Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that are worth comparing and contrasting are the Gateron Oil King and the TTC Silent Bluish White. The Oil King is well-known for its smoothness and unique sound profile, almost akin to the satisfying snap of a dark chocolate bar. With its low-pitched, creamy, silky, and bassy characteristics, this linear switch offers a buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White stands out for its medium tactile feel, providing a level of resistance that ensures precision and comfort during typing. Don't let its medium tactility deceive you, though, as these switches are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them an ideal choice for office or shared living spaces. Both switches offer a polished and subtle feel, but beyond these generalities, let's dive in a bit deeper to help you determine the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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 TTC Silent Bluish White have different materials for both their top and bottom housings. The Oil King features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White has a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer plastic. However, both switches provide similar results in terms of sound profile as they both use nylon for the bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature.
When it comes to the bottom housings, the Oil King utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This gives the switch a satisfying clacky sound without being overly sharp. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White employs a nylon bottom housing, which again elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the absorption properties of the softer plastic. Both switches share this nylon material for the bottom housing, providing a similar sound experience in terms of depth and richness.
Considering the impact of the housing materials on the overall switch experience, it is important to note that the bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that the material used in the bottom housing will be more noticeable when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Gateron Oil King and the TTC Silent Bluish White have contrasting materials for their top and bottom housings, they still deliver a comparable sound experience due to the shared nylon material in the bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference in weight. The Oil King has a higher actuation force of 55 grams, meaning a slightly stronger push is required to trigger a keystroke compared to the Silent Bluish White's 42 grams. Similarly, the Oil King has a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Silent Bluish White requires 50 grams to bottom out. This makes the Oil King switch slightly heavier overall.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Bluish White switch would be the more suitable option. With its lower actuation and bottom out force, it provides a smoother and easier keystroke. This lighter weight is ideal for those who type for extended periods, such as in a work environment or during long gaming sessions.
On the other hand, the Oil King switch offers a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy actuation and bottom out forces. This heavier weight provides a satisfying push feel for users who prefer a stronger feedback while typing. It can enhance the sense of control and precision, particularly for individuals who appreciate a more tactile response from their keyboard.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference. If a lighter and smoother typing experience is desired, the Silent Bluish White switch is the better option. However, for those who enjoy a heavier and more substantial feel while typing, the Oil King switch would be a more suitable choice. Regardless of the decision, both switches offer their own unique advantages, ensuring a satisfying keystroke experience for users.
Travel distance
The Gateron Oil King linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch have different travel distances. The Oil King has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Bluish White has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Oil King's travel distance of 4 mm falls within the range of traditional travel distances, providing a balance between depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White's travel distance of 3.5 mm is slightly shorter, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference – those who prefer a more responsive feel may opt for the Oil King, while those who prefer a deeper keystroke may prefer the Silent Bluish White.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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, the Gateron Oil King linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. The deep and rich tones resemble the depth and richness associated with bass tones, offering a satisfying auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch is described as muted. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, making it an ideal choice for office or shared living spaces. While the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, these descriptions give us an idea of what to expect from each switch.
Moving on to feel, both the Gateron Oil King and the TTC Silent Bluish White switches are described as buttery and polished. This indicates that they provide a smooth and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and an effortless keystroke sensation. The creamy and silky qualities of the Oil King switch, combined with the smooth and gentle resistance of the Silent Bluish White switch, ensure a comfortable and pleasant typing experience for users. Additionally, the Silent Bluish White switch's mild and subtle characteristics contribute to its approachability and suitability for most individuals, offering a safe middle-ground typing feel.
Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron Oil King linear switch showcases buttery smoothness and a low-pitched, bassy sound profile. It offers a creamy and polished typing experience, with ease of keystrokes and a refined finish. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch provides a satisfying level of resistance when pressed, with a muted sound profile ideal for quiet environments. It also offers a polished feel, with a smooth and gentle typing experience. While they do differ in sound and feel, both switches aim to deliver a quality typing experience with their own unique characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force and a low-pitched, bassy sound profile, as well as a creamy, silky, buttery, or polished typing feel, then the Oil King is the switch for you. Its buttery smoothness and rich sound make it a favorite among enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a muted sound profile that is perfect for office or shared living space use, along with a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, or polished typing feel, the Silent Bluish White is a great choice. Its "medium tactile" feel provides a precise and comfortable typing experience without being too loud. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so consider your preferences and surroundings when making your decision.
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