Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the KTT Purple Click 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 Purple Click. The Oil King is a linear switch that is best known for its smoothness and sound profile, which can be compared to the snap of a dark chocolate bar. On the other hand, the Purple Click is a clicky switch that offers a satisfying high-pitched click. It provides a light keystroke with pronounced tactility, striking a perfect equilibrium. These general characteristics give a glimpse into what each switch has to offer. 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
1.90 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Oil King and the KTT Purple Click differ in their housing materials, specifically in the top housing. The Oil King features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nylon plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Purple Click utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer polycarbonate plastic enhances clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting.
However, both switches share similarities in their bottom housing materials. The Oil King incorporates a proprietary INK blend in its bottom housing, which generates a pointed, high-pitched, and clacky sound. Similarly, the Purple Click employs a nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon plastic. Both bottom housing materials contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch.
When it comes to pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are more pronounced. It impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, dictating how the switch sounds and feels when fully pressed. On the other hand, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Thus, the choice of housing materials, whether nylon or polycarbonate, greatly influences the overall sound experience of these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, there are noticeable differences. The Oil King has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Purple Click's 40 grams. This means that the Oil King requires more force to register a keystroke. Additionally, the Oil King has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is 10 grams heavier than the Purple Click's 55 grams. This indicates that the Oil King provides a more substantial typing experience as it requires more force to fully press a key.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Purple Click would be a suitable choice due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. It allows for smoother and lighter keystrokes, making it ideal for longer typing periods or gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Oil King. Its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a tactile feedback that some typists prefer.
In conclusion, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is slightly heavier in terms of actuation and bottom out forces compared to the KTT Purple Click clicky switch. However, both switches offer a medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, providing a balanced typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Oil King linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel. Both switches offer a consistent experience in terms of the distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, whether you choose the Gateron Oil King or the KTT Purple Click, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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
The Gateron Oil King linear switch is known for its buttery smoothness and low-pitched, bassy sound profile. Typing on these switches feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, as each keystroke effortlessly melts into the switch. The sound produced is reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, providing a mellow and rich auditory experience.
On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch offers a satisfying click with a fairly high-pitched sound. The keystrokes are light, creating a tactile sensation that is pronounced without being overwhelming. Typing on these switches is invigorating, providing pronounced feedback and a snappy feel. The sound produced is described as crunchy, resembling the sound of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. It has a clean and sharp resonant sound profile.
When comparing the two switches, the Gateron Oil King linear switch provides a smooth and effortless typing experience with a low-pitched, bassy sound. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch offers a satisfying click with a pronounced tactile feedback and a higher-pitched resonant sound. Both switches excel in their respective qualities, providing a delightful typing experience.
If you are looking for a smooth and buttery typing experience with a low-pitched sound, the Gateron Oil King linear switch would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a tactile and clicky typing experience with a higher-pitched sound, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch would be more suitable. It's important to consider personal preferences and the overall typing experience you desire when choosing between these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a linear switch with a bit of heft and a smooth, buttery typing experience, the Gateron Oil King is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, it offers a medium-heavy resistance that many find satisfying. Its low-pitched and bassy sound profile adds to the overall experience, providing a deep and rich sound during key presses. The Oil King is perfect for those who enjoy a creamy, silky, buttery, or polished feel, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation.
On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a lighter touch and a satisfying, high-pitched click, the KTT Purple Click is the switch for you. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, it provides a medium-light resistance that allows for swift and responsive typing. The Purple Click offers a crunchy and resonant sound profile, resembling the crisp and sharp sound of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. Its invigorating and stepped feel adds to the overall tactile experience, providing pronounced feedback and a snappy keystroke sensation.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Oil King and the KTT Purple Click depends on your personal preferences. If you value smoothness and a bass-heavy sound, along with a medium-heavy resistance, go for the Oil King. If you prefer a lighter touch, a satisfying high-pitched click, and a medium-light resistance, the Purple Click is your best bet. Consider what feel and sound profile you prefer in your mechanical keyboard switches and choose accordingly.
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