Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. Outemu Green
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the Outemu Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, you may find yourself considering the Gateron Oil King, a linear switch, and the Outemu Green, a clicky switch. The Oil King is highly regarded for its buttery smoothness and deep, bassy sound profile, making typing feel like snapping a dark chocolate bar. In contrast, the Green switch doesn't have a standout feature, but is often valued for its satisfying clicky sound during typing. Each switch offers a unique typing experience, but ultimately, the choice between them comes down to personal preference. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
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 Outemu Green both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Oil King's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Green's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is clear and resonant. While both materials offer their own distinct sound qualities, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound profile.
In terms of bottom housing, the Oil King utilizes a proprietary INK blend that results in a pointed and high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. On the other hand, the Green features a nylon bottom housing that also elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to the nylon top housing. Despite their differences in bottom housing materials, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Ultimately, the top and bottom housings play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switches. The bottom housing contributes more to the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when the key is released. While the Gateron Oil King and Outemu Green may have differences in their housing materials, both switches offer a rewarding typing experience with unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound profile or a sharper and crisper sound, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinct housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron Oil King linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Outemu Green clicky switch with 65 grams, making the Oil King easier to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Oil King requires 65 grams while the Green needs 80 grams, indicating that the Green switch provides a more substantial typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Oil King may be the better choice due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier and more tactile typing experience, the Outemu Green switch would be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision between the two would depend on individual preferences for lightness or heaviness in typing force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, they both have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience a consistent 4 mm travel distance from top to bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that the typing experience will be consistent between the two switches, as the distance traveled remains the same. Therefore, whether you choose the Gateron Oil King linear switch or the Outemu Green clicky switch, you can expect similar results in terms of key travel distance.
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 Green 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 profile, resulting in a deep and rich tone during key presses. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Green clicky switch is not available. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel, users of the Gateron Oil King linear switch often describe it as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. Typing on these switches feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, with minimal resistance and a seamless keystroke sensation. Unfortunately, there is no information available about the feel of the Outemu Green clicky switch.
In conclusion, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is praised for its smoothness and dark chocolate bar snapping sound profile, making it a favorite among users for its creamy and polished feel. While details about the Outemu Green clicky switch are lacking, if the tactile and auditory characteristics are anything similar to the Gateron Oil King linear switch, users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel preferences for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Oil King with 65 grams may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force, the Green with 80 grams may be more suitable. Additionally, if you value a smooth and buttery typing experience with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, the Oil King would be the better option. However, if you are looking for a clicky switch with specific sound and feel characteristics, the Green may not be the best fit. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
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