Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the Gateron Oil King linear switch with the Outemu Lotus linear switch, both switches offer a unique typing experience. The Gateron Oil King is known for its smoothness and a sound profile resembling a dark chocolate bar snapping, making it a popular choice among linear switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus does not have any specific standout features mentioned. While the Oil King is praised for its low-pitched, creamy, silky, bassy, buttery, and polished feel, the Lotus remains a mystery in terms of its characteristics. Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and typing needs. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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 Lotus both feature nylon as their top housing material, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to the relatively softer nature of nylon, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In this aspect, both switches offer a similar typing experience with a focus on sound quality and depth. However, the Oil King's proprietary INK blend bottom housing contributes to a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, giving it a unique clacky feel. On the other hand, the Lotus utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, continuing the theme of deep and full sound production but with a potentially different sound profile compared to the Oil King.
Despite both switches featuring nylon as their top housing material, the Gateron Oil King and the Outemu Lotus differentiate themselves in terms of their bottom housing composition. The Oil King's INK blend bottom housing offers a distinctive high-pitched sound that is described as clacky, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a sharper sound profile. Conversely, the Lotus's nylon bottom housing focuses on maintaining a deep and full sound profile, complementing the characteristics of the top housing for a well-rounded typing experience. These differences in bottom housing material contribute to the overall sound and feel of each switch, catering to varying preferences in typing sound and feedback.
When considering the impact of housing materials on switch performance, it's essential to understand how the top and bottom housings influence the overall typing experience. While the top housing of a switch primarily affects the sound when pressing and releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. In the case of the Gateron Oil King and the Outemu Lotus, the unique qualities of their respective bottom housings contribute to the distinct typing experiences offered by each switch. Whether it's the clacky sound profile of the Oil King or the deep, full sound of the Lotus, the combination of top and bottom housing materials creates a well-balanced typing experience for users looking for quality and variety in switch characteristics.
Weight
The Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch have distinct differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Oil King has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Lotus has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. Those who prefer a heavier typing experience may opt for the Oil King, while those who prefer a lighter touch may prefer the Lotus. Weight considerations play a significant role in the typing experience, as lighter switches are suitable for long periods of typing or gaming, while heavier switches provide a more substantial push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for typing feel and force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, it is evident that the Oil King has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Lotus has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Oil King's 4.0mm travel distance provides a more traditional typing experience, with a deeper key press, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel. On the other hand, the Lotus's 3.3mm travel distance offers a shallower key press, which can result in faster response times, making it a popular choice among gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference - whether one prefers the deeper travel distance of the Oil King for a more solid feel or the shorter travel distance of the Lotus for quicker key presses.
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 Lotus 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
The Gateron Oil King linear switch is known for its low-pitched and bassy sound profile, giving it a deep and rich tone during key presses. In contrast, the Outemu Lotus linear switch's sound qualities are unknown. When it comes to feel, the Oil King switch is praised for its creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation with reduced friction. Unfortunately, the feel of the Outemu Lotus switch remains a mystery. In conclusion, if the Lotus switch shares similar characteristics with the Oil King switch, users can expect a delightful typing experience with smoothness in both sound and feel. Ultimately, the decision between these switches may come down to personal preference and the accompanying keyboard and keycaps chosen for a complete mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and enjoy a low-pitched, bassy sound profile, the Oil King may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and prioritize a smooth, buttery typing experience without as much emphasis on sound, the Lotus could be the ideal option. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what characteristics you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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