Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. Outemu Dustproof Purple
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the Outemu Dustproof Purple 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 Purple offer unique experiences for users. The Oil King is a linear switch loved for its smoothness and satisfying sound profile, described as low-pitched, creamy, silky, bassy, buttery, and polished. On the other hand, the Dustproof Purple from Outemu offers a clicky typing experience without a defined reputation for any particular quality. While the Oil King provides a luxurious and quiet typing experience, the Dustproof Purple may appeal to those who enjoy the satisfying click sound of 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
55g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Oil King and the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches offer distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch. The Oil King's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Dustproof Purple's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile with its stiffer plastic composition. While both materials have their unique qualities, the Oil King’s nylon top housing may be preferred for those seeking a softer and more muted sound, while the Dustproof Purple’s polycarbonate top housing is ideal for users who prefer a clearer and more resonant sound.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Gateron Oil King features a proprietary INK blend that contributes to a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This distinctive thin and clacky sound adds to the overall typing experience of the switch. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Purple utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which also provides a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its nylon top housing. Both bottom housing materials offer a satisfying sound profile, with the Oil King's INK blend bottom housing providing a unique clacky feel while the Dustproof Purple's nylon bottom housing offers a more traditional typing experience.
When considering the impact of the housing materials on the overall sound and feel of the switches, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom housings. As a result, the bottom housing material has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. Despite their differences in materials, both the Gateron Oil King and the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches offer a diverse range of sound profiles and typing experiences that cater to various preferences and needs.
Weight
The Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch have similar actuation and bottom out forces, both requiring 55 grams of force to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out. This means that users can expect a consistent feel and performance from both switches. In terms of weight, they are both considered medium-heavy switches. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the heavier force for a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and desired weight.
Travel distance
The Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that whether you're using the Oil King or the Dustproof Purple switch, you will experience a consistent travel distance when pressing down on a key. Both switches offer a moderate travel distance that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. The travel distance of these switches allows for a satisfying typing or gaming experience without feeling too shallow or too deep. Overall, both switches provide a similar tactile feel due to their identical travel distances, making them suitable options for users who prefer a standard keypress experience.
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 Purple 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 tone, giving users a deeper and more mellow sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch's sound profile is unknown, so it's difficult to compare the two in this aspect.
Moving on to feel, the Oil King linear switch is commonly described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch is unknown, making it challenging to determine how it compares to the Oil King in terms of typing sensation.
Taking all available information into account, the Gateron Oil King linear switch stands out for its smoothness and rich sound profile, making it a favorite among keyboard enthusiasts. While the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch may offer some unique features such as dustproofing, the lack of information on its sound and feel makes it harder to evaluate against the well-known qualities of the Oil King. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and any other specific features that may be important to the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Oil King linear switch or the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch, it's important to consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a low-pitched and bassy sound profile with a creamy, silky, buttery, or polished feel, then the Oil King would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a clicky switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force but are not as concerned about the sound and feel characteristics, then the Dustproof Purple may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal typing preferences and which features are most important to you.
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