KTT Darling vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Darling and the Gateron Oil King are two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches known for their distinct characteristics. The KTT Darling offers a typing sensation that is chewy and substantial, with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. Its high-pitched and resonant sound upon bottoming out provides a satisfying blend of tactile and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King is celebrated for its buttery smoothness and a sound profile that is likened to the snap of a dark chocolate bar. With a low-pitched, creamy, and silky feel, the Oil King switch delivers a bassy and polished typing experience. While both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, it is essential to delve deeper into their specific qualities to determine the best choice for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Darling and the Gateron Oil King differ significantly, with the Darling featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Oil King boasts a nylon top housing and a proprietary INK blend bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Darling creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, particularly suited for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Oil King produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles based on their top housing material, appealing to different preferences in keyboard enthusiasts.
In terms of the bottom housing, the KTT Darling and the Gateron Oil King both utilize nylon, emphasizing a deeper and fuller sound profile overall. The nylon bottom housing of both switches absorbs sound effectively, creating a duller and rounder sound upon bottoming out. However, the Oil King's INK blend bottom housing offers a unique sound profile characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched tone, described as clacky yet satisfying. While both switches share a similar bottom housing material, the INK blend of the Oil King sets it apart in terms of sound experience when typing or gaming.
Overall, the housing materials of the KTT Darling and the Gateron Oil King play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel of each switch. The contrasting properties of polycarbonate and nylon in the top housing affect the sharpness and depth of sound, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a fuller sound profile while absorbing excess sound upon usage. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique typing experiences based on the combination of top and bottom housing materials utilized, showcasing the versatility and innovation in mechanical keyboard design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it is evident that the Darling is the lighter of the two. The Darling has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Oil King is the heavier option with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. Those looking for a switch that requires a lighter touch may prefer the Darling, while users seeking a more robust typing experience may opt for the Oil King. Both switches provide similar results in terms of keystrokes, with the Darling offering a lighter feel and the Oil King offering a heavier feel, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming experiences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Oil King linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Darling has a shorter travel distance compared to the Oil King. The 3.5 mm travel distance of the Darling provides a more responsive feel, making it a popular choice among gamers for faster reaction times. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Oil King offers a deeper press, which some may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding travel distance and key feel. If you prefer a shorter travel distance for quicker responses, the KTT Darling would be the ideal choice. Conversely, if you enjoy a longer travel distance for a more profound press, the Gateron Oil King would be the better option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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, the KTT Darling linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound that is sharp, snappy, and resonant when pressed, providing a tactile and auditory experience that engages the user. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch produces a low-pitched and bassy sound profile that is smooth and reminiscent of snapping dark chocolate. Depending on personal preference, the Darling switch may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced and lively sound, while the Oil King switch may cater to individuals who prefer a deeper and mellower sound during typing sessions.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Darling linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation that adds a lively feel to each keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Oil King linear switch offers a creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience that is smooth, effortless, and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Those who prefer a more dynamic and bouncy feel may lean towards the Darling switch, while individuals seeking a luxurious and glide-like typing sensation may gravitate towards the Oil King switch.
Overall, the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch offer unique and subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Darling switch provides a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a bouncy and resonant sound profile, the Oil King switch offers buttery smoothness and a dark chocolate-like snap sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Both switches are designed to provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of quality and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, consider the bottom out force you prefer. If you enjoy a lighter touch with a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, the Darling switch may be the ideal choice for you. The Darling switch offers a chewy and substantial typing experience with bouncy feedback and a high-pitched, resonant sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier touch with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, the Oil King switch could be more suited to your preference. The Oil King switch provides a smooth and creamy typing sensation with a low-pitched, bassy sound profile. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and desired typing experience.
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