TTC Gold Pink vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may find yourself drawn to the TTC Gold Pink and the Gateron Oil King, both of which are linear switches. The Gold Pink is renowned for its 37g actuation force, making it one of the lightest switches available. This switch is perfect for those who prioritize a fast and effortless typing experience, making it ideal for anyone who engages in rapid typing or gaming. With a satisfying level of feedback and a clacky sound, the Gold Pinks deliver a light and lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Oil King stands out for its buttery smoothness and a sound profile that recalls the snapping of a dark chocolate bar. These switches have a low-pitched, creamy, silky, and bassy feel, providing a truly enjoyable typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make the most informed decision when it comes to choosing the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
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
Partial box
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 TTC Gold Pink and the Gateron Oil King have different housing materials for both the top and bottom of the switch. The Gold Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Oil King has a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Therefore, the Gold Pink will provide a clearer and resonant sound, while the Oil King will offer a deeper and fuller sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Gold Pink and the Oil King utilize nylon material. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. It is a classic switch housing material that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Therefore, both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality. The bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, so users can expect a deeper and fuller sound when using either the Gold Pink or the Oil King.
Finally, the Gold Pink's proprietary INK blend bottom housing sets it apart from the Oil King. The INK blend by Gateron offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. This adds a unique element to the overall sound experience of the Gold Pink. In contrast, the Oil King does not have a specialized blend for its bottom housing, which means it will not have the same clacky sound as the Gold Pink.
In summary, the TTC Gold Pink and the Gateron Oil King have different housing materials that result in varied sound profiles. The Gold Pink with its polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, while the Oil King's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality. However, the Gold Pink stands out with its proprietary INK blend bottom housing, offering a satisfying clacky sound.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, a key distinction is the difference in actuation force and bottom out force. The Gold Pink has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it relatively light in terms of force required. In contrast, the Oil King possesses an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. This means that the Gold Pink switch is lighter in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke compared to the Oil King switch.
For those who prefer a lighter touch and value extended typing periods or lengthy gaming sessions, the Gold Pink switch may be an ideal choice, as its lower actuation force allows for effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may find satisfaction in the Oil King switch. Its heavier actuation force and higher bottom out force provide a sense of solidity and rigidity when typing.
It is worth noting that while the force requirements differ between the two switches, individuals seeking a similar typing experience in terms of actuation and bottoming out can achieve comparable results by adjusting their typing technique. By consciously applying lighter or heavier pressure while typing, one can compensate for the variance in actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Gold Pink linear 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 using either switch, you will experience a consistent 4 mm of travel. So, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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 Gold Pink switches are described as having a clacky sound that offers a satisfying level of feedback. On the other hand, the Oil King switches are described as low-pitched and bassy, offering a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. Both switches provide distinct sound characteristics, but the Gold Pink switches have a more clacky feedback while the Oil King switches have a low-pitched and bass-heavy tone. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be affected by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Pink switches are described as buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. These switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. They have a gentle resistance and require little exertion from the fingers, making them comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Oil King switches, on the other hand, are described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished. They offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches provide a buttery and polished feel, ensuring a polished and sleek typing experience.
Overall, the Gold Pink and Oil King switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Gold Pink switches have a clacky sound and provide a light and lively typing experience, the Oil King switches have a low-pitched and bassy sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. Similarly, the Gold Pink switches offer a buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished feel, while the Oil King switches provide a creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience. It is important to choose the switch that aligns with your preferences and typing style. However, if you are seeking a similar experience, both switches offer a buttery and polished feel, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a light and lively typing experience with a fast and effortless feel, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. With its low bottom out force of 45 grams and light 37g actuation force, these switches are perfect for rapid typing or gaming. They provide a satisfying level of feedback and have a clacky sound profile, adding to the overall typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a silky and smooth feel, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, it offers a more substantial typing experience. The Oil King switch is known for its buttery smoothness and a sound profile that resembles snapping dark chocolate.
When it comes to sound, the Gold Pink switch is described as having a clacky sound, while the Oil King switch is characterized by a low-pitched and bassy tone. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can enhance your typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Gold Pink switch is described as buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. It provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Similarly, the Oil King switch is described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished. It offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Pink and Gateron Oil King linear switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a light and lively typing experience, go for the Gold Pink switch. If you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a silky and smooth feel, the Oil King switch would be the better option. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel to make the decision that aligns with your preferences and typing style.
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