Outemu Lime (V3) vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lime (V3) and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two standout options are the Outemu Lime and the Gateron Oil King. The Lime switches are renowned for their unique qualities, offering a lightweight build, an inviting touch of tactility, and a silenced typing experience. These switches are a dream come true for tactile enthusiasts who desire a featherlight typing experience with a gentle touch of feedback. On the other hand, the Oil King switches from Gateron are a linear switch lover's delight. What sets them apart is their buttery smoothness and a sound profile that brings to mind the satisfying snap of a dark chocolate bar. With a categorization that includes terms like "low-pitched," "creamy," and "silky," these switches provide a polished feel for those who prefer linear switches. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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 Outemu Lime and the Gateron Oil King both utilize nylon as their top housing material. This classic switch housing material delivers a similar experience in terms of sound profile. Both switches elicit a deeper and fuller sound due to the relatively softer nature of nylon. Being a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect a consistent sound experience when typing on either the Lime or the Oil King.
In terms of bottom housing, the Lime continues to use nylon while the Oil King employs Gateron's proprietary INK blend. Nylon, once again, offers a softer characteristic, absorbing more sound and creating a dull and round sound profile. On the other hand, Gateron's INK blend bottom housing presents a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This unique blend produces a satisfying thin and higher-pitched "clacky" sound. Therefore, users will encounter a noticeable difference in sound when typing on the bottom housing of these switches.
When it comes to feeling the qualities of the housing materials, the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that the choice of bottom housing, whether it's nylon or the INK blend, will determine the overall experience when pressing down on the switch. In contrast, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. So, while the top and bottom housings may differ between the Lime and the Oil King, their impact on the overall typing experience will vary depending on whether you are pressing or letting go of a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, there are notable differences. The Lime has a relatively light actuation force of 35 grams, meaning it requires less pressure to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Oil King has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, providing a slightly more substantial push feel. Additionally, the Lime has a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Oil King requires 65 grams to bottom out. This indicates that the Oil King is generally heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Lime. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Lime switch would be a suitable choice, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. However, users seeking a stronger push feel might opt for the Oil King switch, providing a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style, with the Lime offering a lighter option and the Oil King providing a heavier alternative.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it is clear that the Oil King has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Lime has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Oil King is more traditional, providing a deeper keystroke feel. On the other hand, the Lime's 3.3 mm travel distance is on the shorter side, which appeals to gamers seeking faster response times. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Lime's shorter travel distance may be the better option. However, if you desire a more substantial keystroke depth, the Oil King's longer travel distance would be the suitable choice. Overall, both switches offer distinct travel distances, catering to different user preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Lime (V3) comes in at $3.40, whereas the Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50.
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 Outemu Lime tactile switch is described as having a neutral and muted sound profile. This means that it produces a moderate sound that is softer and quieter compared to regular mechanical switches. The Gateron Oil King linear switch, on the other hand, is described as having a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. This means that it produces a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Lime tactile switch offers a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience. It has a gentle resistance and provides a safe, middle-ground zone for typing. The feathery light actuation force reduces finger fatigue and makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The switch is also polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished. It offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The switch enhances overall smoothness and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
Based on the available information, the Outemu Lime tactile switch and Gateron Oil King linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lime switch is lightweight, silenced, and provides an approachable tactility, making it suitable for tactile fans who prefer a feathery light typing experience. Its sound is neutral and muted, while its feel is mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. On the other hand, the Oil King switch offers a sweet and smooth buttery typing experience, with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. When it comes to sound, the Lime switch offers a softer and quieter experience compared to the Oil King switch. In terms of feel, the Lime switch provides a more mild and approachable typing experience, while the Oil King switch offers a smooth and buttery sensation. Depending on personal preference, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are a tactile fan who prefers a lightweight and silenced switch, the Outemu Lime switch would be the perfect choice for you. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, these switches offer a feathery light typing experience with just a touch of tactility. They are also described as having a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished feel, providing a gentle and comfortable typing experience. The Lime switches are ideal for extended typing sessions and are suitable for shared spaces due to their muted sound profile.
On the other hand, if you value smoothness and a low-pitched, bassy sound profile, the Gateron Oil King switch would be a great option for you. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, these switches provide a medium-heavy typing experience. They are known for their buttery smoothness and the sound profile resembling a dark chocolate bar snapping. The Oil King switches are described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a lighter and silenced tactile experience, go for the Lime switch. But if you prefer a smoother typing experience with a low-pitched, bassy sound profile, the Oil King switch would be more suitable for you. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so make sure to consider what aspects are most important to you before making your decision.
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