Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Oil King, a linear switch. The G Pro 3.0 Brown, from Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro series, offers an exceptional solution without compromising on quality. These switches provide a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, carefully designed to deliver a gentle bump that won't disrupt your typing flow. With a frosted light diffuser, the G Pro Brown ensures that your RGB lighting shines brightly, creating an immersive visual experience. Additionally, the medium-high pitch of these switches produces a satisfying auditory feedback, adding an extra layer of joy to your typing sessions. On the other hand, we have the Gateron Oil King, known for its buttery smoothness and a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. These linear switches offer a low-pitched, creamy, silky, bassy, buttery, and polished experience when typing. Both switches have their own unique qualities that make them desirable choices for different individuals. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so that you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
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
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Oil King differ significantly, leading to distinct sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting. In contrast, the Oil King utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder profile. While the G Pro 3.0 Brown focuses on clarity and resonance, the Oil King prioritizes a richer and fuller sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches share the same nylon material. Nylon as a housing material remains a classic choice. It contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its impact on the top housing. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller sound compared to harder plastics. Therefore, whether it is the G Pro 3.0 Brown or the Oil King, the nylon bottom housing guarantees a consistent deep and full sound when typing.
While the top and bottom housing materials differ between the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Oil King, their impact on the sound and feel of the switches is distinct. The bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on the switch. As both switches share a nylon bottom housing, the deeper and fuller sound profile remains consistent. On the other hand, the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Brown creates a sharper and crisper sound, whereas the softer nylon top housing of the Oil King produces a rounder sound described as clacky. Thus, users can expect differential auditory experiences based on which switch they choose to use.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. Both switches have the same actuation force of 55 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is identical for both switches. This ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sensitivity. However, when it comes to bottom out force, there is a distinction. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown has a bottom out force of 63 grams, which falls within the medium range. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it slightly heavier and leaning towards the medium-heavy range.
The weight of a switch is an important factor to consider as it can greatly impact typing comfort and endurance. Some individuals prefer lighter switches as they allow for extended typing sessions without causing excessive strain on the fingers. This lighter weight is ideal for those who use their keyboards for long work hours or engaging in prolonged gaming sessions. In contrast, there are those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, often desiring a stronger push feel when pressing the keys. These individuals may gravitate towards switches with heavier forces, as it provides a satisfying tactile feedback and a more deliberate keystroke experience.
While both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch share the same actuation force, their bottom out forces differ slightly. The G Pro 3.0 Brown features a lighter bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Oil King has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. Therefore, if one is seeking a lighter switch, the G Pro 3.0 Brown would be the preferable choice. However, for those who desire a slightly heavier typing experience, the Gateron Oil King would provide a more substantial and satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on the personal preferences and typing requirements of the user.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance when using either switch. Both switches offer a comfortable and consistent key press experience with their equal travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown 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 Brown 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 G Pro 3.0 Brown is described as having a medium-high pitch that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback. The sound is not overpowering and adds an extra layer of joy to typing sessions. On the other hand, the Oil King switches are described as low-pitched and bassy. This means that they produce a deeper and richer sound profile with a lower frequency range, similar to the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, so it is important to consider these as well.
When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switches are known for being easy to press. They offer gentle resistance during key presses and require minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The switches are also described as mild, meaning they offer a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switches have a stepped feel, providing a mild tactile sensation with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
In contrast, the Oil King switches are described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished. These terms all indicate an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Typing on these switches feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. They provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a delightful and subtle tactile sensation with a medium-high pitch sound and an easy-to-press feel. On the other hand, the Oil King switches offer a buttery smoothness and a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, with a creamy, silky, and polished feel. It is important to consider personal preferences when choosing between these two switches, as they provide different typing experiences. If you are looking for a gentle and subtle tactile experience with a medium-high pitch sound, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is a great option. If you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a low-pitched and bassy sound, the Oil King switches are worth considering.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a tactile typing experience without compromising on quality, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. With its medium bottom out force of 63 grams, these switches offer an easy-to-press feel that requires minimal force to activate. You can expect a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, providing a gentle bump that won't disrupt your typing flow. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser ensures that your RGB lighting shines brighter, creating an immersive visual experience. The medium-high pitch of these switches delivers satisfying auditory feedback, further enhancing the joy of your typing sessions.
On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Gateron Oil King linear switch would be a great fit for you. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, these switches offer a medium-heavy feel. The Oil King switches are known for their creamy, silky, and buttery characteristics. They provide a seamless and effortless keystroke experience, allowing your fingers to glide across the keys with ease. The sound profile of these switches is low-pitched and bassy, adding depth and richness to your typing sound.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you value a tactile typing feel and want to enjoy the benefits of a budget-friendly option with excellent quality, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is the way to go. However, if you prioritize a smooth and buttery typing experience with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, the Oil King linear switch is the perfect pick for you. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing sessions, so consider your preferences and choose accordingly.
Mentioned in this article
