and buttery typing sensation. Each switch caters to different preferences and typing styles. However, if you prefer a clicky and tactile experience with the Box White and want a similar smooth and buttery typing sensation, the Oil King could provide a comparable result, although without the clicky sound feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences and typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you value maximum audio feedback and a satisfying tactile bump, the Box White switch is the ideal choice for you. It offers a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, delivering a crisp and sharp sound profile reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. Additionally, the Box White switch boasts a polished finish, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience and a low-pitched sound profile, the Gateron Oil King switch is the way to go. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 65 grams, this medium-heavy linear switch offers a sound profile similar to a dark chocolate bar snapping. The Oil King switch is known for its creamy and silky sensation, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys with ease. It enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
To sum up, if you prioritize auditory feedback and tactile satisfaction, choose the Kailh Box White clicky switch. However, if a smooth and buttery typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile is what you seek, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is the perfect option for you. Consider your personal preferences and typing style to make the right decision that will enhance your overall keyboarding experience.
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