Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Oil King are two options that stand out. The G Pro 3.0 White is a linear switch, renowned for its budget-friendly nature and impeccable performance. Designed specifically for the most delicate typists, these switches have an incredibly light actuation force of only 38g, ensuring effortless and sensitive keystrokes. In addition, the frosted light diffuser allows for brighter RGB lighting, while the medium-high pitch offers a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, we have the Gateron Oil King, another linear switch that boasts buttery smoothness and a sound profile resembling the snap of a dark chocolate bar. It delivers a low-pitched, creamy, silky, and bassy experience that feels indulgent and satisfying. 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
38g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Oil King have contrasting housing materials that significantly impact their sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 White features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Oil King uses a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate. Overall, these differences in housing material give the two switches distinct auditory characteristics.
Moving to the bottom housing, both switches again differ in their materials. The G Pro 3.0 White utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound similar to its top housing. With nylon's ability to absorb more sound, it creates a more muffled and rounded sound profile. In contrast, the Oil King employs Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing. This not only gives the switch a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound but also a satisfyingly thin and clacky tone. Therefore, the Oil King's bottom housing provides a distinctive sound experience compared to the G Pro 3.0 White's nylon bottom housing.
While the two switches have differing housing materials for both the top and bottom, it is worth noting that they share certain qualities. Both the G Pro 3.0 White's polycarbonate top housing and the Oil King's nylon top housing offer unique sound profiles. They differ in their sharpness and resonance, with polycarbonate producing a crisper sound and nylon creating a deeper tone. Similarly, even though the G Pro 3.0 White's nylon bottom housing and the Oil King's INK blend bottom housing have distinct characteristics, they both contribute to a fuller and deeper sound when typing. Therefore, while the switches showcase variations in their housing materials, there are some similarities to be found in the resulting sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, there are notable differences. The G Pro 3.0 White has a relatively light actuation force of 38 grams, meaning it requires less pressure to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Oil King has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, providing a stronger push feel.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 White requires 45 grams of force to bottom out, which is fairly light. On the other hand, the Oil King has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch.
Considering the weight aspect, the G Pro 3.0 White offers a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer extended typing sessions or long gaming periods. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces provide ease of use and a more comfortable typing feel.
In contrast, the Oil King presents a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This switch is better suited for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and enjoy a more forceful typing experience.
Overall, the G Pro 3.0 White is lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, while the Oil King provides a medium-heavy typing experience. It's worth noting that if you prefer a similar result, you can opt for switches with similar actuation and bottom out forces, providing a comparable typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a consistent and satisfying typing experience with their identical travel distances. Whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 White or the Oil King, you can expect similar results in terms of tactile feedback and key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 White for $3.27.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch offers a clacky sound profile. This means that the switch produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, providing a crisp and percussive auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King switch has a low-pitched and bassy sound. This implies a more mellow and rich tone during key presses, resembling the depth and warmth associated with bass tones. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their preference. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be affected by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Oil King switches offer a creamy and silky typing experience. This means that when typing on these switches, users can expect a smooth and buttery sensation, as if gliding their fingers across the keys with ease. The switches provide a seamless and effortless typing experience, reducing the strain on the fingers and minimizing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 White switch is also described as easy-to-press and feathery, offering a low-impact and comfortable typing feel. Likewise, the Oil King switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, both switches provide a premium typing feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Oil King switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 White switch provides a clacky sound profile and a creamy, easy-to-press, and feathery typing experience. On the other hand, the Oil King switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, along with a creamy, silky, and polished typing experience. While they may have some similar qualities, such as being creamy and silky, it's important to consider individual preferences when choosing between these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch is an excellent choice if you are a delicate typist who prefers a light actuation force and effortless keystrokes. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, it offers a creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle typing experience. The sound profile is clacky, neutral, and subdued, providing a crisp and percussive sound when pressed. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 White features a frosted light diffuser for brighter RGB lighting and a medium-high pitch for satisfying auditory feedback.
On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and seek a buttery, silky, creamy, or polished typing experience, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is an ideal choice. It offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, resembling the depth and richness associated with dark chocolate.
Ultimately, your choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Oil King linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize light actuation force, a bright RGB lighting experience, and a medium-high pitch sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 White is the way to go. However, if you prefer a switch with a slightly heavier actuation force and a smooth, buttery typing experience with a low-pitched and bassy sound, the Oil King is the optimal choice. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and desired tactile feedback when making your decision.
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