Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Oil King mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes evident that both offer unique characteristics catering to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Black stands out for its heavy linear switch design, providing a substantial typing experience with a 60g actuation and 70g bottom-out force. The medium-high pitch sound and enhanced RGB lighting effects make it a popular choice for those seeking a balanced medium-heavy feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King is praised for its buttery smoothness and dark chocolate bar-like sound profile. With a combination of low-pitched tones and creamy sensations, it offers a luxurious typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Oil King feature different housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Black's POM bottom housing provides a deeper and more muted sound compared to the Oil King's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. In terms of the top housing, the G Pro 3.0 Black's INK blend material creates a thin and clacky sound, while the Oil King's nylon top housing produces a fuller and deeper sound profile. These differences in housing materials result in distinct typing experiences for users of each switch.
Despite the variations in housing materials between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Oil King, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. While the G Pro 3.0 Black offers a more pointed and higher-pitched sound profile with its INK blend top housing, the Oil King's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Black creates a unique and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side, while the Oil King's INK blend bottom housing also produces a relatively high-pitched sound. Ultimately, both switches offer users a variety of sound profiles to suit their preferences.
Overall, the top and bottom housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience of a switch. The characteristics of each housing material, whether it be POM, INK blend, or nylon, impact the sound profile and feel of the switch when typing. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. By understanding how different housing materials contribute to the overall sound profile, users can choose a switch that best suits their preferences for typing feedback and sound.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch both offer a medium-heavy actuation and bottom out force, making them suitable for users who prefer a slightly firmer typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Black has a slightly higher actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, compared to the Oil King's 55 grams actuation force and 65 grams bottom out force. This difference means that the G Pro 3.0 Black may feel slightly heavier to type on compared to the Oil King. However, both switches provide a similar level of resistance, so users can expect comparable results in terms of typing fatigue and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. This means that whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Black or the Oil King, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels. Both switches provide a consistent tactile experience with their 4mm travel distance, offering a familiar feel to users looking for a linear switch option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Black for $2.77.
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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is known for its clacky and subdued sound profile, providing a crisp and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound, delivering a more mellow and rich tone during key presses. Both switches provide distinct auditory experiences that cater to different preferences, with the G Pro 3.0 Black offering a sharper sound while the Oil King offers a deeper sound profile.
Moving on to feel, both the G Pro 3.0 Black and the Oil King switches are described as creamy and silky, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. These switches provide a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation, allowing fingers to glide across the keys with ease. Additionally, the Oil King switch is also noted for its buttery and polished feel, indicating a refined and sleek typing experience. Overall, both switches offer a premium tactile experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch each bring their unique qualities to the table. While the G Pro 3.0 Black is praised for its medium-heavy feel and clacky sound, the Oil King stands out with its smooth buttery typing feel and low-pitched sound profile. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches are excellent choices that deliver a top-tier typing experience. Whether you opt for the G Pro 3.0 Black or the Oil King, you can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance, ensuring a satisfying typing experience no matter your choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch or the Gateron Oil King linear switch, you should base your decision on your preference for typing experience. If you desire a more substantial and medium-heavy feel with a medium-high pitch sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 Black is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and buttery typing experience with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, the Oil King would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by the type of typing sensation and auditory feedback you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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