Zuoce Lavender vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Zuoce Lavender and the Gateron Oil King mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes apparent that they both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Lavender switch is renowned for its exceptional smoothness and crisp, clacky sound signature, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Oil King switch stands out for its buttery smooth feel and a sound profile akin to a dark chocolate bar snapping. While the Lavender switch is classified as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky', the Oil King switch is described as 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Silky', 'Bassy', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths that may appeal to different users. 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
48g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Zuoce Lavender and Gateron Oil King both utilize different materials for their housing components, with the Lavender featuring POM housings for both the top and bottom, while the Oil King incorporates nylon for the top housing and a proprietary INK blend for the bottom housing. The POM housings of the Lavender create a deeper and more muted sound profile, providing a unique typing experience. In contrast, the Oil King's nylon top housing elicits a fuller and deeper sound, while the INK blend bottom housing produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, described as clacky.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Zuoce Lavender and Gateron Oil King aim to provide an exceptional typing experience with their switch designs. The POM top and bottom housings of the Lavender work together to create a pleasing and unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted. On the other hand, the Oil King's combination of nylon and INK blend housing materials offer a fuller sound with higher-pitched characteristics, resulting in a clacky typing sensation. While the sound profiles may vary between the two switches, they both prioritize delivering a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience for users.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note how each component contributes to the sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. In the case of the Lavender and Oil King, the POM and INK blend materials bring their unique qualities to the typing experience, creating distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that enhance the overall performance and satisfaction of typing on mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch are quite different. The Lavender has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Oil King's 55 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes on the Lavender. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Lavender at 53 grams is also lighter than the Oil King's 65 grams, resulting in a softer typing experience overall. Those who prefer a lighter touch may gravitate towards the Lavender for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where fatigue is a concern. On the other hand, the Oil King's heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more substantial typing experience, making it a better choice for those who prefer a stronger push feel for their switches. In either case, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches offer users the ability to choose based on their specific preferences.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the Gateron Oil King linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lavender switch would provide a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers. On the other hand, the Oil King switch's longer travel distance may offer a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for either a shorter, more responsive key press or a longer, more deliberate one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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 Zuoce Lavender switch offers a clacky and percussive sound experience, adding an audible satisfaction to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King switch provides a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, reminiscent of a rich and deep tone. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences that can enhance typing enjoyment depending on personal preferences and the overall setup of the keyboard.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Zuoce Lavender switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature, providing a light actuation force that makes typing effortless and comfortable. In contrast, the Gateron Oil King switch offers a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience, with a polished finish that minimizes friction and enhances smoothness. Both switches aim to provide a pleasant tactile sensation during use, catering to different typing styles and preferences.
Considering all the available information, it is clear that the Zuoce Lavender and Gateron Oil King linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lavender switch is known for its clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, the Oil King switch excels in providing a low-pitched, bassy sound profile and a creamy, silky typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, either switch can deliver a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience, ensuring that users can achieve similar levels of typing pleasure with different yet equally exceptional linear switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Zuoce Lavender linear switch or the Gateron Oil King linear switch, you should take into account your personal preferences in terms of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a crisp, clacky sound signature with a smooth typing experience right out of the box, the Lavender switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a low-pitched, bassy sound with a creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing feel, the Oil King switch might be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your individual typing style and preferences.
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