TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Gateron Oil King both stand out as top choices, especially for those who prefer linear switches. The Gold Red Pro is renowned for its versatility, offering a seamless typing experience with a neutral sound signature that is suitable for any environment. On the other hand, the Oil King is praised for its buttery smoothness and rich sound profile, reminiscent of snapping a dark chocolate bar. Both switches have unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and purposes. The Gold Red Pro is polished, thocky, and mild, while the Oil King is creamy, bassy, and buttery. 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
43g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Gateron Oil King switches offer distinct characteristics that affect the sound profile and typing experience. The Gold Red Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper and higher-pitched sound, particularly suitable for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Oil King features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. While both materials are effective in enhancing the overall sound quality of the switches, they cater to different preferences in sound aesthetics.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Gold Red Pro and the Oil King utilize nylon as their housing material. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches, as nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound than harder plastics. However, the proprietary INK blend in the Oil King's bottom housing contributes to a pointed, high-pitched, yet not overly sharp sound profile that is often described as clacky. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Gold Red Pro maintains a classic and well-rounded sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience with its sound-absorbing properties.
In conclusion, while the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Gateron Oil King switches share similarities in terms of utilizing nylon for the bottom housing, they offer unique characteristics in their top housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Red Pro provides a clear and resonant sound profile, ideal for those seeking a sharper sound, while the nylon top housing of the Oil King offers a deeper and fuller sound, catering to a different preference in sound aesthetics. Both switches demonstrate how the choice of housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound profile of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it is evident that the Gold Red Pro is lighter with an actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Oil King's 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gold Red Pro's force is unknown while the Oil King requires a heavier 65 grams. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Gold Red Pro more suitable for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Oil King due to its heavier bottom out force. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches cater to different preferences, with the Gold Red Pro offering a lighter touch and the Oil King providing a firmer typing feel. Both switches will deliver similar results if matched with the user's preferred force preferences.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gateron Oil King linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4.0mm being the average, the slight difference may be noticeable to some users. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Gold Red Pro for faster response times, while others may find the longer travel distance of the Oil King to provide a more satisfying depth when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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 Red Pro linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying auditory experience that is neither too loud nor too soft. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound that resembles the snap of a dark chocolate bar, providing a rich and mellow tone during key presses. Both switches offer a pleasant sound experience, with the Gold Red Pro leaning more towards a neutral and moderate sound profile, while the Oil King provides a deeper and richer sound with a touch of bass.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch boasts a polished and silky typing experience, offering smooth and refined key presses with reduced friction and a gentle typing feel. Its mild and subtle characteristics make it approachable to most users, providing a comfortable and non-resonant typing experience suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is described as creamy, silky, and buttery, offering an exceptionally smooth and buttery typing experience that feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. With a polished finish and minimal resistance, the Oil King provides a seamless and uniform typing sensation.
Overall, both the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch offer high-quality sound and feel experiences that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a neutral and moderate sound profile with a polished and mild typing feel, the Gold Red Pro switch is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deeper and richer sound with a creamy and buttery typing experience, the Oil King switch is the perfect fit. Whichever switch you choose, you can expect a premium typing experience with smooth key presses and a satisfying sound signature.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you value versatility, a neutral sound profile, and a polished, silky typing experience, the Gold Red Pro may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, and prefer a buttery smooth, creamy typing experience, the Oil King might be more to your liking. Ultimately, it's important to assess how each switch aligns with your usage scenarios and typing preferences to make an informed decision that suits your unique needs.
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