Jerrzi Orange vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Orange and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Jerrzi Orange and the Gateron Oil King (V2) present two compelling yet distinct options for enthusiasts. The Jerrzi Orange switches are renowned for their clacky, lightweight feel, delivering a lively typing experience with crisp audible feedback that appeals to those who enjoy a more responsive interaction with their keyboard. Meanwhile, the Gateron Oil King (V2) offers a contrast with its buttery smoothness and a low-pitched, polished sound profile that evokes the satisfying snap of dark chocolate, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a silky and subdued typing experience. Each switch has its unique allure—whether you seek the energetic feedback of the Jerrzi Orange or the refined smoothness of the Oil King, both can enhance your typing enjoyment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Orange and Gateron Oil King (V2) switches each utilize distinct materials for their housing, which significantly influences their sound profiles and overall tactile experience. The Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper and higher-pitched sound due to its stiffer composition. This quality makes the Orange particularly well-suited for setups that incorporate RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual effects of the illumination. In contrast, the Oil King (V2) opts for a nylon top housing that elicits a deeper, fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon absorbs more sound, yielding a duller and rounder tone that provides a completely different auditory experience when typing.
When examining the bottom housings, the similarities and differences in how they contribute to the overall typing experience become clearer. Both the Orange and the Oil King (V2) employ nylon for their bottom housing. This choice contributes to a richer sound for both switches, as nylon creates a deep, rounded auditory response when keys are depressed. However, the Gateron Oil King's proprietary INK blend diverges from standard nylon, offering a sound that is described as pointed and higher-pitched than traditional nylon bottoms. This blend introduces a unique clacky quality that sets it apart from the Jerrzi Orange's more straightforward nylon sound profile.
Ultimately, the interaction between the top and bottom housing materials in these switches shapes the full typing experience. While the Jerrzi Orange's use of polycarbonate for the top housing gives it a crisp, resonant sound that is most pronounced during key release, the nylon bottom brings depth to the typing action. Conversely, the Gateron Oil King (V2), with its combination of nylon and an INK blend, presents a distinctive sound character during both key presses and releases. In essence, while both switches share some common elements, such as the nylon used in their bottom housings, the contrasts in their top housing materials create unique auditory profiles that cater to different preferences among users. If users desire similar results in sound and feel, they can explore switches that offer variations of both plush and crisp sound profiles, allowing for personalized configurations in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Jerrzi Orange linear switch and the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Jerrzi Orange features a light actuation force of 37 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience that accommodates longer sessions, whether for work or gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Oil King (V2) has a significantly heavier actuation force of 55 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial and tactile feedback when typing. Furthermore, while the bottom out force for the Orange switch is unavailable, the Oil King (V2) bottom out force is 65 grams, which is classified as medium-heavy. This suggests that the Oil King provides a firmer feel not just when actuating a key, but also upon fully pressing it down. Overall, if you prefer lighter switches, the Jerrzi Orange is the better choice, whereas the Gateron Oil King (V2) caters to those who enjoy a heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Orange linear switch and the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Jerrzi Orange features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, whereas the Gateron Oil King (V2) has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that for users seeking a quicker response time, the Orange switch may be more preferable due to its shorter travel distance. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial depth in their keypresses may lean towards the Oil King (V2) switch for its longer travel distance. This difference in travel distance can ultimately affect the typing experience, making the Orange switch feel more responsive and the Oil King (V2) switch feel more substantial.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Orange has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $2.30.
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 Jerrzi Orange switches offer a lively and clacky auditory experience that can be quite engaging for users who appreciate auditory feedback. These switches produce a crisp and bright sound with each keystroke, which can significantly enhance the tactile experience of typing or gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Oil King (V2) delivers a softer, low-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of a bassy tone that feels more muted and smooth. This sound can be likened to the deep, rich crack of dark chocolate, offering a more subdued aural experience compared to the sharpness of the Orange switches. Depending on the choice of keyboard and keycaps, each switch will produce its own unique sound signature, but users looking for a clacky sound will lean towards the Jerrzi Orange, while those preferring a rich and mellow tone might favor the Oil King (V2).
Regarding feel, the Jerrzi Orange switches are lightweight and feathery, making them incredibly easy to press. Their gentle resistance ensures minimal finger fatigue, allowing for comfortable extended typing sessions. This user-friendly design supports responsive typing, which is particularly beneficial for gaming or prolonged work tasks. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King (V2) is celebrated for its creamy, silky feel. This buttery smoothness is often attributed to factory lubing, allowing for incredibly effortless key presses that glide seamlessly without any stickiness or resistance. While both switches aim to enhance comfort, the Orange switches excel in lightness and responsiveness, whereas the Oil King provides a more luxurious and silky typing experience.
In summary, if you're choosing between the Jerrzi Orange and Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switches, you'll experience distinctly different sound and feel profiles. The Orange is ideal for those who enjoy a clacky auditory feedback and lightweight typing with easy actuation, making it suitable for fast-paced users. Conversely, the Oil King (V2) caters to enthusiasts seeking a rich, low-pitched sound coupled with an exceptionally smooth and buttery feel. Ultimately, your personal preferences will guide you toward the best fit.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Jerrzi Orange linear switch and the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use. If you're seeking a lightweight, lively keyboard experience characterized by its clacky sound and ease of pressing, the Jerrzi Orange switches would be an excellent fit. They are particularly well-suited for extended typing sessions or gaming, where reduced finger fatigue and a vibrant feedback make for a more enjoyable experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a buttery smooth and polished typing feel paired with a rich, low-pitched sound, the Gateron Oil King (V2) is the way to go. These switches are designed for those who appreciate a luxurious typing experience, making them ideal for both casual typing and long hours of work. Ultimately, consider what attributes matter most to you—whether it's responsiveness and a lively auditory experience or smoothness and a more sophisticated sound profile—as these will guide you to the best switch for your needs.
Mentioned in this article
