Cherry MX Brown vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are endless options to choose from, each offering a unique typing experience. Two popular switches in the market are the Cherry MX Brown and the Gateron Oil King. The MX Brown is known for its subtlety, providing a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, the Oil King stands out for its buttery smoothness and a sound profile resembling the snap of a dark chocolate bar. While the MX Brown is categorized as textured, bassy, and low-pitched, the Oil King is described as low-pitched, creamy, silky, bassy, buttery, and polished. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
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
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 Cherry MX Brown and the Gateron Oil King both utilize nylon as their top housing material. This classic switch housing material offers similar characteristics for both switches. Typing on switches that use nylon elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's relatively softer plastic composition. The sound produced is duller and rounder, as nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. Overall, if you are looking for a switch with a similar sound and feel in terms of the top housing, both the Cherry MX Brown and the Gateron Oil King will provide a comparable typing experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing, however, the Cherry MX Brown and the Gateron Oil King diverge in their material choices. The MX Brown features a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to the overall sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound. On the other hand, Gateron Oil King's proprietary INK blend bottom housing offers a distinct sound profile. It is characterized as pointed and relatively high-pitched, without being overly sharp. This creates a satisfyingly clacky sound that is slightly thinner and higher-pitched compared to the nylon bottom housing of the MX Brown.
In summary, while the top housing of the Cherry MX Brown and the Gateron Oil King share similar characteristics due to their nylon composition, the bottom housing sets them apart. The MX Brown's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound upon pressing, while the Oil King's INK blend bottom housing provides a slightly sharper and higher-pitched clacky sound. Therefore, the two switches will offer distinct typing experiences, with the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key and the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, there are noticeable differences between the two. The MX Brown has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Oil King requires a slightly heavier force of 55 grams to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the MX Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams, whereas the Oil King boasts a higher bottom out force of 65 grams.
The lighter actuation force of the MX Brown makes it a desirable option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, enabling them to type for extended periods of time without as much fatigue. This is particularly beneficial for individuals using a keyboard for work or engaging in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Oil King's heavier actuation force provides a more substantial push feel, offering a more pronounced typing experience for those who appreciate a stronger feedback.
When it comes to bottoming out, both switches exhibit similar characteristics, as the MX Brown and the Oil King require users to press all the way down with forces of 55 grams and 65 grams, respectively. This results in a consistent bottoming out sensation for individuals using either switch.
In summary, the Cherry MX Brown offers a medium-light actuation force and bottom out force, ideal for those seeking a lighter typing experience, while the Gateron Oil King provides a medium-heavy actuation force and bottom out force, catering to individuals desiring a more substantial and tactile feel.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback when pressed down, allowing users to feel the switch's actuation point. This means that whether you choose the Cherry MX Brown or the Gateron Oil King, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance. Neither switch is shorter or longer than the other, as both offer the same level of key travel. This similarity in travel distance makes both switches desirable options for individuals seeking a responsive and comfortable typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00, 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
When it comes to sound, both the Cherry MX Brown and Gateron Oil King switches offer a low-pitched and bass-heavy profile. The MX Brown switches have a subtly deeper and richer sound, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Oil King switches provide a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, which adds to their overall smoothness. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the type of keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the MX Brown switches offer a textured typing experience. This means that there is noticeable friction when pressing the keys, which can be preferred by some users. On the other hand, the Oil King switches provide a creamy, silky, and buttery typing sensation. These switches are incredibly smooth and fluid, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys with ease. The Oil King switches are designed to minimize resistance and enhance the overall smoothness of the typing feel.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Brown and Gateron Oil King switches have distinct subjective qualities in both sound and feel. The MX Brown switches provide a subtle and gentle tactile experience with subdued audio feedback. The Oil King switches, on the other hand, offer an incredibly smooth and buttery typing experience with a unique sound reminiscent of snapping dark chocolate. While they differ in their tactile feedback, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, albeit in different ways. Depending on your personal preferences, you can choose between the subtle tactility of the MX Brown or the smoothness and sound profile of the Oil King.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a switch with a relatively light typing experience, gentle tactility, and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch would be a good choice for you. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches offer a subtle and pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is a great option. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, these switches provide a medium-heavy feel. In terms of sound, both switches offer a similar low-pitched and bassy profile, which adds depth and richness to your typing experience. However, if you prioritize a textured feel with noticeable friction, the MX Brown is your go-to choice. Conversely, if you prefer a creamy, silky, buttery, or polished feel with minimal resistance, the Oil King switch is the way to go. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for typing experience and desired sound profile.
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