Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Oil King, a linear switch, and the Outemu Spring Breeze, a clicky switch. The Oil King is highly praised for its buttery smooth feel and rich sound profile, described as low-pitched, creamy, silky, bassy, buttery, and polished. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze is a clicky switch with a lighter typing experience. While the Oil King offers a smooth and satisfying keystroke, the Spring Breeze provides a tactile feedback with an audible click sound. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
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
Both the Gateron Oil King and the Outemu Spring Breeze utilize nylon for their top housing material. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on these switches, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound and create a rounder, duller sound. This means that users can expect a satisfying typing experience with a softer, more muted sound compared to switches made with harder plastics.
Where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Gateron Oil King features a proprietary INK blend bottom housing that produces a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, often described as clacky. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze uses a nylon bottom housing, adding to the deep and full sound profile created by the top nylon housing. This means that the Oil King may offer a slightly sharper sound when typing, while the Spring Breeze maintains a consistent deep and round sound throughout.
While the Gateron Oil King and the Outemu Spring Breeze have different bottom housing materials, they both benefit from the sound-absorbing properties of nylon in their top housing. This means that both switches will offer a deeper and fuller sound profile while typing, creating a more satisfying typing experience overall. The slight differences in the bottom housing materials may result in a slightly different sound profile when typing, with the Oil King being slightly sharper and clackier compared to the more consistent sound of the Spring Breeze. Ultimately, both switches offer a premium typing experience with unique sound characteristics.
Weight
The Gateron Oil King linear switch has a higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch. The Oil King requires 55 grams of force to actuate a key and 65 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze only needs 40 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out, categorizing it as medium-light. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Spring Breeze, which allows for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. In contrast, the Oil King provides a more substantial typing feel due to its heavier forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch both have the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that they provide a similar tactile experience in terms of keypress depth. Both switches offer a consistent level of travel distance, allowing for a comfortable typing or gaming experience. With identical travel distances, users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness when using either switch. This showcases that both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience, with neither one offering a shorter or longer travel distance compared to the other.
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 Spring Breeze 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 comparing the sound qualities of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, the Oil King is known for its low-pitched and bassy sound profile, which provides a deep and rich tone during key presses. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Spring Breeze is currently unavailable. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is praised for its creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience. These switches offer a smooth and buttery sensation, making typing feel effortless and seamless. In contrast, information on the typing feel of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is not provided.
Overall, the Gateron Oil King linear switch stands out for its smooth and buttery feel, as well as its low-pitched and bassy sound profile. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch are unknown, it can be inferred that the Oil King switch would offer a more luxurious typing experience in terms of both sound and feel. As such, if these switches were compared directly, it is likely that users would achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel with the Gateron Oil King switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, consider the type of experience you are looking for. If you value a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth, buttery typing experience with a low-pitched, bassy sound profile, then the Oil King is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a clicky switch with a different sound profile, the Spring Breeze might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound.
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