Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Gateron Oil King, a linear switch, and the Outemu Red, also a linear switch. The Gateron Oil King stands out for its buttery smoothness and dark chocolate snapping sound profile, making it a favorite among enthusiasts. With characteristics such as being low-pitched, creamy, silky, bassy, buttery, and polished, the Oil King offers a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Red is known for its simplicity and reliability. While lacking specific standout characteristics, it provides a straightforward linear switch option. If you are looking for a switch with a luxurious feel and a rich sound profile, the Gateron Oil King may be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a no-frills, reliable linear switch, the Outemu Red could be the better option. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 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 housing materials of the Gateron Oil King and the Outemu Red switches both play a significant role in the sound profile they produce. The Oil King's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Red's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer plastic composition. While the Oil King offers a duller and rounder sound, the Red provides a more clear and resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting. Despite their differences, both housing materials are essential in shaping the overall typing experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Gateron Oil King features its proprietary INK blend material that results in a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, described as clacky. On the other hand, the Outemu Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to the nylon top housing of the Oil King. The qualities of the bottom housing play a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, influencing the overall typing experience for users of both switches. Despite the differences in materials, both switches aim to provide a satisfying and unique typing experience based on the housing materials used.
Overall, the Gateron Oil King and Outemu Red switches showcase a contrast in sound profiles based on their housing materials. While the Oil King emphasizes a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top and proprietary INK blend bottom housing, the Red opts for a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing. The choice of housing material significantly impacts the typing sound and feel of each switch, showcasing the importance of material selection in switch design. Despite their differences, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience to users, whether they prefer a clacky sound or a clear and resonant one.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Oil King has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Red's 46 grams, making the Oil King require a slightly stronger push to initiate a keystroke. Additionally, the Oil King has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams in comparison to the Red's 62 grams, indicating that it provides a more substantial typing experience when pressing all the way down. While both switches are classified as medium in terms of overall weight, the Oil King can be considered on the heavier side as it requires more force for actuation and bottoming out. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences, with some favoring the lighter actuation force of the Red for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier feel of the Oil King for a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting the travel distance of these switches, it is evident that the tactile feel and overall typing experience may be similar due to their identical travel distance. The 4 mm distance is relatively standard for linear switches, offering a smooth keystroke without the need for excessive force. Both switches provide a consistent typing experience, with the same amount of travel required to actuate the key. Overall, whether you choose the Oil King or the Red switch, you can expect a similar typing experience in terms of 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 Red 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 for its low-pitched and bassy characteristics, offering a deep and rich sound profile that is reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Red linear switch is not available. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is praised for its creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience, providing a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation that feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. Meanwhile, details on the feel of the Outemu Red linear switch are not provided. If the typing experience is a crucial factor for you, opting for the Gateron Oil King switch might be the way to go.
Considering all the available information, the Gateron Oil King linear switch seems to offer a superior typing experience in terms of both sound and feel compared to the Outemu Red linear switch. If you are looking for a smooth and rich sound profile with a buttery and polished typing feel, the Gateron Oil King switch is likely to provide satisfying results. However, if the specific qualities of the Outemu Red switch align more closely with your preferences, you may still achieve similar results. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences and priorities when it comes to mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy a low-pitched, bassy sound profile with a creamy, silky, buttery, or polished typing experience, then the Gateron Oil King linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and prioritize other factors over sound and typing feel, the Outemu Red linear switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to your personal preferences and typing style.
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