Gateron Melodic vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Melodic and the Gateron Oil King are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique experiences for users. The melodic is a clicky switch that stands out for its smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, ensuring a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback with added smoothness. On the other hand, the Oil King is a linear switch that impresses with its buttery smoothness and a sound profile resembling a dark chocolate bar snapping. While the melodic is described as buttery, resonant, invigorating, and crunchy, the Oil King is characterized by low-pitched, creamy, silky, bassy, buttery, and polished. Choosing the melodic may be ideal for those who seek a satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback, while the Oil King could be preferred by those who prioritize smoothness and a distinct sound profile. 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
60g
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
Yes
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
Comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the Gateron Oil King, we see a significant difference in their top housing materials. The Melodic utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Oil King features a nylon top housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. These differences in top housing materials highlight the unique sound profiles that each switch offers.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Melodic and the Oil King utilize nylon, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon as a plastic allows for more sound absorption, creating a rounder and duller sound. However, the Oil King's proprietary INK blend bottom housing sets it apart, characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. This unique blend offers a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound that adds to the overall typing experience of the switch.
Overall, while the top housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the Gateron Oil King differ in their polycarbonate and nylon compositions respectively, both switches share similarities in their use of nylon for the bottom housing. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, although the unique characteristics of each housing material contribute to distinct sound experiences. The combination of different housing materials in each switch provides a diverse range of sound profiles, catering to different preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron Melodic clicky switch has an actuation force of None grams, while the Gateron Oil King linear switch has an actuation force of 55 grams, making the Oil King the lighter of the two. The bottom out force of the Melodic is 60 grams, which is slightly lighter than the Oil King's bottom out force of 65 grams, making the Oil King the heavier option. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may lean towards the Melodic for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may opt for the Oil King for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the two switches, users can expect similar results in terms of performance and durability.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. With this similarity, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. The travel distance is the same for both switches, ensuring that users will get a similar feel when pressing down on the keys. This feature makes it easier for users to switch between keyboards with these different switches without having to adjust to a new travel distance. Overall, the travel distance of both the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch is equal, providing a familiar typing experience for users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy experience, characterized by a higher-pitched sound profile and clean, sharp tones reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch provides a low-pitched and bassy sound, delivering a more mellow and rich tone during key presses. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance the typing experience and cater to different preferences, depending on whether you prefer a crisp, clicky sound or a smooth, bass-heavy tone.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Melodic switch is described as buttery and invigorating, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel. In contrast, the Gateron Oil King switch provides a creamy and silky typing experience, allowing for effortless keystrokes that glide smoothly with minimal resistance. Both switches prioritize smoothness and uniform typing sensations, with the Melodic switch focusing on tactile feedback and the Oil King switch emphasizing a buttery, luxurious typing feel.
Overall, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Melodic switch delivers a resonant and crunchy sound with a buttery and invigorating feel, the Oil King switch provides a low-pitched, bassy sound with a creamy and silky typing experience. Depending on whether you prefer a clicky, sharp sound or a smooth, buttery feel, both switches offer distinct characteristics that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, both switches are designed to provide a high-quality typing experience, and choosing between them will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a clicky switch that offers a medium bottom out force and provides a resonant, crunchy sound profile with a buttery, invigorating feel, then the Gateron Melodic is the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a linear switch with a slightly higher bottom out force, delivering a low-pitched, bassy sound profile and a creamy, silky, buttery, or polished feel, then the Gateron Oil King would be the perfect fit for your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. Choose the switch that best aligns with your individual preferences and enjoy a satisfying typing experience with either the Melodic or Oil King switches.
Mentioned in this article
