Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two notable options to compare are the Gateron Oil King and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, both linear switches with unique characteristics. The Oil King is celebrated for its buttery smoothness and low-pitched, bassy sound profile, offering a luxurious typing experience reminiscent of snapping a dark chocolate bar. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro stands out for its snappy sound signature and bouncy, clacky feel, providing a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. While both switches offer smooth actuation and a polished feel, they differ in terms of sound profile and tactile experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Oil King and the Akko V3 Piano Pro feature nylon top housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in housing material leads to a similar typing experience in terms of sound.
In contrast, the Gateron Oil King utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, resulting in a pointed and high-pitched, yet satisfyingly clacky sound. This differs from the V3 Piano Pro's nylon bottom housing, which also contributes to a deep and full sound profile due to its softer nature. The choice of bottom housing material plays a significant role in the overall sound output of the switch, with the Gateron Oil King emphasizing a sharper sound compared to the Akko V3 Piano Pro.
Overall, while both switches utilize nylon for their top housings, the Gateron Oil King distinguishes itself with its unique INK blend bottom housing, emphasizing a sharper and clackier sound profile. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro maintains a consistent deep and full sound profile throughout, thanks to its nylon top and bottom housings. The choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound characteristics desired during typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Oil King has a heavier actuation and bottom out force compared to the Piano Pro. The Oil King has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Piano Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as a medium-light switch. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Oil King for its heavier forces, while individuals who prefer a lighter touch may find the Piano Pro more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Oil King linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the V3 Piano Pro the shorter option of the two. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4 mm being on the longer side and 3.5 mm being slightly shorter. Gamers may appreciate the shorter travel distance of the V3 Piano Pro for quicker response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Oil King with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro for $3.10.
The Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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 offers a low-pitched, bassy tone that can be likened to the sound of a dark chocolate bar snapping. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch provides a clacky and resonant sound profile, adding a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences that cater to different preferences, with the Oil King leaning towards a deeper and richer tone while the Piano Pro delivers a sharp and immersive sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished, offering a smooth and fluid typing experience that feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Conversely, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch provides a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing sensation that combines a spring-like feedback with a refined and sleek key travel experience. Both switches excel in providing a tactile feedback that enhances the overall typing feel, ensuring a satisfying keystroke with each press.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Oil King and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. The Oil King provides a low-pitched and bassy sound with a creamy and buttery typing experience, while the V3 Piano Pro offers a clacky and resonant sound with a bouncy and polished typing sensation. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience. If you enjoy a smooth and fluid keystroke with a deeper tone, the Oil King may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lively and crisp sound with a bouncy and spring-like feel, the V3 Piano Pro would be the ideal option. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance that will enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and a low-pitched, bassy sound profile with creamy, silky, buttery feel, then the Gateron Oil King switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams and a clacky, resonant sound profile with a combination of creamy, polished, silky feel, then the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire.
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