Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the KTT Pine 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 and the KTT Pine. The Oil King is widely regarded for its buttery smoothness and dark chocolate bar snapping sound profile. Its low-pitched, creamy, silky, bassy, buttery, and polished characteristics make it a favorite among users. On the other hand, the Pine switch by KTT boasts a medium-heavy weight and a forest green translucent design. Its buttery smoothness and effortless typing experience are achieved through a polished, factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction for smooth key travel. With its bassy, buttery, creamy, and low-pitched qualities, the Pine switch offers a different typing experience compared to the Oil King. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Oil King and the KTT Pine differ significantly. The Oil King features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Pine utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate top housing of the Pine allows for a clear and translucent appearance, making it ideal for RGB lighting. Therefore, the difference in the top housing materials offers distinct sound and visual characteristics between the two switches.
On the other hand, both switches share the same polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to the overall sound profile. The polycarbonate material in the bottom housing of both switches results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic that enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the clear nature of polycarbonate makes it a suitable choice for switches with RGB lighting capabilities. Despite having different top housings, the shared polycarbonate bottom housing ensures similar sound qualities between the Gateron Oil King and the KTT Pine.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall switch experience, it becomes clear that they play different roles. The bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Therefore, the material used in the bottom housing, whether it's the proprietary INK blend of the Oil King or the polycarbonate of the Pine, will determine the clacky or crisp nature of the switch. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the nylon top housing of the Oil King will produce a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Pine will create a sharper and crisper sound. Understanding these distinctions helps users choose a switch that aligns with their preferred sound and tactile experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Oil King has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Pine's 45 grams, making the Pine lighter in this aspect. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Oil King requires 65 grams while the Pine requires 58 grams, making the Oil King heavier when it comes to fully pressing down on the keys.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Pine switch would be a suitable choice as its lower actuation force allows for easier triggering of keystrokes. This lighter actuation force can be beneficial for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Oil King switch provides a stronger push feel with its higher actuation force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance.
Both switches fall within the medium weight range, with the Oil King leaning towards the heavier side. However, it is important to note that individual preferences may vary, and some users may find the actuation and bottom out forces of the two switches to be similar. Regardless of the differences, both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience, ensuring a satisfying keystroke with every press.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance being traveled. Therefore, the travel distance of both switches is equal, ensuring that you will get similar results in terms of key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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
In terms of sound, both the Gateron Oil King and the KTT Pine linear switches offer a deep and rich sound profile characterized by a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. They both have a low-pitched sound, which typically features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps. Therefore, while the sound qualities are similar between the Oil King and the Pine, the overall sound experience may vary depending on the other components used.
When it comes to feel, both the Oil King and the Pine switches provide a smooth and buttery typing experience. The Oil King is described as offering a creamy, silky, and buttery sensation when typing. This is attributed to the lubricant that is applied at the factory, as well as the specific materials used in the switch. On the other hand, the Pine switch is also described as buttery and creamy, providing a smooth and effortless keystroke experience. Both switches minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys, leading to enhanced overall smoothness in typing feel.
Considering all the available information, it is evident that both the Gateron Oil King and the KTT Pine linear switches offer similar qualities in terms of sound and feel. They both provide a low-pitched, bassy sound profile and a smooth, buttery typing experience. However, it's important to note that the subjective perception of sound and feel can vary among individuals. It is recommended to try out both switches and consider personal preferences, as well as the specific keyboard and keycap combination, to determine which switch would be the best fit.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a smooth and buttery typing experience, both the Gateron Oil King and KTT Pine linear switches are excellent choices. The Oil King has a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Pine has a bottom out force of 58 grams, making the Pine slightly lighter in terms of actuation force.
When it comes to sound, both switches offer a deep and rich sound profile with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Both the Oil King and Pine switches have low-pitched characteristics, providing a mellow and pleasing tone during key presses.
In terms of feel, both switches offer a creamy and silky typing experience. The Oil King is known for its creamy, silky, and polished feel, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The Pine, on the other hand, is described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with a silky sensation.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Oil King and KTT Pine linear switches will depend on your personal preferences. If you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a polished and refined feel, the Oil King may be the better option. However, if you prefer a slightly lighter switch with a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Pine switch might be more suitable for you. Assess your typing needs and preferences to make an informed decision on which switch would best enhance your typing experience.
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