Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the Kailh Sage 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 Kailh Sage. The Gateron Oil King is a linear switch that is best known for its buttery smoothness and a sound profile akin to a dark chocolate bar snapping. With attributes like being low-pitched, creamy, silky, bassy, buttery, and polished, these switches deliver a pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage is a clicky switch that offers a distinct clicky typing experience. With a heavy weight and refreshingly sharp clickiness, the Sage switches provide an invigorating and crunchy feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Oil King and the Kailh Sage differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Oil King features a nylon top housing, which gives it a deeper and fuller sound. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Sage's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate housing of the Sage allows for RGB lighting, which adds aesthetic appeal. While the top housings of these switches differ, both still offer unique and satisfying sound profiles.
Moving on to their bottom housings, the Oil King utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. This blend creates a satisfying clacky sound that is not overly sharp. In comparison, the Sage's bottom housing is made of nylon, similar to its top housing. This nylon material elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its ability to absorb more sound. With these different bottom housings, the sound and feel of the switches during bottom-out will vary. The qualities brought by the bottom housing make a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches.
When it comes to the impact on sound when releasing a key, the top housing of each switch plays a crucial role. Pressing down a key will allow you to feel the qualities of the bottom housing, while releasing the key emphasizes the sound produced by the top housing. Thus, the sound when letting go of a key will be influenced by the material of the top housing. This highlights the importance of considering the different housing materials in these switches for a complete understanding of their performance and sound characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, there are similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Gateron Oil King has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Kailh Sage's actuation force is unknown. However, both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Oil King at 65 grams and the Sage at 70 grams.
Considering the weight of these switches, some users may prefer a lighter option like the Gateron Oil King for its 55-gram actuation force, allowing them to type for longer periods or during extended gaming sessions. This lighter touch can be beneficial for those who prioritize comfort and minimizing fatigue. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience or a stronger push feel may lean towards the Kailh Sage, which has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. This heavier force can provide a satisfying tactile sensation and may be preferred by those who desire a more pronounced keystroke.
Overall, while the actuation force of the Gateron Oil King is known and lighter compared to the Sage, both switches share a medium-heavy bottom out force. If a user desires a similar experience in terms of bottoming out, the Oil King and the Sage can still deliver comparable results. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience one is looking to achieve.
Travel distance
The Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch have differing travel distances. The Oil King has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sage has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Sage has a more shallow travel distance compared to the Oil King. A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered more traditional, while 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, in recent times, shorter travel distances have become popular among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, then opting for the Sage with its shorter travel distance might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial key press, then the Oil King with its longer travel distance would be more suitable. It ultimately comes down to personal preference, as some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50, whereas the Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25.
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 and bassy tone during key presses. This gives it a deep and rich sound profile that resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch produces a crunchy sound, similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Oil King linear switch provides a creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience. The switch feels smooth and buttery to type on, offering a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation that resembles gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. Additionally, the switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch is described as invigorating and sharp. It offers pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. The switch has a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress.
In conclusion, the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Oil King provides a low-pitched and bassy sound profile with a creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Sage offers a crunchy sound and an invigorating, sharp tactile typing experience. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience. However, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience, both switches can provide similar results in terms of feel, although the Oil King offers a more refined and polished finish.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and buttery typing experience with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, the Gateron Oil King linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches provide a creamy, silky, and buttery feel, allowing you to effortlessly glide your fingers across the keys. The sound they produce resembles the snap of a dark chocolate bar, creating a mellow and rich tone. On the other hand, if you prefer a distinct clicky typing experience with pronounced feedback and a sharp tactile bump, the Kailh Sage clicky switch is the way to go. These switches offer an invigorating and sharp feel, enhancing the immersion of your typing sessions. With a weight that leans towards the heavier side, the clickiness of these switches is refreshingly snappy. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Oil King and Kailh Sage will depend on your personal preference for the typing experience, sound profile, and feedback intensity you desire.
Mentioned in this article
