Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Oil King, a linear switch, to the Outemu Brown, a tactile switch, there are some key differences to consider. The Oil King is praised for its buttery smoothness and a sound profile akin to snapping a dark chocolate bar. It is categorized as having low-pitched, creamy, silky, bassy, buttery, and polished characteristics. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown does not have any specific standout features mentioned. Tactile switches like the Outemu Brown are known for providing a slight bump feedback when pressed, which can enhance typing accuracy. If you prefer a smoother, linear typing experience, the Oil King might be the way to go. Alternatively, if you enjoy a more tactile response while typing, the Outemu Brown could be the better choice. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Oil King and the Outemu Brown switches, we see a stark difference in the materials used. The Oil King features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Brown switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrast in sound profile can significantly impact the typing experience for users, with nylon providing a more muffled and rounder sound compared to the clear and resonant sound of polycarbonate.
Moving on to the bottom housing of the switches, the Oil King's proprietary INK blend bottom housing offers a pointed and high-pitched sound profile that is often described as clacky. This gives the Oil King switch a distinct sound characteristic that differs from the deep and full sound produced by the nylon bottom housing of the Outemu Brown switch. The split in qualities between the top and bottom housings highlights how the choice of materials can affect not only the sound but also the overall feel of the switch. Users who prefer a sharper and more defined sound may lean towards the Oil King, while those seeking a softer and fuller sound may opt for the Outemu Brown.
While the Gateron Oil King and Outemu Brown switches offer different sound profiles due to their housing materials, users can expect similar results in terms of overall typing experience. Both switches utilize classic materials such as nylon and polycarbonate, which have specific acoustic properties that impact the sound produced. Whether it be a deeper and fuller sound from the Oil King's nylon housing or a sharper and crisper sound from the Brown's polycarbonate housing, users can choose based on their preference for sound profile and typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preference in sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch have similar bottom out forces of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. However, the Oil King has a slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Brown's 53 grams. This means that the Oil King may feel slightly lighter to type on initially, while still offering the same resistance when fully pressed down. The actuation force is important as it determines the force needed to trigger a keystroke, while bottom out force measures the pressure needed to press the key all the way down. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with the Oil King being slightly lighter and the Brown offering a slightly stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of how far you need to press down on the key to actuate it. Whether you choose the Oil King or the Brown switch, you can expect a consistent travel distance that will provide a satisfying typing feel. However, it's worth noting that some users may prefer the tactile feedback of the Outemu Brown switch over the smooth linear action of the Gateron Oil King switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound.
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 Brown 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 is known for its low-pitched and bassy characteristics, providing a deep and rich sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Brown tactile switch is not available. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is praised for its creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation that is effortless and uniform. Unfortunately, details on the typing feel of the Outemu Brown tactile switch are not provided. Again, the typing experience can be affected by various factors including materials used and lubrication of the switch.
Overall, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is favored for its smoothness, low-pitched sound, and buttery feel, making it a popular choice among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While specific information on the Outemu Brown tactile switch is lacking, if both switches are of similar quality and design, users can expect comparable characteristics in terms of sound and feel. It is recommended to try out different switches to determine which one best suits your typing preferences and needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and buttery typing experience with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, the Gateron Oil King linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and are not concerned with sound profile descriptions, the Outemu Brown tactile switch could be the right fit for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for typing feel and sound, so consider these factors carefully before making your choice.
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