Gateron Ink Red vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Red and the Gateron Oil King, both of which are linear switches. The Ink Red is best known for its lower actuation force, making it perfect for those with a lighter typing style. These switches are remarkably smooth, offering a satisfyingly crispy and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Oil King stands out for its buttery smoothness and a sound profile that resembles the snapping of a dark chocolate bar. With a low-pitched and creamy feel, typing on the Oil King provides a delightful experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the Gateron Oil King switches differ in terms of their material composition and resulting sound profile. The Ink Red features a proprietary INK blend top housing, while the Oil King utilizes a nylon top housing. The Ink Red's INK blend produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, often described as clacky. On the other hand, the Oil King's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder tone. Therefore, the Ink Red offers a thinner and higher-pitched sound, while the Oil King provides a deeper and fuller sound experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Ink Red and the Oil King use the same proprietary INK blend by Gateron. This bottom housing material contributes to the overall sound profile of the switch, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, both switches share similar characteristics in their bottom-out sound, which is often described as pointed, relatively high-pitched, and clacky. This indicates that the bottom housing material of both switches is responsible for the satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound experience when pressing down on the keys.
It is important to note that if a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. Hence, when using the Ink Red or the Oil King switches, you will feel the qualities of the bottom housing when pressing down on a key, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound produced when letting go of a key. So, while both switches have similar bottom housing materials, their top housing materials differentiate the sound experienced during key release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Ink Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the 55 grams required for the Oil King. This means that the Ink Red switch will provide a slightly lighter touch when triggering a keystroke. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Ink Red is 60 grams, while the Oil King has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This indicates that the Oil King switch will offer a more substantial typing experience, requiring a stronger push when fully pressing down. It's worth mentioning that both switches fall within the medium range in terms of actuation force, but the Oil King leans towards the medium-heavy side. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods may find the Ink Red switch to be more suitable, while individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel might opt for the Oil King.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Ink Red and the Gateron Oil King linear switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel a consistent 4 mm of travel from the top to the bottom. Despite their different names, these two switches provide identical experiences in terms of travel distance. So, whether you choose the Gateron Ink Red or the Gateron Oil King, you can expect to get similar results and a comparable typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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 Gateron Ink Red and Gateron Oil King linear switches offer different qualities. The Ink Red switch has a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for various purposes. Additionally, it has a unique chirpy characteristic, adding a slight squeak to the sound. On the other hand, the Oil King switch has a low-pitched sound profile with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. It offers a deeper and richer sound resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired sound experience.
In terms of feel, both the Gateron Ink Red and Gateron Oil King linear switches provide a smooth typing experience. The Ink Red switch is described as silky, mild, and polished. It offers an exceptionally smooth typing feel, minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys, and has a sleek finish. Similarly, the Oil King switch is also silky and polished, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. It offers effortless keystrokes and a seamless, uniform sensation. Both switches excel in terms of smoothness and provide a pleasant typing experience.
Considering all the available information, it is clear that both the Gateron Ink Red and Gateron Oil King linear switches prioritize smoothness and comfortable typing. While the Ink Red switch offers a neutral sound profile with a slight chirpy characteristic, the Oil King switch has a low-pitched sound with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. However, both switches provide a silky, polished feel that enhances the overall smoothness of typing. Whether you prefer a crispier and clackier sound like the Ink Red or a dark chocolate bar snapping feel like the Oil King, both switches offer similar results in terms of smoothness and comfort. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference, sound preferences, and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, to choose between the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, you should consider your typing style and preferences. If you have a lighter typing style and prefer a lower actuation force, the Ink Red is an excellent choice. It offers a satisfyingly smooth and effortless typing experience, accompanied by a crispy and clacky sound profile. The Ink Red has a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether you plan to use it at home or work. Additionally, if you enjoy a unique acoustic signature, the Ink Red's chirpy sound may appeal to you.
On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, the Gateron Oil King linear switch may be more suitable for you. The Oil King offers a buttery smoothness and a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. It is described as having a low-pitched and bassy sound, providing a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses.
In terms of feel, both switches offer a silky typing experience. The Ink Red is described as silky, mild, and polished, enhancing the overall smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Oil King, on the other hand, is described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished, offering a smooth and buttery typing sensation, as well as reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, your decision should be based on your desired actuation force, sound profile preference, and typing feel. Consider whether you prefer a lighter or slightly heavier switch, as well as the unique sound characteristics and smoothness of each switch. Both the Gateron Ink Red and the Gateron Oil King are excellent linear switches, so you can't go wrong with either choice. Select the one that aligns with your personal preferences and typing style to enhance your overall mechanical keyboard experience.
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