Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Oil King and the Outemu Silent Green both belong to the linear switch category. The Oil King is favored for its smoothness and sound profile, often described as reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. 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 Silent Green switch from Outemu lacks a specific standout feature but is known for its silent operation. While the Oil King provides a tactile and satisfying typing experience, the Silent Green offers a quieter alternative. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Oil King and the Outemu Silent Green, one key difference is in the material used for the top housing. The Oil King utilizes nylon, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and producing a rounder sound. In contrast, the Silent Green features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile with a higher pitch. This contrast in sound profiles can significantly impact the typing experience for users who prefer a specific sound aesthetic.
Another point of comparison between the two switches is the material used for the bottom housing. The Oil King's proprietary INK blend bottom housing provides a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound that is described as clacky. On the other hand, the Silent Green's polycarbonate bottom housing also contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, resonating more clearly. While both housings contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch, the difference in materials can lead to varying auditory experiences for users, depending on their preferences for sound and feel while typing.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Oil King and the Outemu Silent Green, users can achieve similar results in terms of sound profiles. The use of nylon in the Oil King's top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Green produces a sharper and crisper sound. Similarly, the bottom housing materials, whether the Oil King's proprietary INK blend or the Silent Green's polycarbonate, contribute to a satisfying auditory experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, providing users with a diverse range of options for their typing needs.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, the actuation force is heavier in the Oil King at 55 grams compared to the Silent Green at 45 grams. The bottom out force is also heavier in the Oil King at 65 grams compared to the Silent Green at 60 grams. The Oil King provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy actuation and bottom out forces, while the Silent Green offers a slightly lighter feel with its medium actuation and bottom out forces. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Silent Green switch for longer typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, those who enjoy a stronger push feel may prefer the Gateron Oil King for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, both switches offer differing levels of force for users to choose based on their preference for typing or gaming.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This similarity ensures that users will get consistent results in terms of keypress feel and feedback. Despite being equal in travel distance, the unique characteristics of each switch, such as actuation force and sound level, will still differentiate the typing experience between the two. Overall, whether choosing the Gateron Oil King or the Outemu Silent Green, users can expect a smooth and consistent typing experience with a standardized 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 Silent 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
The Gateron Oil King linear switch is known for its smooth and buttery typing experience, with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile reminiscent of snapping a dark chocolate bar. In comparison, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch does not have any known descriptions for sound.
When it comes to feel, the Oil King switch is described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Silent Green switch does not have any known descriptions for feel qualities.
Overall, if you are looking for a linear switch with a smooth and buttery typing feel, as well as a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, the Gateron Oil King switch would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with unknown feel qualities, the Outemu Silent Green switch might also be worth considering. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams and enjoy a low-pitched, bassy sound profile with creamy, silky, buttery, or polished feel, then the Gateron Oil King switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams and prioritize silence over sound profile, then the Outemu Silent Green switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
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