Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two notable options to consider are the Gateron Oil King and the KTT Orange. The Oil King is highly regarded for its smoothness and sound profile, often compared to the satisfying snap of a dark chocolate bar. It boasts qualities such as being low-pitched, creamy, silky, bassy, buttery, and polished. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch offers a unique typing experience with its bouncy feel, facilitated by a 22mm long spring. With a polycarbonate milky top housing, a long pole POM stem, and a vibrant orange nylon bottom housing, these switches provide a slick and frictionless typing experience. They are also known for their low-pitched sound profile. Both switches come factory-lubed, ensuring refined and smooth key travel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Oil King and KTT Orange differ in their choice of housing materials. The Oil King features a nylon top housing, while the Orange utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, polycarbonate is relatively stiffer, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. Additionally, polycarbonate is translucent, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Despite these differences, both top housings contribute to the sound produced when a key is released.
Similarly, the Oil King's proprietary INK blend bottom housing sets it apart from the Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing. The INK blend is described as a pointed and high-pitched sound, resulting in a satisfying clacky feel. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Orange contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. Aesthetically, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, particularly in terms of showcasing RGB lighting effects. However, the bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down.
In summary, while the Gateron Oil King and KTT Orange differ in their choice of housing materials, they still share some similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a clearer and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is advantageous for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Oil King's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound, distinct from the sharper sound of the Orange's polycarbonate top housing. Similarly, the Oil King's INK blend bottom housing provides a clacky sound, differing from the sharper sound produced by the Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Oil King has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Orange's lighter 46 grams. This means that users who prefer a stronger push feel would likely enjoy the Oil King more, as it provides a more substantial typing experience. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Oil King requires a force of 65 grams, while the Orange only requires 53 grams. This makes the Orange the lighter option, appealing to those who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference and desired typing experience. However, regardless of the force variances, both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottoming out.
Travel distance
The Gateron Oil King linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch have different travel distances. The Oil King has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Orange has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter of the two. A switch's travel distance is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom, which is the distance you feel when you press down on a key. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Oil King is more traditional, while the 3.5mm travel distance of the Orange is on the shallower side. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Orange a preferred choice for those looking for more responsiveness. However, some may find short travel distances too abrupt and prefer switches with longer travel distances for a more substantial feel. Both options have their advantages, so the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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
The Gateron Oil King linear switch is known for its buttery smoothness and low-pitched, bassy sound profile reminiscent of snapping a dark chocolate bar. It offers a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience, with a polished finish that minimizes friction and maximizes smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch features a bouncy, frictionless feel due to its 22mm long spring and polycarbonate milky top housing. It provides a low-pitched sound profile and a slick, smooth typing experience thanks to its excellent factory-lubing. While both switches have a low-pitched sound profile, the Oil King is described as creamy, silky, and buttery, while the Orange is described as bouncy and frictionless. Overall, the Gateron Oil King and KTT Orange switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, providing users with options depending on their preference. However, if you enjoy a low-pitched sound and a smooth typing experience, both switches can deliver similar results.
Conclusion
In closing, both the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch have their unique characteristics and advantages. If you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force and a rich, bass-heavy sound profile, then the Oil King switch would be a great choice for you. With its creamy, silky, and buttery feel, this switch provides a smooth and uniform typing experience that feels like gliding your fingers across the keys effortlessly. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange switch is an excellent option. Its bouncy and frictionless feel adds a spring-like feedback sensation and ensures an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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