Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean 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 Silent Ocean both offer a unique typing experience. The Oil King is praised for its smoothness and delightful sound profile, featuring low-pitched, creamy, silky, and bassy characteristics. On the other hand, the Dustproof Silent Ocean is a silent switch, offering a quiet typing experience without any notable sound profile. While the Oil King provides a luxurious and buttery typing feel, the Dustproof Silent Ocean ensures a noise-free environment for those who prefer silent operation. 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
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 Dustproof Silent Ocean both showcase unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Oil King features a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Dustproof Silent Ocean utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer composition. While both materials offer their own sound characteristics, they cater to different preferences in sound quality.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Gateron Oil King boasts a proprietary INK blend that produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound without being overly sharp. This blend offers a satisfying thin and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean opts for a nylon bottom housing, which mirrors the properties of the nylon top housing in providing a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Despite the difference in bottom housing materials, both switches offer a unique typing experience that caters to various sound preferences.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall sound profile of the switches, it becomes apparent that each material plays a crucial role in shaping the typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing material are felt more prominently during bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer the softer, absorbing nature of nylon or the crisper, resonant quality of polycarbonate, both the Gateron Oil King and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean offer a range of sound profiles to suit different tastes in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Gateron Oil King linear switch has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In comparison, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams but a similar bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Oil King requires a bit more force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Dustproof Silent Ocean, although both switches will ultimately feel the same when pressed all the way down. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Dustproof Silent Ocean for longer typing sessions, while others may appreciate the slightly heavier push of the Oil King for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron Oil King linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Dustproof Silent Ocean has a shorter travel distance compared to the Oil King. This means that when pressing down on a key with the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch, you will feel the key reach the bottom sooner than with the Oil King switch. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the Dustproof Silent Ocean due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press and a more traditional travel distance may opt for the Oil King switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific feel desired during typing or gaming.
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 Silent Ocean 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 stands out with its low-pitched and bassy characteristics, providing a deep and rich sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch does not have any specific sound descriptors available. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is favored for its creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation that is akin to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. Unfortunately, there are no specific feel descriptors available for the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch.
Overall, while the sound qualities of the Gateron Oil King linear switch make it a popular choice for those seeking a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, its feel is equally impressive with its creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience. Without specific information on the sound and feel of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, it is difficult to directly compare the two switches. However, based on the available information, it can be assumed that the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch may provide a similar level of smoothness and quality, although the specific characteristics remain unknown.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Oil King linear switch or the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and priorities. If you value a smoother typing experience with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, the Oil King may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a silent switch with dustproof capabilities, the Dustproof Silent Ocean might be more suitable. Remember to consider factors such as feel, sound, and bottom out force when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches have their unique strengths, so it's important to choose the one that aligns best with your specific needs and preferences.
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