Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Oil King, a linear switch, and the Outemu Blue Jade, a clicky switch, it is important to consider their unique attributes. The Oil King is renowned for its smoothness and satisfying sound profile, delivering a buttery feel and deep bass tones that are reminiscent of snapping dark chocolate. On the other hand, the Blue Jade offers a distinct clicky feel without any specific standout feature. While the Oil King provides a creamy and polished typing experience, the Blue Jade offers a satisfying tactile feedback with each keystroke. 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
65g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
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 Jade both utilize nylon for their top housing material, leading to a similar typing experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall. This common material choice contributes to a satisfying typing experience for users of both switches, showcasing a classic switch housing material known for its sound-absorbing qualities.
Where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Oil King features Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. In contrast, the Blue Jade utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, continuing the trend of a deeper and fuller sound profile associated with this material. This distinction in bottom housing materials may result in a subtle difference in sound and feel between the two switches, with the Oil King leaning towards a sharper, clacky sound and the Blue Jade offering a rounder, fuller sound.
Overall, while both the Gateron Oil King and the Outemu Blue Jade share a nylon top housing material that produces a similar typing experience, their differing bottom housing materials provide unique sound profiles. The Oil King's INK blend bottom housing creates a clacky sound, adding a sharper element to the typing experience, while the Blue Jade's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference for sound and feel, with each offering a distinct typing experience based on their housing materials.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch are quite similar, with both switches having a bottom out force of 65 grams. However, the Oil King has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Blue Jade's 50 grams. This means that the Oil King may feel slightly heavier when initiating keystrokes, while both switches offer a medium-heavy resistance overall. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Blue Jade may be the better option, as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, the Oil King may appeal to those who prefer a bit more weight behind their keystrokes for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience the user is looking for.
Travel distance
The Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky 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 with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. As a result, you can expect similar results in terms of the feeling and feedback of the switches when typing or gaming. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying key press experience, with a standard 4 mm distance for key travel.
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 Jade 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Oil King linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy experience, creating a deep and rich tone during key presses. In contrast, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch's sound profile is unknown. However, it's essential to note that the sound of a switch can vary based on other factors such as the keyboard's build and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Oil King switch is highly praised for its creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience. This results in a smooth and effortless keystroke, allowing fingers to glide across the keys with ease and precision. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Blue Jade switch is unknown.
Overall, if you're looking for a linear switch with a low-pitched sound profile and a creamy, buttery feel, the Gateron Oil King switch would be an excellent choice. However, if you're interested in a clicky switch with a unique sound experience and a tactile feel, the Outemu Blue Jade switch might be worth exploring further. Ultimately, both switches offer their unique qualities, ensuring a satisfying typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, it really comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with low-pitched and bassy sound profile, then the Oil King would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clicky and tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Blue Jade could be the switch for you. Consider your preferences in terms of feel, sound, and bottom out force when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. So, choose the one that best suits your typing style and preference.
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