Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up in discussions are the Gateron Oil King and the KTT Semi Mute. The Gateron Oil King is widely praised for its smoothness and satisfying sound profile, likened to the snap of a dark chocolate bar. It offers a range of appealing qualities such as low-pitched notes, creamy texture, silky smoothness, and a bassy undertone. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute earns its name from its completely silent operation, making it a fantastic choice for those who prioritize a noise-free environment, especially during late-night typing sessions. With its linear actuation and advanced dampening technology, the Semi Mute guarantees a comfortable and gratifying typing experience. These general pointers highlight the unique strengths of each switch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Oil King and the KTT Semi Mute significantly differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Oil King features a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic and increased sound absorption. In contrast, the Semi Mute utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials provide distinct auditory experiences, the Oil King's nylon top housing produces a duller and rounder sound, while the Semi Mute's polycarbonate top housing creates a more clear and resonant sound, especially advantageous when paired with RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Oil King is designed with Gateron's proprietary INK blend. This blend offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound without being excessively sharp, delivering a clacky and satisfying thin sound profile. Conversely, the Semi Mute utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which once again contributes to its sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The bottom housing material significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, highlighting the differences between the two switches and their unique auditory characteristics.
While the top and bottom housing materials differ between the Gateron Oil King and the KTT Semi Mute, their impact on the overall sound profile remains consistent. Both switches benefit from the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, providing a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate offers aesthetic advantages, particularly when paired with RGB lighting. However, the Oil King's nylon top housing sets it apart, adding depth and fullness by absorbing more sound due to its softer plastic composition. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the desired sound profile and preferences of the user.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, it is evident that they have differing levels of force required for keystrokes. The Oil King has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Semi Mute's lighter 43 grams. This means that the Oil King will require a slightly firmer push to register a keystroke, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Semi Mute offers a lighter actuation force, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing periods or long gaming sessions.
In terms of bottom out force, the Oil King again requires a higher force of 65 grams compared to the Semi Mute's 58 grams, resulting in a more solid and satisfying feel when pressing the keys all the way down. However, it is worth noting that both switches fall within the medium range for bottom out force. Therefore, if someone is looking for a similar typing experience in terms of bottoming out, they can expect similar results from both switches.
Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Oil King and the KTT Semi Mute linear switches comes down to personal preference. Those who prefer a heavier and more substantial typing experience may opt for the Oil King with its higher actuation and bottom out forces. Conversely, users who enjoy a lighter touch and longer typing sessions may find the Semi Mute to be more suitable.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, both switches will travel a total distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results when using either switch in terms of the distance you feel when pressing down on a key. So, in terms of travel distance, neither switch is shorter or longer than the other.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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
When it comes to the sound of the switches, the Gateron Oil King is best known for its low-pitched and bassy sound profile. These switches offer a deeper and richer tone during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switches live up to their name by providing a muted and quieter sound experience. This switch is specifically designed to minimize noise, making it ideal for those who value a noise-free environment, especially during late-night typing sessions. The Semi Mute switches have a more neutral sound profile that falls in the middle ground, suitable for various purposes. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Oil King is renowned for its creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. These switches offer a smooth and effortless keystroke, allowing your fingers to glide across the keys with ease. The switch feels polished and refined, resulting in reduced friction and a sleek typing sensation. Similarly, the KTT Semi Mute switches also provide a buttery typing experience, ensuring a seamless and uniform feel. These switches are described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle ground. The typing feel of both switches is smooth, making them enjoyable to use.
Based on the provided information, the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Oil King offers a low-pitched and bassy sound, while the Semi Mute provides a muted and neutral sound. When it comes to feel, the Oil King is known for its creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience, while the Semi Mute offers a buttery and mild sensation. Both switches prioritize smoothness and effortless keystrokes, making them favorable options for those seeking a pleasant typing experience. Overall, if you prefer a quieter sound with a more muted profile, the Semi Mute switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you enjoy a deeper and richer sound, along with a smooth and refined feel, the Oil King switch would be a great option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a quiet and undisturbed typing experience, especially during late-night sessions, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is an excellent choice for you. These switches feature advanced dampening technology that allows for silent operation, and they are tailor-made for those who value a noise-free environment. With their linear actuation and comfortable typing feel, the KTT Semi Mute switches provide a gratifying experience. Additionally, if you prefer a switch with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, the Semi Mute switch is suitable for most intents and purposes. Its neutral sound profile ensures that it is appropriate for both beginners and advanced users, and whether you are using it at home or work.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is an excellent choice. These switches offer a buttery smoothness and a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. With their creamy, silky, and polished feel, the Oil King switches provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience. They have a bottom out force of 65 grams, which gives them a medium-heavy feel. Moreover, the low-pitched and bassy sound of the Oil King switches adds depth and richness to your typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Oil King and the KTT Semi Mute linear switches will depend on your priorities. If a noise-free environment and undisturbed typing are important to you, the Semi Mute switch is the way to go. However, if you crave a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Oil King switch is the better option. Either way, both switches offer their unique benefits and will enhance your overall typing experience.
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