Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Oil King, a popular linear switch, to the Outemu Blue, a well-known clicky switch, it's important to consider the characteristics that set them apart. The Oil King stands out for its smoothness and subtle sound profile, offering a luxurious typing experience with low-pitched, creamy, and buttery qualities. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue is known for its clicky and tactile feedback, providing a satisfying typing sound without any specific descriptors provided. Both switches have their unique appeal, with the Oil King offering a smooth and polished feel, while the Outemu Blue delivers a sharp and clicky typing experience. 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
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Oil King and the Outemu Blue both feature different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, with the Oil King having a nylon top housing and proprietary INK blend bottom housing, while the Blue has a polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. The nylon top housing of the Oil King provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound, whereas the polycarbonate top housing of the Blue produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. Aesthetically, the clear polycarbonate housing of the Blue allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Gateron Oil King's proprietary INK blend offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Outemu Blue contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to the nylon top housing of the Oil King. The split between the two housing materials in each switch allows for a balance of qualities, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when the key is released.
Overall, while the Gateron Oil King and the Outemu Blue use different housing materials for their switches, they each offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences. The Oil King's combination of nylon and proprietary INK blend creates a mix of deep, fuller sounds and clacky highs, while the Blue's blend of polycarbonate and nylon results in a sharper, crisper sound profile. Depending on the preference for sound and feel, users can choose between the two switches to achieve similar or contrasting results.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, we can see that the Oil King is slightly heavier in both aspects. The Oil King has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Blue has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Oil King requires 65 grams to fully press down, while the Blue's bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Blue switch, as it has a lighter actuation force. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Gateron Oil King due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their force requirements, allowing users to choose the one that best fits their preferences for typing or gaming purposes.
Travel distance
The Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a consistent typing experience in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. While the Oil King is known for its smooth and linear feel, the Outemu Blue offers a tactile and audible click with each key press. Despite their differences in feel, both switches will provide a similar overall typing experience due to their equal travel distance. Therefore, whether you choose the Oil King or the Blue switch, you can expect to get similar results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50, whereas the Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10.
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 Oil King linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, giving off a deep and rich tone during key presses. This can provide a satisfying auditory experience for users who prefer switches with a more mellow and bass-heavy sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue clicky switch's sound characteristics are unknown, so it's difficult to directly compare the two switches in this aspect. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of typing, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished, offering a smooth and fluid typing experience. These qualities contribute to a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation, allowing users to glide their fingers across the keys with ease. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Blue clicky switch is unknown, making it challenging to make a direct comparison in terms of typing experience. Nevertheless, both switches are likely to provide tactile feedback and a satisfying typing experience for users, even if the specific feel may vary.
Overall, the Gateron Oil King linear switch stands out for its smoothness, low-pitched sound profile, and rich tactile feedback, making it a favorite among linear switch enthusiasts. While the Outemu Blue clicky switch may offer a different typing experience with its clicky mechanism, users can expect similar levels of satisfaction in terms of sound and feel when using either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference, as both can provide a high-quality typing experience for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a smooth and buttery keystroke with a low-pitched sound profile, then the Oil King linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a distinctive sound and feedback during typing, you may want to opt for the Outemu Blue clicky switch. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
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