Gazzew LT vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gazzew LT and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options stand out: the Gazzew LT and the Gateron Oil King. The Gazzew LT switches are best known for their enticing lilac hue, offering an auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness. Typing on these switches provides a seamless glide with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King switches are easily one of our favorites. They boast a buttery smoothness and a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. With their low-pitched, creamy, silky, bassy, buttery, and polished characteristics, these switches are a delight for any typist. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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 Gazzew blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew LT and the Gateron Oil King switches have some similarities and differences. Both switches feature proprietary blends of plastic for their top and bottom housings, which contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The LT's top housing, made of Gazzew's proprietary plastic blend, also known as "boba plastic," offers a rich and deep sound due to its softness. Similarly, the Oil King uses nylon for its top housing, which is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. In terms of sound, users can expect a similar experience when using both switches.
However, where the switches differ is in their bottom housings. The LT's bottom housing is made of the same proprietary plastic blend as its top housing, providing a consistent rich and deep sound profile throughout the keypress. On the other hand, the Oil King features Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing. This blend is characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, described as clacky. Therefore, when pressing down on the Oil King switch, users will feel a slight impact from the bottom housing, resulting in a clacky sound and feel during the keypress.
Another point of variation between the two switches is the impact of the top housing on the sound when releasing a key. Since the LT and the Oil King use different materials for their top housings, the sound produced when letting go of a key may differ. The LT's boba plastic top housing is known to deliver a deep and rich sound when releasing a key. On the other hand, the Oil King's nylon top housing, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile when a key is released. Therefore, users can expect a distinct sound experience based on the housing material used in each switch.
In summary, the housing materials of the Gazzew LT and the Gateron Oil King switches contribute to their unique sound profiles. The LT's proprietary Gazzew blend and the Oil King's nylon top housings both provide a deep and full sound due to the softness of the materials. However, the bottom housings differ, with the LT maintaining a consistent rich and deep sound throughout the keypress, while the Oil King offers a clacky sound profile. Additionally, the impact of the top housing on the sound when releasing a key differs between the switches, with the LT delivering a rich sound and the Oil King offering a duller and rounder sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. Starting with the actuation force, the LT switch has an unavailable measurement, while the Oil King switch requires a force of 55 grams to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, both switches have the same measurement of 65 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy category.
For individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, where they can type for longer durations without fatigue, the Oil King switch may be the more suitable option due to its lower actuation force. This makes it ideal for situations like bringing a keyboard to work or engaging in lengthy gaming sessions.
On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial and forceful push while typing may find the LT switch to be a better choice. Although the specific actuation force for the LT switch is not provided, it is implied to be heavier than the 55 grams required by the Oil King switch. This heavier actuation force can provide a satisfying tactile response and a more pronounced typing experience for individuals who enjoy that sensation.
Ultimately, while the actuation forces differ between the two switches, the bottom out force remains the same. Therefore, individuals seeking a similar typing experience in terms of the force required to fully depress the keys can expect similar results from both the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch.
Travel distance
The Gazzew LT linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch have different travel distances. The LT has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Oil King has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Oil King is the longer switch. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Oil King is more traditional, offering a deeper key press experience. On the other hand, the 3.2 mm travel distance of the LT is shorter, which is preferred by gamers who value faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference. If you prefer a shorter travel distance for quicker keystrokes, the LT would be the better option. However, if you prefer a longer travel distance for a more substantial key press, the Oil King would be the go-to choice. Both switches provide different experiences, so it is important to consider your own preferences when making a decision.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $6.50. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the LT and Oil King (V2).
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 Gazzew LT switches are best known for their deep, resonant thockiness. These switches offer a bassy sound profile that is characterized by a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The LT switches also produce a satisfying thock sound when pressed and released. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King switches are also low-pitched and bassy, providing a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. Their sound profile is reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. Both switches offer a similar sound experience with rich and deep tones, providing a satisfying auditory feedback during typing.
When it comes to feel, there is no specific information available regarding the Gazzew LT switches. However, the Gateron Oil King switches are described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished. This implies that the Oil King switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, with an effortless glide and reduced friction. Typing on these switches is like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, as they effortlessly melt into each keystroke. The overall smoothness and enhanced typing feel of the Oil King switches ensure a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Gazzew LT and Gateron Oil King switches offer desirable qualities in terms of sound and feel. They share similarities in their low-pitched and bassy sound profiles, providing a deep and rich auditory experience. Additionally, the Gateron Oil King switches are known for their creamy, silky, buttery, and polished feel, offering a smooth and polished typing experience. While specific information about the Gazzew LT switches' feel is unknown, it can be inferred that they would provide a similarly smooth and satisfying typing experience due to their reputation for seamless glide. Overall, both switches are excellent choices for those seeking a high-quality mechanical keyboard switch with enjoyable sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you're looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, both the Gazzew LT and Gateron Oil King would be great options. The Gazzew LT switches are known for their deep, resonant thockiness and seamless glide, offering a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King switches provide a buttery smoothness and a sound profile reminiscent of a snapping dark chocolate bar. In terms of sound, both switches have a low-pitched and bassy tone, with the LT switches also offering a thocky sound. When it comes to feel, the Oil King switches are described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Gazzew LT and Gateron Oil King will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel.
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