Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Gateron Oil King are two popular choices in the linear category. The Keygeek Raw stands out for its unique material blend, combining Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon to create a creamy yet lightweight switch that provides a slightly textured feel without the need for lubrication. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King is praised for its buttery smoothness and rich sound profile, resembling the snap of a dark chocolate bar. While the Keygeek Raw is categorized as textured, mild, neutral, and subtle, the Oil King is described as low-pitched, creamy, silky, bassy, buttery, and polished. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches comes down to personal 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
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Keygeek Raw and Gateron Oil King switches both use nylon in their housing materials, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. However, the Keygeek Raw utilizes a Nylon & UPE blend for the top housing, while the Gateron Oil King sticks with a pure nylon top housing. This slight difference in material composition may affect the sound produced by the switches, with the Keygeek Raw potentially offering a slightly softer and more absorbent sound compared to the Gateron Oil King's nylon top housing.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Keygeek Raw features a UMPE & Si blend, while the Gateron Oil King boasts a proprietary INK blend. The UMPE & Si blend by Keygeek Raw is exclusive to their switches, offering a unique sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King's INK blend is characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, which is often described as clacky. The differences in bottom housing materials may result in distinct typing experiences, with the Keygeek Raw potentially offering a different bottom-out sound and feel compared to the Gateron Oil King.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Keygeek Raw and Gateron Oil King switches are unique to each brand, they both aim to enhance the overall typing experience. The choice of materials for the top and bottom housing impacts the sound profile, with the Nylon & UPE blend top housing of the Keygeek Raw potentially offering a softer and more absorbent sound compared to the Gateron Oil King's nylon top housing. Additionally, the UMPE & Si blend bottom housing of the Keygeek Raw may provide a different sound and feel during bottom-out compared to the Gateron Oil King's INK blend. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
Weight
Comparing the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force of the Keygeek Raw is None grams, while the Oil King requires 55 grams to actuate. This means that the Keygeek Raw is lighter in terms of actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the Keygeek Raw has a force of 57.5 grams, whereas the Oil King requires 65 grams to bottom out. This indicates that the Oil King is heavier when it comes to bottoming out force. Both switches fall under the medium category for actuation force, but the Oil King leans towards the medium-heavy side for bottom out force. Depending on preference, some may find the Keygeek Raw more comfortable for extended typing sessions due to its lighter actuation force, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Oil King for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Oil King linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Keygeek Raw has a shorter travel distance compared to the Oil King. The Keygeek Raw's shorter travel distance can provide a quicker response time, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Oil King's longer travel distance may offer a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel when typing. Both switches have their advantages, with the shorter travel distance of the Keygeek Raw catering to speed and responsiveness, while the longer travel distance of the Oil King may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing styles.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 Keygeek Raw linear switch offers a neutral profile, which means it is suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King switch has a low-pitched and bassy sound, giving a deep and rich tone during key presses. The sound you'll experience with either switch will also be influenced by your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Keygeek Raw switch provides a slightly textured and mild typing experience, which falls in a safe middle ground zone that is approachable to most users. Conversely, the Gateron Oil King switch offers a creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience, providing a smooth and fluid sensation that feels like gliding across the keys effortlessly. Both switches aim to give users a pleasant typing experience, but the Oil King may excel in offering a more luxurious feel with its various smooth characteristics.
Overall, the Keygeek Raw and Gateron Oil King linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Keygeek Raw switch provides a versatile and moderately textured experience, the Gateron Oil King switch stands out with its smooth and buttery typing sensation. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, with the Oil King offering a more premium feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch or the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a slightly textured feel and a switch that is unexpectedly lightweight, the Keygeek Raw may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a buttery smooth typing experience with a sound profile reminiscent of dark chocolate, the Gateron Oil King may be more suitable. Consider factors such as bottom out force, material blend, and sound profile to determine which switch aligns best with your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on what characteristics you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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