TTC Gold Red vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that deserve attention are the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron Oil King, both of which fall under the umbrella of linear switches. The Gold Red switch provides a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, accompanied by a snappy sound profile that adds a subtle touch of personality to your keyboard. On the other hand, the Oil King switch offers a similar smoothness but with a sound profile that evokes the satisfying snap of a dark chocolate bar. While both switches excel in terms of smoothness and have a polished finish, each possesses its own unique characteristics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can determine which switch suits your personal preferences best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron Oil King, it is clear that they differ in terms of their material composition. The Gold Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiff plastic material enhances the clarity and resonance of the switch's sound. On the other hand, the Oil King utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches make use of different materials. The Gold Red incorporates a nylon bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This consistent use of nylon ensures a cohesive sound experience, with a deeper and fuller sound profile. Conversely, the Oil King employs Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing. This exclusive blend is known for producing a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, described as clacky. This unique sound profile sets it apart from the Gold Red's dullest and rounder sound.
While the materials used in the top and bottom housings differ between the Gold Red and the Oil King, it is important to note that they each have distinct impacts on the overall sound profile. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed, while the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Gold Red and the Oil King offer different sound experiences due to their housing materials, they both provide satisfying and unique auditory feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, some key differences become apparent. The Gold Red is the lighter option, with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch while typing or gaming for extended periods. On the other hand, the Oil King is the heavier option, with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Those who enjoy a stronger push feel and desire a more pronounced keystroke might find the Oil King to be better suited for their needs. While the actuation and bottom out forces differ between these two switches, it is important to consider personal preference. Ultimately, selecting a switch with similar actuation and bottom out forces as per individual preferences can yield comparable results in terms of typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red linear 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 with either of these switches, you will feel the switch travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches will provide a similar tactile experience and feedback when typing. In terms of travel distance, there is no significant difference between the two switches as they both share the same 4 mm distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red 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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile. This means that when the key is pressed and released, you can expect a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" sound with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch also has a low-pitched sound profile but with a touch of richness. It produces a sound reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Both switches provide satisfying and smooth sound experiences, with the Gold Red being slightly more neutral and the Oil King having a touch more depth. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps that are used.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a mild and silky typing experience. This means that it provides a gentle and approachable typing experience that suits most users. Its smoothness enhances the overall typing feel while minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The switch has a subtle resistance, making it light and suitable for shared spaces. Additionally, the Gold Red switch is polished, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Gateron Oil King linear switch also offers a creamy and silky typing experience. It feels smooth and buttery, and typing on it is like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The switch effortlessly melts into each keystroke, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Also, like the Gold Red, the Oil King switch is silky and polished, ensuring a smooth and refined finish with reduced friction and enhanced key travel.
Taking all the available information into consideration, both the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch offer excellent qualities for a linear switch. In terms of sound, the Gold Red has a more neutral sound profile with a touch of low-pitched thockiness, while the Oil King offers a low-pitched sound with a richer and bassier tone. In terms of feel, both switches provide a silky and smooth typing experience, with the Gold Red being described as mild, subtle, and polished, and the Oil King being described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished. While they may have slight differences in sound and feel, they both offer a buttery smooth typing experience with their own unique characteristics. Therefore, if you are looking for similar results in terms of sound and feel, both switches would be a great choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with a light-medium level of resistance and a buttery smooth typing experience, the TTC Gold Red linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a snappy sound profile that adds a modest touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. Additionally, the Gold Red switch has a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. In terms of feel, the Gold Red switch provides a mild and subtle typing experience, with a polished finish for smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Gateron Oil King linear switch would be a fantastic option. These switches offer a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, with a low-pitched and bassy tone. Similar to the Gold Red switch, the Oil King switch provides a silky and polished feel, ensuring an exceptionally smooth typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Red and Gateron Oil King linear switches comes down to personal preference in terms of resistance and sound profile. Both switches offer a smooth and satisfying typing experience, with slight differences in bottom out force and sound characteristics. Consider your typing preferences and desired sound profile to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard.
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