KTT Cream Yellow vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the KTT Cream Yellow and the Gateron Oil King. The Cream Yellow switch is renowned for its distinctively clacky sound, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem which provide resonant audio feedback. Additionally, its lengthened spring offers a bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the Oil King switch is favorably regarded for its buttery smoothness and a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. With its low-pitched, creamy, silky, bassy, buttery, and polished characteristics, the Oil King switch delivers a tactile and luxurious typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

Gateron Oil King (V2) Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the Gateron Oil King differ in terms of their composition and the resulting sound profiles. The Cream Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This translucent material is especially suitable for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Oil King utilizes a nylon top housing, which generates a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon allows for greater sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Therefore, while both switches provide distinct sound characteristics, the Cream Yellow offers a more resonant and clear tone, while the Oil King produces a fuller and deeper sound.

In terms of their bottom housings, both the Cream Yellow and the Oil King utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon ensures greater sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. As a result, the typing experience on both switches elicits a similar sound quality. However, the proprietary INK blend bottom housing of the Oil King sets it apart. This special blend developed by Gateron produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, often described as clacky. This distinct sound profile adds an exciting element to the typing experience, differentiating the Oil King from the Cream Yellow.

When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall sound experience, it is essential to understand the division between top and bottom housings. With the Cream Yellow, the qualities of the polycarbonate top housing are felt when releasing a key, contributing to a sharper and crisper sound. The impact of the nylon bottom housing is more noticeable during the bottom-out sound and feel, creating a deeper and fuller tone. In comparison, the Oil King's sound profile is influenced by both its nylon top housing and proprietary INK blend bottom housing. The nylon top housing provides a deeper sound, while the INK blend adds a unique, clacky quality to the typing experience. Ultimately, the housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of these switches, providing distinctive characteristics to suit individual preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it is clear that there are some notable differences. The Cream Yellow requires a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, while the Oil King has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams. However, both switches fall within the medium range for actuation force.

In terms of bottom out force, the Cream Yellow requires 58 grams, while the Oil King has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This makes the Oil King switch medium-heavy in comparison to the Cream Yellow.

Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter typing experience would benefit from the Cream Yellow switch. Its lighter actuation and bottom out forces make it suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who appreciate a stronger and more substantial typing feel may opt for the Oil King switch. Its slightly higher actuation and noticeably heavier bottom out force provide a more tactile typing experience.

It is important to note that while the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the Cream Yellow and Oil King switches, they both fall within the medium range. This means that regardless of the specific force required, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottoming out. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preference and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Oil King linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of comparison, the Cream Yellow offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it more suitable for gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, the Oil King's longer travel distance may appeal to individuals who prefer a deeper and more substantial feeling when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth. However, both switches provide a different experience in terms of travel distance, catering to a range of user preferences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Cream Yellow switch is best described as clacky. This means that it produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Oil King switch is described as low-pitched and bassy. This indicates that it offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The sound profile of the Cream Yellow switch is unique due to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, which provide resonant audio feedback. The Oil King switch, on the other hand, offers a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch is known for its bouncy sensation. This means that the keys have a spring-like or elastic feedback, giving a lively feel and providing rebound when pressed. In contrast, the Oil King switch is described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished. This indicates that it offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, with an exceptionally smooth typing feel, minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys, and a sleek and refined finish. The Cream Yellow switch achieves its bouncy feel through a lengthened spring, adding to its unique typing experience.

Overall, both switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a clacky sound with a bouncy typing experience, the Cream Yellow switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a low-pitched, bassy sound with a smooth and buttery typing feel, the Oil King switch would be a fantastic option. It's important to consider personal preferences and the overall desired typing experience when choosing between these two switches. Both switches provide unique qualities, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the choice.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a distinctive clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is the choice for you. With its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, it delivers resonant audio feedback and a uniquely lively typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and silky typing experience with a low-pitched and bassy sound, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is the way to go. These switches provide exceptional smoothness, gliding effortlessly under your fingers like a dark chocolate bar snapping. Ultimately, the decision between the Cream Yellow and Oil King switches comes down to your individual preferences for sound and feel. Whether you're drawn to the clacky and bouncy nature of the Cream Yellow or the creamy and silky smoothness of the Oil King, both switches offer their own unique advantages for a satisfying typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Oil King (V2) Linear

$6.50 per 10

Learn more