TTC Gold Silver vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Oil King mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The TTC Gold Silver is best known for its rapid responsiveness, providing a tangible sense of closure with each keystroke due to its shortened travel distance. The switch also boasts a resonant sound signature and smooth journey from press to bottom-out. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King stands out for its buttery smoothness and sound profile akin to snapping a dark chocolate bar. While the Gold Silver is polished, thocky, and low-pitched, the Oil King is characterized as low-pitched, creamy, and buttery. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preference and typing style. 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
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
18mm spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Oil King switches offer different sound profiles due to their unique properties. The Gold Silver's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, favored for its stiffness that leads to a clear and resonant profile. On the other hand, the Oil King's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, absorbing more sound due to its softer nature. While both materials excel in providing distinct sound profiles, the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding the desired typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Gold Silver and the Oil King switches feature nylon materials, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Despite utilizing the same material, the switches may still offer slightly different sound experiences due to other design factors such as shape and thickness. The use of nylon in the bottom housing enhances the overall typing experience by creating a duller and rounder sound, adding a satisfying note to each keystroke. This consistency in material allows typists to expect similar performance regardless of the switch chosen.
The differences in housing materials between the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Oil King switches can be felt in the overall sound profile and typing experience. While the Gold Silver's top housing offers a sharper sound with its polycarbonate material, the Oil King's nylon top housing provides a deeper tone. Similarly, both switches feature nylon bottom housings, resulting in a fuller sound profile that enhances the typing experience. Regardless of the slight variations in sound, both switches excel in providing quality typing feedback, allowing users to enjoy a comfortable and satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch to the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it is evident that the Gold Silver is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Oil King's 55 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Gold Silver is unknown, whereas the Oil King has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. The lighter actuation force of the Gold Silver may appeal to those who prefer a softer typing experience for extended periods of time, while the heavier actuation and bottom out force of the Oil King may be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile and substantial typing feel. Despite the differences in force, both switches offer similar results in terms of performance and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Oil King linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Oil King has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gold Silver. The 3.5 mm travel distance of the Gold Silver falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, offering quicker response times preferred by gamers. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Oil King provides a deeper keypress that some users may find more satisfying. Both switches offer a different feel due to their varying travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their preference for responsiveness or keypress depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver 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 Silver 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 Silver switch is characterized as having a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound profile. This means that when pressed, users can expect a deep, rich "thud" that is more bass-heavy and mellow, suitable for a variety of environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, resulting in a smooth and rich sound reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. Both switches provide a satisfying auditory experience, with the Gold Silver leaning towards a more neutral and deep tone, while the Oil King offers a darker and more pronounced sound.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Silver switch is often described as polished, silky, mild, and subtle. This indicates that users can expect a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction, light resistance, and a gentle typing feel suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King switch provides a creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation as fingers effortlessly glide across the keys. Both switches prioritize smoothness and a sleek typing experience, with the Gold Silver focusing on subtle and mild characteristics, while the Oil King emphasizes a creamy and buttery feel.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Silver and Gateron Oil King linear switches offer excellent quality in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Silver provides a thocky and neutral sound with a polished and subtle feel, while the Oil King offers a low-pitched and bassy sound with a creamy and buttery typing experience. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between the rapid responsiveness and smooth fluidity of the Gold Silver or the buttery smoothness and rich sound profile of the Oil King. Ultimately, both switches deliver top-notch performance and are sure to enhance any typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it really comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you value rapid responsiveness, a solid bottom-out with each keystroke, and a resonant sound signature, the TTC Gold Silver may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer buttery smoothness, a dark chocolate bar snapping sound profile, and a creamy typing experience, the Gateron Oil King could be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer unique benefits and characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to determine what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making a decision.
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