Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Oil King and the SP-Star Polaris Gray, both of which are linear switches. The Oil King is renowned for its buttery smoothness and a sound profile that resembles the satisfying snap of a dark chocolate bar. With characteristics such as being low-pitched, creamy, silky, bassy, buttery, and polished, the Oil King offers a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray appeals to those who prefer a bouncy typing sensation. Its clean and clacky sound profile, categorized as low-pitched, neutral, mild, thocky, and polished, adds a distinct tactile experience. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision about which switch best suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Oil King and the SP-Star Polaris Gray differ in terms of their housing materials. The Oil King features a nylon top housing, while the Polaris Gray has a polycarbonate top housing. Nylon is known for its ability to provide a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. Additionally, the polycarbonate housing of the Polaris Gray is translucent, making it ideal for RGB lighting. However, both switches have polycarbonate bottom housings, which contribute to the sharper and crisper sound profile characteristic of this material. Overall, the Gateron Oil King and SP-Star Polaris Gray offer unique sound experiences due to their distinct housing materials.
In terms of sound profile, the Gateron Oil King and the SP-Star Polaris Gray differ due to their top housing materials. The Oil King's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate top housing produces a clearer and resonant sound, thanks to its stiffness. Furthermore, the translucency of the polycarbonate material makes the Polaris Gray an excellent choice for users who plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, both switches share a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. Despite their differences, both switches offer satisfying sound experiences that are sure to please keyboard enthusiasts.
When using either the Gateron Oil King or the SP-Star Polaris Gray, the distinction between the top and bottom housing materials becomes apparent in the tactile experience. The bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. As both switches utilize polycarbonate for their bottom housings, users can expect a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sensation. On the other hand, the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. The Gateron Oil King's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a more rounded sound when letting go of a key. Meanwhile, the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate top housing provides a clearer and more resonant sound upon key release. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches deliver satisfying tactile experiences tailored to different moments in typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. Starting with the actuation force, the Oil King requires 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the exact force required for the Polaris Gray is unknown. However, both switches fall within the range of medium-heavy actuation forces.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Oil King requires 65 grams of force to fully press the switch down, while the Polaris Gray has a slightly higher bottom out force of 67 grams. This makes the Polaris Gray slightly heavier in terms of bottoming out compared to the Oil King.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch to enable longer periods of typing or gaming without fatigue. In this regard, the Oil King may be favored due to its lighter actuation force. On the other hand, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, a switch with a heavier force is desired. In this case, the Polaris Gray, with its higher bottom out force, would be a suitable option.
In conclusion, while the actuation force of the Oil King and the Polaris Gray is not directly comparable due to lack of information for the latter, they both fall within the medium-heavy range. However, the Polaris Gray has a slightly higher bottom out force, making it slightly heavier in terms of bottoming out. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing or gaming experiences.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel a consistent 4mm travel distance. The advantage of having the same travel distance is that you can expect similar results and a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch you choose. Whether it's the Gateron Oil King or the SP-Star Polaris Gray, you can rely on a 4mm travel distance to provide a satisfying tactile feedback when typing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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, the Gateron Oil King linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. This means that when you press the keys, you will experience a deeper, mellow tone with a rich bass-like quality. It's comparable to the sound of a dark chocolate bar snapping. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch also has a low-pitched sound profile, but it is described as clean and clacky. This suggests that the sound produced by these switches is clear and precise, providing a satisfying and crisp typing experience. Both switches offer low-pitched sounds, but the Oil King's sound has a bass-heavy and mellow quality, while the Polaris Gray's sound is clean and clacky.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is known for its creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. These terms describe a switch that offers an exceptionally smooth and effortless feel when typing. The keys glide easily under your fingers, giving a seamless and uniform sensation. Additionally, the Oil King switch is described as polished, which implies a refined finish and reduced friction during key travel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is described as mild and polished. A mild switch provides a gentle typing experience without pronounced characteristics, making it approachable and comfortable for most users. Similar to the Oil King, the Polaris Gray switch also has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Based on the available information, both the Gateron Oil King and SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switches provide excellent subjective qualities. The Oil King offers a smooth and buttery feel with a low-pitched, bassy sound profile akin to snapping a dark chocolate bar. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray gives a bouncy typing experience with clean and clacky sound characteristics, all in a mild and polished package. While the two switches have their unique characteristics, they both deliver a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience. Therefore, if you prefer the qualities of the Oil King, you can expect similar results with the Polaris Gray switch, providing you with a comparable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a smooth and buttery typing experience with a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, then the Gateron Oil King linear switch is the perfect choice for you. With its creamy, silky, and polished feel, typing on these switches will feel like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Additionally, the low-pitched and bassy sound of the Oil King adds a depth and richness to your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile, then the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is the way to go. These switches offer a mild and polished feel, ensuring an approachable typing experience for most. The low-pitched, neutral, and thocky sound of the Polaris Gray provides a satisfying and rich tone during key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Oil King and the SP-Star Polaris Gray depends on your preference for typing experience and sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
