Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. Outemu Dustproof Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the Outemu Dustproof Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Oil King and the Outemu Dustproof Brown offer unique experiences for users. The Oil King, a linear switch, stands out for its smoothness and rich sound profile, often compared to a dark chocolate bar snapping. On the other hand, the Dustproof Brown, a tactile switch, lacks any specific standout feature but offers a reliable typing experience. While the Oil King provides a low-pitched, buttery, and polished typing experience, the Dustproof Brown remains unclassified. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different preferences in typing feel and sound. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Oil King and the Outemu Dustproof Brown switches offer different sound profiles and tactile experiences due to their unique compositions. The Oil King's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Dustproof Brown's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, whereas the stiffer polycarbonate material leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate's translucent quality makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an extra visual dimension to the typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Oil King's proprietary INK blend offers a pointed and high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. On the other hand, the Dustproof Brown's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its nylon top housing counterpart. The different properties of the bottom housing materials impact the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, highlighting the distinct tactile experiences that each switch offers.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Oil King and the Outemu Dustproof Brown switches play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience. While both switches utilize classic materials like nylon, they offer contrasting sound profiles and tactile feedback due to the different compositions of their housing materials. Whether it's the softer, more absorbent properties of nylon or the stiffer, more resonant nature of polycarbonate, each housing material brings its unique qualities to the forefront, resulting in a distinct typing experience for users.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch, it is evident that they have different actuation forces but the same bottom out force. The Oil King has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Dustproof Brown's lighter 45 grams. However, both switches share a bottom out force of 65 grams, making them equally heavy in that regard. The actuation force is crucial for determining the sensitivity and responsiveness of the switch, with the Oil King requiring a slightly stronger push to register a keystroke. On the other hand, the Dustproof Brown offers a lighter actuation force, allowing for a smoother typing experience with less effort. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference - whether one prefers a lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions or a heavier one for a more substantial typing feel. Regardless of the differences in actuation force, both switches provide a similar bottom out force, ensuring a consistent typing experience in terms of key travel distance and resistance.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4mm, making them equally responsive when typing or gaming. With both switches offering a consistent travel distance, users can expect similar typing experiences in terms of key feel and response. The similarity in travel distance between these two switches ensures that whether you choose the Oil King or the Dustproof Brown, you can enjoy a satisfying typing experience with minimal variation in key press feel.
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 Dustproof 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 stands out with its low-pitched and bassy characteristics, providing a deep and rich sound profile that is reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. On the other hand, information about the sound profile of the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch is not available, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Oil King linear switch offers a creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience, with a smooth and buttery sensation that allows for effortless and fluid keystrokes. In contrast, details about the tactile feel of the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch are not provided, making it challenging to assess how it would compare in terms of typing feel.
In conclusion, based on the available information, the Gateron Oil King linear switch showcases a unique sound profile and a smooth typing experience that is characterized by its buttery feel. While details about the sound and feel of the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch are not provided, it is safe to say that the Gateron Oil King's qualities would likely result in a more premium and satisfying typing experience overall.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch, it all comes down to your personal preference. If you are looking for a smooth and buttery typing experience with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, then the Oil King might be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with no additional sound description and a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Dustproof Brown could be the right fit. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on what you prioritize in your typing experience - smoothness and sound profile in the case of the Oil King, or tactility and bottom out force in the case of the Dustproof Brown. Choose wisely based on your preferences and enjoy your mechanical keyboard journey!
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