Jerrzi Coral vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the Jerrzi Coral and the Gateron Oil King (V2), both of which are linear switches. The Coral switch is celebrated for its distinctively crisp typing feel and a lower-pitched resonance, providing a sophisticated balance that enhances each keystroke. Users often appreciate its silky texture, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a refined and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King (V2) stands out for its buttery smoothness, evoking the sound and feel of snapping dark chocolate. This switch is characterized as creamy, polished, and bassy, appealing to users seeking a plush and luxurious feedback. While both switches excel in delivering smooth, low-pitched keystrokes, they cater to slightly different preferences in typing feel and sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Jerrzi Coral Linear

Gateron Oil King (V2) Linear

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Coral and the Gateron Oil King (V2), a key difference is their respective top housing materials. The Jerrzi Coral features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its stiffer properties, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic aligns with polycarbonate's natural translucency, making it an optimal choice for keyboards that utilize RGB lighting, as it allows light to pass through beautifully. In contrast, the Oil King (V2) utilizes a nylon top housing that is celebrated for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, which absorbs more sound. While the Coral's polycarbonate offers clarity and brightness, the Oil King's nylon brings warmth and roundedness to the auditory experience.

Examining the bottom housing of both switches reveals a more nuanced comparison. The Coral's bottom housing is also made of nylon, which, similar to the Oil King’s top housing, contributes to a deeper sound profile. This consistency in material suggests that both switches will exhibit characteristics associated with nylon's absorbent nature, leading to a more subdued and rounded sound. However, the Oil King (V2) distinguishes itself with its proprietary INK blend for the bottom housing, designed to provide a high-pitched yet satisfying sound that accompanies a clacky typing experience. Therefore, while both switches share nylon's properties in certain aspects, the unique blend of materials employed by Gateron introduces a distinct auditory element in the bottom housing of the Oil King.

Ultimately, the interplay between the materials used in the top and bottom housings of the Coral and Oil King (V2) directly influences their acoustic signatures. For the Jerrzi Coral, the combined effects of the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom allow for an interesting mix of sharpness from the upper housing and a fulsome sound from the bottom. Meanwhile, the Oil King (V2) contrasts with its nylon top and proprietary INK blend bottom, resulting in a dynamic contrast between a softer upper register and a pronounced clackiness below. Despite these differences, similar construction principles prevail: each switch's sound profile is deeply affected by the materials used, where polycarbonate brings brightness and clarity, whereas nylon, especially in the case of Oil King's lower housing, creates a foundation for a richer sound experience. Thus, while the materials differ, through careful design, both switches can achieve a satisfying auditory experience tailored to their respective sound profiles.

Weight

The Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, making them suitable for different typing preferences. The Coral switch has a notably lighter actuation force of 40 grams, which may appeal to users seeking a more comfortable typing experience during long sessions, as it requires less force to register a keystroke. In contrast, the Oil King (V2) demands a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, catering to those who prefer a more substantial push feel when typing. While the Coral's bottom out force is unspecified, the Oil King's bottom out force is 65 grams, classified as medium-heavy. This means that the Oil King will provide a firmer resistance when fully depressed, likely offering a different tactile feedback compared to the Coral. Overall, if users are looking for a lighter switch for extended use, the Coral would be the better choice, whereas those who enjoy a more robust typing feel might prefer the Oil King (V2).

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch, the differences are quite distinct. The Coral switch features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Oil King (V2) has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive feel during key presses, the Coral switch would be the preferable option, as its shorter travel distance can lead to quicker actuation, an aspect favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Oil King (V2), with its longer distance, may cater to users who prefer a deeper and more traditional keystroke experience. In essence, while both switches serve different preferences, the Coral is the shorter option, and the Oil King (V2) offers a more substantial depth, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback when typing.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering the sound profiles of the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch, both are categorized as low-pitched switches. The Coral’s sound is characterized as low-pitched, providing a mellow tone that feels sophisticated during use. In contrast, the Oil King (V2) also delivers a low-pitched sound, but with distinctive bassy qualities. This deeper resonance enhances the auditory experience, evoking the satisfaction akin to snapping a piece of dark chocolate. Overall, both switches promise a sound that leans toward a richer, more subdued tone, making them suitable for those who prefer a less intrusive aural environment.

In terms of feel, the Coral switch is celebrated for its silky smoothness, ensuring that every keystroke is both pleasant and effortless, offering a luxurious typing experience. The Oil King (V2) shares this silky quality but takes it a step further by adding a creamy and buttery sensation to the mix. This combination not only contributes to a smooth typing experience but also conveys a feeling of weightlessness as each key glides effortlessly under the fingers. The Oil King (V2) embodies a polished finish, resulting in a refined tactile experience that’s smooth and seamless, while the Coral provides a crisp yet equally enjoyable touch. Thus, while both switches achieve a high level of smoothness, the Oil King (V2) introduces additional nuances that can elevate the typing experience even further.

In conclusion, both the Jerrzi Coral and Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switches share notable similarities in sound and feel, particularly in their low-pitched and sophisticated auditory profiles, as well as their silky smooth tactile experiences. However, the Oil King (V2) adds distinct characteristics—the bassy sound and creamy, buttery feel—that may appeal to those looking for an even more refined typing experience. Choosing between the two may ultimately come down to personal preference in the subtle distinctions each switch offers, but either option promises a pleasure-filled typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you are seeking a typing experience that is characterized by a distinct crispness and a silky feel, the Coral might be your ideal choice. Its low-pitched resonance offers a mellow sound that can enhance your typing during extended sessions, making it suitable for both casual and professional use. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that combines buttery smoothness with a rich, deep sound profile, the Oil King (V2) may be more appealing. With its medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams, it provides tactile feedback that many users find satisfying, particularly for gaming or intensive typing tasks. The combination of creamy and polished sensations in the Oil King (V2) adds an extra layer of luxury to your keystrokes. Ultimately, consider your typing habits and the atmosphere you want to create while using your keyboard; if you crave a sophisticated, crisp experience, go for the Coral, while the Oil King (V2) will cater to those who prefer a richer sound and feel during their typing adventures.

Mentioned in this article

Jerrzi Coral Linear

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Oil King (V2) Linear

$6.50 per 10

Learn more