KTT Mallo vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mallo and the Gateron Oil King stand out for their unique characteristics. The KTT Mallo switch is a tactile switch that is praised for its subtle tactility and medium-light typing feel, offering a balanced experience for typists. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King is a linear switch known for its buttery smoothness and low-pitched, creamy sound profile. While the Mallo is categorized as 'Feathery', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Stepped', 'Subdued', and 'Subtle', the Oil King is described as 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Silky', 'Bassy', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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 housing materials of the KTT Mallo and the Gateron Oil King offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound profiles. The Mallo's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisp sound, thanks to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. In contrast, the Oil King's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This contrast in sound profiles highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Mallo and the Oil King feature nylon material, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound compared to stiffer plastics. This similarity in the bottom housing material suggests that both switches may offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. However, the Gateron Oil King stands out with its proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound without being overly sharp. This unique blend adds a clacky element to the overall sound profile, offering a distinct typing experience for users who prefer a different sound profile.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of typing on that switch. While the Mallo utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a clear and resonant sound, the Oil King opts for nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile. The differences in sound profiles between the two switches can be attributed to the characteristics of their respective housing materials. Whether preferring a sharper and crisper sound or a deeper and fuller sound, users can choose a switch based on their sound preferences and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it is clear that the Mallo has a lighter actuation force of None grams compared to the Oil King's 55 grams. On the other hand, the Mallo has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Oil King's is slightly heavier at 65 grams. This makes the Mallo more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Oil King provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier actuation force. Both switches offer different levels of resistance, catering to individuals with varying preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. The travel distance of a switch is important as it determines how far the key has to be pressed for a keystroke to register. With both switches having the same travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness. This means that whether you choose the Mallo or the Oil King, you can expect a consistent typing experience with keys that require the same amount of force to actuate.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 KTT Mallo tactile switch offers a neutral and subdued sound profile, making it a versatile choice suitable for most typing environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch provides a low-pitched and bassy sound that resonates with a deeper and richer tone, reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences depending on personal preference and typing environment, with the Mallo being more neutral and the Oil King delivering a more pronounced sound profile.
In terms of feel, the KTT Mallo switch offers a feathery, mild, stepped, and subtle typing experience. It boasts a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue and provides a comfortable typing experience for extended use. In contrast, the Gateron Oil King linear switch presents a creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing feel, offering a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation that enhances overall typing comfort. While the Mallo provides a gentle tactile feedback, the Oil King stands out with its exceptionally smooth and buttery typing experience, highlighting the importance of personal preference in selecting the ideal mechanical switch.
Overall, the KTT Mallo and Gateron Oil King switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mallo excels in providing a balanced and versatile typing experience with subtle tactility and a neutral sound profile, suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Oil King impresses with its buttery smoothness and rich sound profile, delivering a luxurious typing sensation akin to gliding your fingers across keys effortlessly. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, ensuring a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience. If a user enjoys a more neutral and subdued typing experience, the KTT Mallo switch would be the ideal choice, while those seeking a smooth and buttery keystroke sensation may prefer the Gateron Oil King switch for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, consider the following guidelines. Opt for the Mallo if you prefer a medium-light typing feel with subtle tactility and a neutral sound profile. The Mallo is perfect for those who desire a versatile switch that strikes a balanced chord for various typing environments. On the other hand, choose the Oil King if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force combined with buttery smoothness and a low-pitched, bassy sound profile. The Oil King is ideal for users seeking a rich, smooth typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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