Dareu Master vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Master and the Gateron Oil King mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Master, with its all-POM linear switch, provides users with a medium weight feel, a classic clacky sound signature, and exceptional smoothness during operation. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King stands out for its buttery smoothness and a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. The Oil King switch is categorized as low-pitched, creamy, silky, bassy, buttery, and polished, while the Master switch is categorized as clacky, mild, and polished. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Dareu Master and the Gateron Oil King both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Master's POM top housing creates a deep and muted sound, while the Oil King's nylon top housing produces a fuller and rounder sound due to its soft plastic composition. In terms of bottom housing, the Master's POM bottom housing also contributes to that deep and muted sound profile, while the Oil King's proprietary INK blend bottom housing offers a pointed and clacky sound that is higher-pitched but not overly sharp.
While both switches have different top and bottom housing materials, they each excel in providing a distinct sound experience. The Master's POM top and bottom housing work in harmony to create a deeper and more muted sound profile overall, whereas the Oil King's nylon top and INK blend bottom housing combination result in a sound that is fuller and higher-pitched without being too sharp. This shows that the choice of housing material for both switches greatly influences the sound produced during typing, offering users a variety of options based on their sound preferences.
Overall, the Dareu Master and the Gateron Oil King showcase how different housing materials can impact the sound profile of a switch. While the Master leans towards a deeper and more muted sound with its POM housing, the Oil King offers a fuller and clacky sound with its nylon and INK blend housing. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches provide a unique typing experience that is sure to appeal to mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for specific sound characteristics in their switches.
Weight
The Dareu Master linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Oil King linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. The bottom out force for the Master switch is unknown, while the Oil King switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy. The lighter actuation force of the Master switch may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the Oil King switch provides a more substantial typing sensation for users who enjoy a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, with the actuation and bottom out forces playing a significant role in the overall typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Master linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Oil King linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Oil King has a longer travel distance, making it more suited for those who prefer a deeper key press. On the other hand, the Master has a shorter travel distance, which would appeal to users looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distance, with the Master providing a more snappy feel and the Oil King offering a more deliberate keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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 Dareu Master linear switch offers a classic clacky sound signature that is sharp and snappy, providing a bright and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch has a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, offering a more mellow and rich tone during key presses. Both switches have unique sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience depending on personal preferences and the setup of your keyboard.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Master linear switch is known for its mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and refined feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Gateron Oil King linear switch provides a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience, as if gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys with minimal resistance. Both switches excel in providing a smooth and pleasant typing sensation, catering to individuals who appreciate different levels of tactile feedback and keypress response.
Overall, when comparing the Dareu Master and Gateron Oil King linear switches, it's evident that they each bring a unique combination of sound and feel qualities to the table. While the Master switch leans towards a clacky sound with mild and polished feel, the Oil King switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound with a creamy and buttery typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a sharper or more mellow sound, as well as the level of smoothness and tactility you desire in your typing experience. Regardless of your decision, both switches promise to deliver a satisfying and enjoyable keypress feel that enhances your overall typing performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Master linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium weight switch with a classic clacky sound and exceptional smoothness, the Dareu Master may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy buttery smoothness with a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, the Gateron Oil King could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the medium weight and clacky sound of the Master, or the smoothness and rich sound profile of the Oil King. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing experience.
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