Cherry Nixie vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry Nixie and the Gateron Oil King both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cherry Nixie is a linear switch known for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, blending tradition with modern innovation due to the updated materials and springs from Cherry's MX2A update. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King stands out for its buttery smoothness and sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, offering a creamy and silky typing experience. While the Nixie is best known for its 'Thocky' feel and low-pitched sound, the Oil King boasts a range of qualities including being bassy, buttery, and polished. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that may appeal to different users depending on their preferences; 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
63.5g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
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
Gold-plated
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Cherry Nixie and Gateron Oil King both utilize nylon top housings, which are known for creating a deep and full sound profile due to their softer plastic composition. This results in a duller and rounder sound that enhances the typing experience. However, while both switches use nylon for their top housings, they differ in their bottom housings. The Nixie features a nylon bottom housing, which further contributes to the overall sound profile by absorbing more sound and creating a consistent typing experience. In contrast, the Oil King utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, known for its pointed and high-pitched sound profile that adds a satisfying clacky sound to typing.
The differences in the bottom housings between the Cherry Nixie and Gateron Oil King extend to the overall typing experience each switch provides. The Nixie's nylon bottom housing enhances the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, creating a more consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the Oil King's INK blend bottom housing adds a unique clacky sound to typing, giving it a distinct sound profile that sets it apart from the Nixie. This distinction in sound profiles between the two switches can cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, with some favoring the deeper and fuller sound of the Nixie while others may prefer the higher-pitched, clacky sound of the Oil King.
Despite their differences in bottom housing materials, the Cherry Nixie and Gateron Oil King both share the use of nylon for their top housings, which results in a similar deep and full sound profile when typing on either switch. The softer nature of nylon allows for the absorption of sound, creating a more rounded and dull sound that enhances the overall typing experience. While the bottom housing materials may vary between the two switches, the similarities in their top housing materials ensure that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile. Ultimately, whether you prefer the consistent sound of the Nixie or the unique clacky sound of the Oil King, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience due to their carefully chosen housing materials.
Weight
The Cherry Nixie linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams compared to the Gateron Oil King linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Nixie requires 80 grams, making it heavier than the Oil King, which only needs 65 grams. This means that the Nixie will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Oil King offers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences in typing feel. Ultimately, those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Gateron Oil King, while those seeking a heavier touch may lean towards the Cherry Nixie.
Travel distance
The Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will get a similar tactile experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and smooth keystroke with the same travel distance, allowing for fast and precise typing. Overall, whether you choose the Cherry Nixie or the Gateron Oil King linear switch, you can expect to have a comfortable typing experience with a consistent travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 Cherry Nixie linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched properties, creating a deep and satisfying sound similar to a soft thud or knock. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, reminiscent of a rich dark chocolate bar snapping. Both switches provide a pleasing auditory experience, with the Nixie emphasizing a deep thocky sound while the Oil King highlights a bass-heavy and mellow tone during key presses.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is praised for its textured typing experience, offering users noticeable friction when pressed. In contrast, the Gateron Oil King linear switch provides a creamy and silky typing sensation, resembling a smooth and buttery glide across the keys. The Oil King switch boasts qualities like buttery, silky, and polished, ensuring a luxurious and effortless keystroke experience. Both switches excel in providing a tactile and enjoyable typing feel, with the Nixie catering to those who prefer a textured feedback and the Oil King appealing to users seeking a silky and polished typing experience.
Overall, both the Cherry Nixie and Gateron Oil King linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Nixie excels in providing a textured typing experience with a deep thocky sound, the Oil King stands out for its creamy and buttery feel accompanied by a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference, whether one prefers a more traditional and textured typing experience with the Nixie or a smooth and buttery feel with the Oil King. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and exceptional typing experiences, ensuring that users will achieve satisfying results regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, you should consider your preference for key feel and sound. If you enjoy a heavier typing experience with a textured feel and a deep, low-pitched sound profile, the Cherry Nixie switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, buttery typing feel with a creamy, silky sound profile, the Gateron Oil King switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and what qualities you prioritize in a keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
