Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. SP-Star RedBlue
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the SP-Star RedBlue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Both the Gateron Oil King and the SP-Star RedBlue are linear switches with their own unique characteristics. The Oil King is highly regarded for its buttery smoothness and its sound profile that resembles the snapping of a dark chocolate bar. It is categorized as low-pitched, creamy, silky, bassy, buttery, and polished. On the other hand, the RedBlue switches offer a medium-light typing experience, making them ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. The sound profile of the RedBlue switches is relatively higher-pitched. It is categorized as low-pitched, neutral, mild, thocky, and polished. While these general descriptions give you a glimpse into what these switches have to offer, diving in deeper will help you make the best decision based on your specific preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
57g
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 RedBlue have contrasting housing materials that result in different sound profiles. The Oil King features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound due to the softness of the nylon absorbing more sound. On the other hand, the RedBlue's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer plastic composition. Additionally, the RedBlue's polycarbonate top housing is advantageous for those planning to use RGB lighting due to its translucency. While these two switches differ in their top housing materials, they both provide unique sound experiences that enhance typing satisfaction.
In terms of bottom housing, both switches share the use of polycarbonate material. This similarity implies that they both offer similar sound profiles - sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sounds. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound, making it ideal for those seeking a distinct auditory experience. Furthermore, the clear appearance of the polycarbonate bottom housing adds an aesthetic appeal to the switches. Users will experience the characteristics of the bottom housing when pressing down on the switch, which greatly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel.
Overall, while the Gateron Oil King and the SP-Star RedBlue have different top housing materials, they still provide unique and satisfying sound profiles. The Oil King's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the RedBlue's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. However, both switches share a polycarbonate bottom housing, resulting in similar higher-pitched and resonant sounds. Whether it's the nylon or polycarbonate, these switches offer a range of sound options for users to find their preferred typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, some notable differences arise. The Gateron Oil King has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the actuation force for the SP-Star RedBlue switch is unavailable. However, the Oil King's actuation force can be considered medium-heavy, providing a slightly heavier push feel when typing. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Oil King is 65 grams, which is slightly heavier than the RedBlue's bottom out force of 57 grams, indicating that the Oil King requires a firmer press to fully depress the key. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the SP-Star RedBlue would be the better choice, as its forces are medium-light. However, if a more substantial typing experience is desired, the Gateron Oil King's slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces would be more suitable. Overall, it is important to consider personal preferences and the desired typing experience when choosing between these switches.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, both switches will travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. The travel distance is the same for both switches, ensuring that you will get similar results when using either of them.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
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, both the Gateron Oil King and the SP-Star RedBlue switches offer a low-pitched sound profile. The Oil King is further described as "bassy," providing a deep and rich sound reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. On the other hand, the RedBlue switch is said to have a relatively higher-pitched sound. It also has a "thocky" characteristic, producing a satisfying deep and soft thud when pressed and released. While they both have a low-pitched sound, the Oil King offers a deeper and bass-heavy tone, whereas the RedBlue switch has a higher-pitched profile with thocky characteristics.
Turning to the feel of these switches, the Gateron Oil King is renowned for its creamy, silky, buttery, and polished qualities. These descriptors indicate a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with reduced friction and effortless typing. The Oil King switch melts effortlessly into each keystroke, providing a silky sensation that is akin to gliding one's fingers across the keys. Similarly, the RedBlue switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a polished finish that contributes to their sleek and refined typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Oil King and the SP-Star RedBlue switches have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While both switches have a low-pitched sound profile, the Oil King delivers a deeper and bass-heavy tone, while the RedBlue offers a higher-pitched sound with thocky characteristics. In terms of feel, the Oil King provides a creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience, emphasizing smoothness and effortless keystrokes. The RedBlue switch, on the other hand, offers a mild and polished feel, ensuring a gentle typing experience with reduced friction. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. However, if you are looking for a low-pitched sound and a smooth typing experience, you can expect similar results from either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Oil King would be a great choice. These switches are known for their buttery smoothness and a deep, rich sound profile resembling a dark chocolate bar snapping. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light typing experience, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch would be a suitable option. These switches offer a relatively higher-pitched sound profile and are particularly well-suited for those who want a lighter touch. Additionally, both switches have a low-pitched sound profile, making them bass-heavy and mellow in comparison to higher-pitched switches. In terms of feel, the Oil King provides a creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience, while the RedBlue offers a mild and polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to the desired bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel that best suits your preferences.
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