TTC Gold Brown vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are numerous options to choose from. Two popular switches, the TTC Gold Brown and the Gateron Oil King, offer different experiences for users. The Gold Brown is best known for its balanced nature, featuring a slight, satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness. It has a rounded sound profile that is softer than most switches without being completely silent. On the other hand, the Oil King stands out for its smoothness and a sound profile reminiscent of snapping a dark chocolate bar. It provides a buttery feel, categorized by its low-pitched, creamy, silky, bassy, buttery, and polished attributes. 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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the Gateron Oil King differ significantly. The Gold Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Oil King uses a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and produces a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, while the Gold Brown offers a sharper sound profile, the Oil King provides a deeper and fuller sound experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Gold Brown and the Oil King utilize nylon. Nylon is known for its ability to elicit a deep and full sound profile when typing on switches. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Consequently, both switches share similar qualities in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel. However, it is important to note that the Oil King's proprietary INK blend bottom housing offers a unique sound profile. Described as clacky, it provides a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, adding a distinct auditory experience to typing.
Overall, the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the Gateron Oil King offer contrasting sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Brown produces a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the Oil King delivers a deeper and fuller sound. Similarly, both switches feature nylon bottom housings, resulting in a duller and rounder sound during typing. However, the Oil King's proprietary INK blend bottom housing introduces a clacky sound profile, providing a different sound experience. Therefore, although there are similarities between the switches in terms of the bottom housing, the top housing materials significantly differentiate their sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, there are some notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches have an actuation force of 55 grams, making them equally light to trigger a keystroke. However, when considering the bottom out force, the Gold Brown requires 63 grams of force, while the Oil King requires a slightly heavier 65 grams. This makes the Gold Brown switch slightly lighter in terms of bottoming out.
The actuation force is the force needed to trigger a keystroke, and both switches have the same actuation force, so users can expect similar results when it comes to typing or gaming experiences. Those who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing periods may find the actuation force of both switches suitable. However, for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Gold Brown switch may be a better choice with its slightly heavier bottom out force.
Considering weight is crucial as it can greatly impact a user's typing experience. A lighter switch, like the Gold Brown, allows for prolonged use without as much finger fatigue, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more satisfying typing experience may opt for the Oil King switch with its slightly heavier forces. Ultimately, personal preferences and typing style will play a significant role in determining which switch is the better fit.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance being traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent tactile experience in terms of travel distance, ensuring that typing or gaming on them will yield similar results. So, whether you choose the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch or the Gateron Oil King linear switch, you can expect a satisfying travel distance of 4 mm.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a rounded and softer sound profile that is generally much softer than most switches, without being completely silent. It is classified as a neutral switch, meaning it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile during key presses. This results in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the type of keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch provides a mild and approachable typing experience. It falls into the category of mild switches, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Additionally, it is described as buttery, meaning it provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The switch is also accented, offering a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Moreover, the Gold Brown is polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is categorized as creamy and silky. It offers a smooth and buttery typing experience similar to the Gold Brown switch. The Oil King switch provides a silky feel that enhances the overall smoothness of the typing experience and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It is also described as buttery and polished, offering a seamless and fluid keystroke experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Taking all the information into account, the Gold Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch both provide satisfying and smooth typing experiences. While the Gold Brown has a moderate sound profile, the Oil King offers a low-pitched and bassy tone. Both switches have mild and approachable typing feels, with the Gold Brown being accented and the Oil King being creamy and silky. Additionally, both switches have a polished finish that contributes to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction. Therefore, if you are looking for a balanced switch with a moderate sound profile and a slightly weighty feel, the Gold Brown would be a great choice. Similarly, if you prefer a switch with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile and a creamy and silky typing feel, the Oil King would be an excellent option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a balanced and versatile switch that offers a moderate actuation force and sound profile, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch is a great choice. With its slight bump and moderate weightiness, it provides a satisfying typing experience without being too heavy. Additionally, its rounded sound profile adds to the overall softness of the switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is the way to go. Its creamy and silky feel makes typing effortless and enjoyable, while the dark chocolate bar snapping sound adds a touch of richness to your keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and the typing experience you are seeking. Whether you value balance and moderate actuation force or smoothness and rich sound, both the TTC Gold Brown and Gateron Oil King switches offer excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
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